College Chili Mac Salad
Meet your new favorite budget-friendly comfort dish: College Chili Mac Salad! This quick and hearty recipe combines tender elbow macaroni, zesty canned chili with beans, and creamy sour cream for a bold, satisfying base, while shredded cheddar cheese, fresh cherry tomatoes, and green onions add delightful bursts of flavor and texture. An aromatic touch of ground cumin elevates the dish, and optional fresh cilantro lends a herby finishing note. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping, this 25-minute recipe can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, making it a versatile main course or a standout side dish for picnics and potlucks. Experience the ultimate fusion of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors with this irresistible chili mac twist!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Elbow macaroni
- 15 ounces Canned chili (with beans)
- 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Sour cream
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons Green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process, then set aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat the canned chili in a small saucepan over medium heat until warmed through. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, warmed chili, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, cherry tomatoes, and green onions.
Sprinkle in the ground cumin, salt, and black pepper, and mix until everything is evenly coated and combined.
Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. If desired, fold in the chopped cilantro for a fresh, herby flavor.
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, or serve immediately if preferred.
Enjoy your College Chili Mac Salad cold or at room temperature as a complete meal or a side dish!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
555 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 25.8 g | 33% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.1 g | 76% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 68 mg | 23% | |
| Sodium | 894 mg | 39% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 63.4 g | 23% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.5 g | 23% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.6 g | ||
| Protein | 23.1 g | 46% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 338 mg | 26% | |
| Iron | 3.9 mg | 21% | |
| Potassium | 517 mg | 11% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
