Orange Zested Macaroni Pasta Salad
Brighten up your table with this refreshing and flavorful Orange Zested Macaroni Pasta Salad, the perfect fusion of creamy comfort and citrusy zing. This quick and easy recipe combines tender macaroni pasta with a zesty dressing made from orange juice, orange zest, mayonnaise, and sour cream, enhanced by a touch of honey for subtle sweetness. Vibrant diced red bell peppers, crisp green onions, and fresh parsley add bursts of color and texture, creating a side dish or light meal that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. Perfectly chilled and bursting with flavor, this pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser for picnics, barbecues, or any occasion where you want to impress with a unique twist on a classic favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 300 grams macaroni pasta
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 3 tablespoons orange juice
- 100 grams mayonnaise
- 50 grams sour cream
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 2 stalks green onions, sliced thinly
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
- 1 liter water
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Instructions
Boil 1 liter of water in a large pot and add a pinch of salt.
Cook the macaroni pasta according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes.
Drain the pasta, rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process, and drizzle with 1 teaspoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
In a small bowl, prepare the dressing by mixing mayonnaise, sour cream, orange juice, honey, orange zest, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni pasta, diced red bell pepper, sliced green onions, and chopped parsley.
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.
Cover and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve the Orange Zested Macaroni Pasta Salad chilled as a side or main dish. Garnish with additional parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2161 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 101.3 g | 130% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.4 g | 82% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 123 mg | 41% | |
| Sodium | 1506 mg | 65% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 271.5 g | 99% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.9 g | 53% | |
| Total Sugars | 27.5 g | ||
| Protein | 43.3 g | 87% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 250 mg | 19% | |
| Iron | 6.1 mg | 34% | |
| Potassium | 1199 mg | 26% | |
*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.
