Menu
Scandinavian-Inspired Macaroni Salad Scandinavian-Inspired Macaroni Salad
Southwestern Macaroni Salad Southwestern Macaroni Salad
Classic Macaroni Salad Classic Macaroni Salad
Old-Fashioned Chicken Macaroni Salad Old-Fashioned Chicken Macaroni Salad
Amish Macaroni Salad Amish Macaroni Salad
Grecian-Inspired Macaroni Salad Grecian-Inspired Macaroni Salad
Veggie Macaroni Salad Veggie Macaroni Salad
Cubano Macaroni Salad Cubano Macaroni Salad
Vegan Macaroni Salad Vegan Macaroni Salad
Easy Macaroni Salad Easy Macaroni Salad
Chicken Taco Macaroni Salad Chicken Taco Macaroni Salad
Greek Macaroni Salad Greek Macaroni Salad
Macaroni Bean Salad Macaroni Bean Salad
Creamy Macaroni Salad Creamy Macaroni Salad
Ham Macaroni Salad Ham Macaroni Salad
Sweet Macaroni Salad Sweet Macaroni Salad
Summer Chicken Macaroni Salad Summer Chicken Macaroni Salad
Macaroni and Cheese Pasta Salad Macaroni and Cheese Pasta Salad
Quick Macaroni Salad Quick Macaroni Salad
Macaroni Salad with Basil Dressing Macaroni Salad with Basil Dressing

Middle Eastern-Inspired Macaroni Salad

1 review
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time

Prep/Total Time: 25 min.

Makes

8 servings

Updated: Aug. 09, 2023
This creamy, tangy macaroni salad is inspired by the many wonderful flavors of the Middle East. The za'atar seasoning gives it an earthy (and delicious!) taste. —Ruth Hartunian-Alumbaugh, Willimantic, Connecticut
Middle Eastern-Inspired Macaroni Salad
Middle Eastern-Inspired Macaroni Salad Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Next Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 1/2 pound ground lamb
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 can (16 ounces) garbanzo beans or chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1/4 cup chopped onion
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons za'atar seasoning
  • Optional toppings: plain yogurt and lemon zest

Directions

  1. Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water. Cool completely. Meanwhile, in a small skillet, cook lamb over medium heat until no longer pink, 6-7 minutes, breaking into crumbles; drain. Set aside to cool completely.
  2. For dressing, in a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sugar, mustard, salt and pepper. In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, onion, za'atar seasoning, macaroni and lamb. Add dressing; gently toss to coat.
  3. Refrigerate until serving. Top with yogurt and lemon zest if desired.

Nutrition Facts

3/4 cup: 361 calories, 25g fat (5g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 329mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 10g protein.