Easy Persian Macaroni Salad

If you’re from an Iranian family, you know this Persian style Macaroni Salad very well. Your family might make a varied version of it, but it’s a common dish to all the Persian households I know. The yummy elbow pasta, mortadella, pickles, and vegetables tossed in a creamy mayo dressing are the perfect combo.

I love a good pasta salad and this one is packed with memories as much as it is with flavor. This dish, though not actually Persian flavors, is very well-known to Persian families. It’s quick, easy, inexpensive, and great for crowds. Make sure to check out my other pasta salad recipes including tortellini pasta salad, shrimp pasta salad and my fresh and bright Greek pasta salad.

Recipe Highlights: Easy Persian Macaroni Salad

Cultural Influence: Persian family favorite

Primary Cooking Technique: Boil and Mix

Suitable for: Parties and large gatherings

Dominant Flavor Profile: Creamy and tangy

Skill Level Required: Beginner-friendly

Why You’ll Love This Recipe: Comes together quickly after you’ve boiled the pasta. It’s also a one-bowl meal meaning easy clean-up. In addition to that, it’s family-friendly and feeds large crowds easily.

Key Ingredients

• Macaroni: The pasta base provides a chewy texture that absorbs the flavors of the dressing and other ingredients. Cook it in salty water, then toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.

• Mayonnaise: This adds a creamy and rich texture, binding the salad together. For a lighter version, consider using half mayo and half Greek yogurt or sour cream.

• Yellow Bell Pepper: Adding a sweet crunch and vibrant color, bell peppers enhance the visual appeal and texture. You can use red or orange bell pepper based on preference or availability.

• Chopped Mortadella: This ingredient brings a savory, meaty flavor with a smooth texture. While Persian mortadella is recommended, any good quality mortadella will work just as well.

• Chopped Pickles: They provide a tangy crunch that balances the creaminess of the mayo. Finely chop the pickles to ensure they’re evenly distributed throughout the salad.

• Corn: Adding a burst of sweetness and a slight crunch, corn enhances the overall flavor profile. Canned, fresh, or frozen corn can be used depending on what you have on hand.

• Sweet Peas: These add a sweet, tender pop of flavor to the salad.

• Salt and Pepper: These seasonings enhance the overall flavor profile and balance the sweetness of the corn and peas. Adjust the amounts to taste, adding more or less based on personal preference.

How to Make Persian Style Macaroni Salad

Step 1

Add the pasta to salted boiling water. Boil according to pasta package instructions or until cooked properly.

Step 2

After the macaroni has cooled, start adding the rest of the ingredients over it in the bowl you’ll serve it in. Add the mortadella, peas, chopped pepper, corn, and chopped pickles.

Step 3

Next, season with salt and pepper and add mayonnaise. Mix until all the ingredients are well-combined.

Final Step

Chill in the fridge for at least an hour and serve!

Recipe Tips

• Salt Your Pasta Water Generously: Make sure the water for boiling the macaroni is well-salted. This is your first chance to season the pasta itself and will enhance the overall flavor of the salad.

• Prevent Sticking: After cooking and draining the macaroni, toss it with a small amount of olive oil. This prevents the pasta from sticking together as it cools, making it easier to mix with the other ingredients later.

• Finely Chop Ingredients: For a harmonious bite, ensure all the vegetables, mortadella, and pickles are chopped finely and evenly. This not only improves the texture but also ensures each forkful has a bit of every flavor.

• Chill for Best Flavor: After mixing the salad, let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more cohesive and flavorful dish.

• Balance the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter salad, replace half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream. This will add a tangy flavor while still maintaining the creamy texture.

• Season Gradually: Add salt and pepper in small increments, tasting as you go. This prevents over-seasoning and ensures the perfect balance of flavors.

• Customize Your Protein: If mortadella isn’t available, feel free to substitute with cooked chicken or sauteed mushrooms. This keeps the salad versatile and adaptable to different dietary needs.

Variations and Substitutes

Protein Alternatives: If you can’t find mortadella or prefer a different protein, cooked and diced chicken, ham, or even tuna are great alternatives. For a vegetarian version, try chickpeas or mushrooms.

Mayonnaise Alternatives: For a lighter salad, replace half or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream.

Different Pasta Shapes: While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use other pasta shapes like rotini, or bow ties. Just ensure the pasta is bite-sized and can hold the dressing well.

Vary the Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Diced celery, carrots, or red bell peppers can add a nice crunch and color.

Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives can be added for an extra layer of flavor. These herbs bring a fresh, aromatic quality that complements the creamy salad.

Spicy Twist: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the salad. This will give the dish a spicy kick that contrasts nicely with the creamy elements.

Storage

Refrigeration: Store the Persian macaroni salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. This helps maintain its freshness and prevents the ingredients from drying out.

Prepping in Advance: You can prepare the salad a day ahead of time, which allows the flavors to meld together even better. Just give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Avoid Freezing: This salad is not suitable for freezing due to the mayonnaise-based dressing and the texture of the pasta and vegetables. Freezing can cause the salad to become watery and the pasta to lose its texture.

Separate Ingredients: If you plan to make the salad in advance but want to keep it as fresh as possible, store the cooked pasta, chopped vegetables, and dressing separately. Combine them shortly before serving.

Refreshing Leftovers: If the salad seems dry after being stored, add a bit more mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, or a splash of olive oil to freshen it up before serving again. This will revive the creamy texture and freshen the taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Other Pasta Salads to Try

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