Recipe for Chipotle Lime Macaroni Salad at Life's Ambrosia

I can pretend that the reason that I am choosing to share a macaroni salad during the week of the 4th of July is because I wanted to make something that would be perfect for the upcoming weekend. But the truth of the matter is that this little turkey that is growing in my belly has had a craving for anything and everything with mayonnaise in it. Egg salad, mayo on burgers, tuna salad. Pretty much just short of eating it right out of the jar. I know, weird right? I’ll send for help if I have a sudden urge to dig in with a spoon. In the meantime, I’ll continue to enjoy creamy pasta salads like this spicy chipotle lime macaroni salad.

Usually I enjoy a traditional macaroni salad. However, this past week I decided to go in a completely different direction. I decided to do a macaroni salad with a bit of a Mexican twist to it. It is full of all kinds of goodies like olives, cheddar cheese and of course chipotle peppers. The recipe calls for 2 chipotle peppers and it was just the right amount of spice for us. If you want something a little less spicy try just using one at first. If you want something more add another pepper or a teaspoon of the adobo sauce that the peppers come in.

Chipotle Lime Macaroni Salad Recipe

For a creamy, spicy version of everyone’s fave 4th of July staple macaroni salad, try this Chipotle lime version.

Serves 4 - 6

Prep time: 1 hr 10 min

Cook time: 10 min

Ingredients:

2 cups dried elbow macaroni
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon lime zest
2 chipotle peppers in adobo, chopped
1 (2.25 ounce) can sliced black olives
2 green onions, diced
1/2 cup diced cheddar cheese

Instructions:

Cook macaroni according to package directions. Strain under cold running water. Set aside.
In a large bowl whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice, cumin, salt and lime zest.
Stir macaroni and remaining ingredients into the dressing. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour. After chilled, adjust seasoning with salt if needed and serve.

Enjoy!

Responses to "Chipotle Lime Macaroni Salad"

“
Okay, you’ve got me going. I bought some Mexican chorizo yesterday and I’m going to make a chilldhood dish (well, based on childhood). It’s basically macaroni (my mother always used elbows), tomato and ground beef. Mine will be some more interesting macaroni shape (I’d love to have cavatappi) and tomato and chorizo. Yep, chorizo.
”

- StephenC

“
I’m inspired to get some stuff at Whole Foods this afternoon. I want to get some cavatappi pasta. Did I just send this? My computer is so finicky, sometimes it sends stuff without me. I’ll use chorizo that I bought yesterday.
”

- StephenC

“
Love this salad, and really have enjoyed perusing your blog. Your husband doesn’t take on a side business of designing blogs, does he? Mine is so plain Jane, but I am not going for Cutesy either. I think it’s great that he has helped you with your site and truly I think it’s lovely, the recipes and the design! Have a great day.
”

- Geni