Ingredients and Weight:
- Macaroni - 300g
- Carrots - 1 medium, chopped (about 100g)
- Celery - 1 stick, chopped (about 50g)
- Red bell peppers - 1 small, chopped (about 70g)
- Greek yogurt - 1 cup
- Mayonnaise - ½ cup
- Egg - 2, hard-boiled, chopped
- Salt and pepper - to taste
- Garlic powder - 1 teaspoon (optional)
Preparation Time:
- Preparation: 20 minutes
- Cooking: 15 minutes
- Total: 35 minutes
Difficulty Level:
[Level 3] - Moderate. Requires basic cooking skills and attention to detail.
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Prepare the macaroni according to package instructions, cooking until tender but not overcooked. Drain and set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped carrots, celery, red bell peppers, and hard-boiled eggs.
- When the macaroni is cool, add it to the bowl along with the Greek yogurt and mayonnaise. Mix gently to combine.
- Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Mix well.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend.
Nutritional Information:
(Per serving, assuming 8 total servings)
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
Dish Characteristics:
- Healthier version of a classic American dish.
- Bright flavors from the vegetables and herbs.
- Creamy texture from the combination of Greek yogurt and mayonnaise.
- Versatile dish that can be customized with different vegetables or proteins.
User Comments:
- "This macaroni salad is a great blend of flavors! The Greek yogurt gives it a nice tangy taste." - John Doe, New York
- "I love how you've added vegetables to the traditional macaroni salad. It makes it more hearty and healthy." - Jane Smith, California
- "The perfect combination of classic flavors with a modern healthy twist." - Michael Johnson, Texas
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Make sure to cook the macaroni just until tender to maintain its texture in the salad.
- Adjust seasoning according to preference.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the egg or replace with a vegetarian hard-boiled alternative.
