Tahini Macaroni Salad Recipe – Smoked Paprika & Grape Delight

Last Updated on 6 months ago by Neha Deshmukh

Tahini Macaroni Salad Recipe – Smoked Paprika & Grape Delight

Introduction

Okay, friends, let me tell you about this salad. It’s seriously become a summer staple at my place! I first whipped this up last year when I was craving something a little different from the usual potato salad. The combination of creamy tahini, smoky paprika, and sweet grapes is just… chef’s kiss. It’s bright, flavorful, and surprisingly addictive. Trust me, you’ll be making this one again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your grandma’s macaroni salad (though, with all due respect to grandmas!). It’s a vibrant twist on a classic, packed with fresh veggies, a creamy, dreamy tahini dressing, and a little something unexpected – purple grapes! It’s quick to make, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light lunch, and it’s just bursting with flavor. Plus, it’s easily adaptable to suit your tastes.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this magic:

• 1/2 cucumber, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup purple cabbage, sliced (about 30g)
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (about 75g)
• 2 tablespoons pickled peppers, sliced
• 3 cups boiled macaroni (about 450g)
• 1/3 cup purple grapes, halved (about 75g)
• 2 cups cooked chickpeas (about 400g)
• 5 tablespoons tahini (about 75g)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about 30ml)
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (about 15ml)
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips from my kitchen to yours:

Tahini: Exploring Different Types & Brands

Tahini is sesame seed paste, and the quality really matters. I prefer a lighter-colored tahini for this salad, as it has a milder flavor. Look for brands that are smooth and creamy, not grainy. Some of my favorites are Soom and Seed + Mill, but any good quality tahini will work!

Smoked Paprika: Sweet vs. Hot Varieties

Smoked paprika is the star here, adding a lovely smoky depth. You can choose between sweet or hot smoked paprika depending on your preference. I usually go for sweet, but a pinch of hot paprika adds a nice kick!

Purple Grapes: A Unique Sweetness Addition

Don’t skip the purple grapes! They add a beautiful sweetness and a pop of color. If you can’t find purple grapes, green grapes will work in a pinch, but the purple ones are just a little more special.

Pickled Peppers: Regional Variations & Spice Levels

Pickled peppers add a tangy, spicy element. I love using Indian-style pickled peppers (achar) for an extra layer of flavour, but banana peppers or pepperoncini work beautifully too. Adjust the amount to your spice tolerance!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. Prepare the tahini dressing: In a bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and minced garlic. Now, this is the key – gradually add water, a tablespoon at a time, while whisking. Keep going until the dressing reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon nicely.
2. Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumber, red bell pepper, sliced red onion, sliced purple cabbage, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced pickled peppers, boiled macaroni, halved purple grapes, and cooked chickpeas.
3. Dress it up! Pour that gorgeous tahini dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss everything thoroughly until all the components are evenly coated. Don’t be shy – get in there with your hands if you need to!
4. Garnish & Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving dish. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and a pinch of red pepper flakes for added texture and flavor.
5. Chill & Enjoy: Serve immediately chilled or at room temperature. If you’re making it ahead, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Expert Tips

• Boiling the Macaroni: Don’t overcook the macaroni! You want it al dente, so it holds its shape in the salad.
• Dressing Consistency: If the dressing is too thick, add a little more water. If it’s too thin, add a touch more tahini.
• Taste as you go: Always taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings to your liking.

Variations

• Vegan Adaptation: This recipe is already naturally vegan! Just double-check your maple syrup is 100% pure.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation (Macaroni Alternatives): If you’re gluten-free, use gluten-free macaroni or try using quinoa or brown rice pasta instead.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for extra heat.
• Summer Picnic Variation: My friend, Priya, always adds a handful of chopped fresh mint and cilantro to this salad when she takes it to picnics. It’s so refreshing!

Serving Suggestions

This salad is fantastic on its own as a light lunch or side dish. It also pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or falafel. I love serving it with a side of warm pita bread for scooping up all that delicious dressing.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may get a little softer as it sits, but it will still taste amazing!

FAQs

What makes this macaroni salad different from traditional recipes?

It’s the tahini dressing! It’s a much lighter and more flavorful alternative to traditional mayonnaise-based dressings. Plus, the addition of grapes and smoked paprika adds a unique twist.

Can I make the tahini dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the dressing up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good whisk before using.

What kind of macaroni works best in this salad?

Elbow macaroni is classic, but you can use any short pasta shape you like – rotini, shells, or even penne would work well.

Can I use other types of grapes?

Yes, green grapes are a good substitute if you can’t find purple ones.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the dressing?

Adjust the amount of maple syrup to your liking. Start with 1 tablespoon and add more if you prefer a sweeter dressing.

Is this salad suitable for a potluck?

Definitely! It’s always a hit at potlucks. Just be sure to keep it chilled until serving.