middle eastern inspired macaroni salad

Lamb

Middle Eastern-Inspired Macaroni Salad

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

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

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.
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.
Refrigerate until serving. Top with yogurt and lemon zest if desired.