Creamy Tarako Macaroni Salad

Creamy Tarako Macaroni Salad is a delicious and unique twist  on classic macaroni salad adding the rich and umami tarako or salted cod roe, a common ingredient in Japanese cuisine.

Tarako is a Japanese food item consisting of salted cod roe, typically served as a spread or topping for dishes such as rice or pasta. It is a good source of protein, omega-3, healthy fats, calcium, Vitamin B12, and selenium. It has a distinct savory flavor and creamy texture, making it a popular ingredient in Japanese cuisine. It can be enjoyed in various forms, including raw, cooked, or marinated, and it is often used to add a burst of umami flavor to dishes.

Creamy Tarako Macaroni Salad

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: 300

Creamy Tarako Macaroni Salad is a delicious and unique twist on traditional macaroni salad, incorporating the rich and savory flavors of tarako.

Ingredients:

• 150g macaroni pasta (cooked as per packaging instructions)
• 1/2 pc carrot
• 1 pc cucumber
• 60g tarako
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• nori seaweed
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the macaroni pasta: Boil the macaroni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.

2. Prepare the vegetables: Finely chop the carrot and cucumber into small pieces. Cut the nori seaweed into thin strips.

3. Mix the dressing: In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise with the tarako. The tarako will add a unique flavor to the creamy dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked and cooled macaroni pasta, chopped carrot, cucumber, and nori seaweed.

5. Add the dressing: Pour the tarako mayonnaise dressing over the macaroni and vegetables. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.

6. Chill and serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together. Before serving, give it a final toss and adjust the seasoning if needed. Garnish with additional nori strips if desired.

Notes:

• For a lighter version, you can use low-fat mayonnaise or substitute with Greek yogurt.
• Adjust the amount of tarako to your taste preference, as it can be quite salty.
• Add a touch of lemon juice to the dressing for extra brightness.
• If you prefer the carrot to be softer, you can blanch it for 2 minutes in boiling water then cool it in ice water before adding to the salad.

Nutritional Analysis per Serving:

• Calories: 300
• Protein: 10g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Calcium: 30mg
• Vitamin B12: 0.5mcg
• Omega-3: 200mg

Related Recipes:

Tofu and Tarako Gratin