Mexican Inspired No-Mayo Macaroni and Cheese Salad

First this is a much healthier and lighter version of traditional mayo based macaroni salads. This is such a nice salad for summer BBQ's, pot-lucks, even just dinner with the family. It is not spicy, but has a slight Mexican flair. Sour cream, spices and chopped peppers make this a great salad. I actually have 2 versions of this. I have added some sliced black olives and used Monterey Jack cheese, but my favorite is no olives and a good sharp Cheddar. Serve this with some spicy grilled chicken, burgers, steaks, hot dogs, etc. It is just a nice side dish.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 4-8
• Yields: 4-8

Ingredients

• 12  ounces elbow macaroni
• 2  medium green peppers, fine chopped
• 2  medium  red peppers, fine chopped
• 1  medium onion, fine chopped
• 1  cup scallion, chopped (1 cup after chopping)
• 5 -6  ounces sharp cheddar cheese (more or less to taste)

• Dressing

• 1⁄2-2⁄3 cup salsa (not chunky, just a basic medium heat salsa, use mild if you don't want any heat)
• 6 -8  tablespoons sour cream, depending on how creamy you like the salad (I have used low fat, but don't use NO fat)
• 4  tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 2  limes, zested
• 2⁄3 cup fresh cilantro, fine chopped
• 2  teaspoons ground cumin
•  salt
•  pepper

Directions

1. Dressing -- In a small bowl, add the salsa, sour cream, lime juice and zest, cilantro, cumin, pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate. NOTE: I start out with 1/2 cup salsa, and 6 tablespoons of sour cream. You can always add more once you dress the salad.
2. Pasta -- Simply cook in good salted water according to package directions.
3. Vegetables -- In a large bowl, add the chopped green and red pepper, onion and scallions.
4. Toss -- Once the past is done, drain and this is one time where I actually rinse my pasta under cold water. Drain well. Add to the bowl with the vegetables and add the dressing and the cheese. Toss well. You can add a bit more sour cream and salsa if necessary. Taste for seasoning and add any more salt and pepper if needed. And remember - this is not a creamy mayo type of salad. This is a healthier light version so there is not as much dressing.
5. Serve -- ENJOY!