Best 6 Basic Cheddar Macaroni Salad Recipes

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In a world of culinary delights, macaroni salad stands out as a classic dish that has captured the hearts of food lovers for generations. This versatile salad, often served at picnics, potlucks, and backyard barbecues, is a symphony of flavors and textures that tantalizes the taste buds. With its creamy dressing, tender macaroni, and an array of colorful vegetables, macaroni salad is a true crowd-pleaser. This article presents a collection of macaroni salad recipes that cater to diverse preferences and dietary restrictions. From the classic cheddar macaroni salad, bursting with sharp cheddar cheese and tangy mayonnaise, to the vegan macaroni salad, featuring a plant-based dressing and a medley of fresh vegetables, these recipes offer something for everyone. Whether you're a traditionalist who cherishes the familiar flavors of a classic macaroni salad or a health-conscious individual seeking a lighter, more nutritious option, this article has you covered. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey and discover the perfect macaroni salad recipe to satisfy your cravings.

Let's cook with our recipes!

OLD FASHIONED MACARONI SALAD WITH CHEESE



Old Fashioned Macaroni Salad with Cheese image

Stir up this quick and easy, old fashioned macaroni salad recipe in minutes. Studded with celery, red onion, and cheddar cheese, wrapped in a creamy mayo dressing, this pasta's packed with flavor and perfect for picnicking.

Provided by Jessica Fisher

Categories     Salad     Side Dish     Snack

Time 1h25m

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 1/2 cup salad macaroni (or small shell pasta)
3 ribs celery (chopped)
1/4 red onion ((1/4 chopped))
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 lb cheddar cheese (cubed)
1 tsp dried dill

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain well and allow to cool.
  • In large mixing bowl, combine macaroni, celery, onion, mayo, and cheese cubes. Season with dill weed and salt and pepper to taste.
  • Chill until ready to serve. Serve cold.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 276 kcal, Carbohydrate 16 g, Protein 6 g, Fat 21 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, Cholesterol 24 mg, Sodium 224 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 1 g, ServingSize 1 serving

CLASSIC MACARONI SALAD



Classic Macaroni Salad image

This classic macaroni salad recipe is a refreshingly light take on an all-time favorite. It's perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or festive weekend barbecue. -Dorothy Bayes, Sardis, Ohio

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch     Side Dishes

Time 30m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 cup fat-free mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
2 teaspoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/3 cup chopped carrot
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 hard-boiled large egg, chopped
Dash paprika

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water. Cool completely. , For dressing, in a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, pickle relish, sugar substitute, mustard, salt and pepper. In a large bowl, combine the macaroni, celery, carrot and onion. Add dressing and toss gently to coat. , Refrigerate until serving. Garnish with egg and paprika.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 115 calories, Fat 2g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 27mg cholesterol, Sodium 362mg sodium, Carbohydrate 21g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

BASIC CHEDDAR MACARONI SALAD



Basic Cheddar Macaroni Salad image

My husband is a picky eater and complained that no one ever made a pasta salad that isn't loaded with onions and other "icky" veggies so I came up with this very basic and easy macaroni salad just for him. It is now one of the few pasta salads he will eat. For a bit more added flavor and veggies, go ahead and add some grape or...

Provided by Tracy Heeren

Categories     Pasta Salads

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 c macaroni, cooked and drained
1/2 c cheddar cheese, cubed
1 c miracle whip or mayonaise (more or less to taste)
2 Tbsp milk
1/4 c carrots, chopped medium to fine
1/4 c red pepper, chopped medium to fine
salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  • 1. Mix all ingredients together until well blended.
  • 2. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
  • 3. If salad seems dry, add a bit more Miracle Whip or mayonnaise and stir until blended before serving.

QUICK MACARONI SALAD



Quick Macaroni Salad image

You can't go wrong with this time-tested winner. Here it is pared down for two.-Carma Blosser, Livermore, Colorado

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 20m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

3/4 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
1/3 cup frozen peas
1/3 cup cubed cheddar cheese
1/4 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons chopped celery
1 teaspoon finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon diced pimientos
1 teaspoon finely chopped green pepper
1/8 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions, adding peas during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and rinse in cold water. , In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Stir in macaroni and peas. Chill until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 276 calories, Fat 15g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 24mg cholesterol, Sodium 544mg sodium, Carbohydrate 28g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 10g protein.

BEST MACARONI SALAD



Best Macaroni Salad image

Very easy and delicious! I am constantly asked to bring this salad to parties and picnics. The cheese and ham are key additions to an old favorite.

Provided by JEANDERSON72

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Macaroni Salad Recipes

Time 4h30m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 (16 ounce) package macaroni
½ cup mayonnaise
1 cup cucumber - peeled, seeded and chopped
1 tablespoon dried minced onion
1 cup diced ham
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta until al dente, rinse under cold water and drain.
  • In a large bowl, combine the pasta, mayonnaise and mix well. Stir in cucumber, onion, ham and cheese. Mix well. Drizzle oil and vinegar over top and toss. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 437.3 calories, Carbohydrate 43.8 g, Cholesterol 28.4 mg, Fat 23 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 13.4 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, Sodium 358.8 mg, Sugar 1.9 g

CHEDDAR-MACARONI SALAD



Cheddar-Macaroni Salad image

This is from Better Homes and Gardens. I love macaroni salad, but cheese makes everything better! :) Prep/cook time does not include chilling time. Can easily be doubled for larger get togethers.

Provided by iewe7726

Categories     < 15 Mins

Time 15m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 cup elbow macaroni
3/4 cup cheddar cheese, cubed
1 stalk celery, sliced
1/2 small green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
1/3 cup onion, chopped
1/4 cup mayonnaise or 1/4 cup salad dressing
1/4 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain macaroni and rinse with.
  • cold water. Drain again.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine cooked macaroni, cheese, celery, green bell pepper, peas, and onion. Stir gently to combine.
  • For dressing: Mix mayonnaise or salad dressing, sour cream, milk, pickle.
  • relish, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Toss dressing with macaroni mixture.
  • Cover and chill for 4 to 24 hours. If necessary, stir in a small amount of additional milk.

Tips:

  • Use a high-quality cheddar cheese for the best flavor. A sharp cheddar will give the salad a more intense flavor, while a mild cheddar will be more mellow.
  • Cook the macaroni according to the package directions. Be sure to drain it well before adding it to the salad.
  • Chop the vegetables into small pieces so that they are easy to eat. You can use any vegetables that you like, but some good options include celery, carrots, onion, and bell pepper.
  • Make the dressing ahead of time so that it has time to chill. This will help the flavors to meld together.
  • When you are ready to serve the salad, toss it with the dressing and sprinkle with additional cheddar cheese. You can also add other toppings, such as bacon, ham, or croutons.

Conclusion:

Macaroni salad is a classic side dish that is perfect for potlucks, picnics, and barbecues. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. With its creamy dressing, crunchy vegetables, and sharp cheddar cheese, macaroni salad is a dish that everyone will enjoy.

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