Best 6 California Summer Macaroni Salad Recipes
In the heart of California's sun-kissed valleys, where vibrant produce thrives and culinary creativity flourishes, there's a dish that embodies the essence of summer: California Summer Macaroni Salad. This vibrant and refreshing salad is a symphony of textures and flavors, featuring al dente macaroni tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing, and an array of crisp vegetables, succulent fruits, and savory meats. From the classic version bursting with sweet corn, red bell peppers, and hard-boiled eggs, to variations that incorporate grilled chicken, avocado, and sun-dried tomatoes, each recipe in this collection offers a unique take on this beloved summer staple. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue, packing a picnic basket for a day at the beach, or simply seeking a light and flavorful meal, these California Summer Macaroni Salad recipes are sure to delight your taste buds and transport you to the golden state's sunny shores.
Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!
CALIFORNIA SPAGHETTI SALAD
California Spaghetti Salad is a delicious pasta salad filled with fresh veggies and covered in a zesty Italian dressing. With all those flavors and colors making one beautiful and tasty side dish, there is no doubt this will be the hit of your next gathering!
Provided by Alyssa Rivers
Categories Salad
Time 3h15m
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain using a colander and rinse in cold water. Add cherry tomatoes, zucchini, cucumber, green and red bell pepper, red onion and olives in a large bowl.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 317 kcal, Carbohydrate 38 g, Protein 8 g, Fat 16 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Cholesterol 1 mg, Sodium 1243 mg, Fiber 5 g, Sugar 7 g, ServingSize 1 serving
CALIFORNIA PASTA SALAD
As far as cold pasta salad recipes go, this is one of the best. Not only does it travel well to get-togethers such as picnics or tailgate parties, but people absolutely love it when it gets there. -Jeanette Krembas, Laguna Niguel, California
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch Side Dishes
Time 15m
Yield 15 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Cook pasta according to package directions; Drain and rinse in cold water. Transfer to a large bowl. Add the vegetables and olives. , In a large bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients. Drizzle over spaghetti mixture; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Serve with a slotted spoon.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 257 calories, Fat 13g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 1mg cholesterol, Sodium 567mg sodium, Carbohydrate 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 6g protein.
SUMMER MACARONI SALAD
When we grill, my mother asks me to make this summer pasta salad. To make it extra creamy, I like to keep a small amount of dressing separate and stir it in just before serving. -Carly Curtin, Ellicott City, Maryland
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch Side Dishes
Time 40m
Yield 16 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain; rinse with cold water and drain again., In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, water, vinegar, sugar and seasonings until blended. In a large bowl, combine macaroni, peppers, onion and celery. Add 1 cup dressing; toss gently to coat. Refrigerate, covered, until cold, about 2 hours. Cover and refrigerate remaining dressing to add just before serving., To serve, stir in reserved dressing. Sprinkle with parsley.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 160 calories, Fat 6g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 5mg cholesterol, Sodium 320mg sodium, Carbohydrate 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges
AMERICAN MACARONI SALAD
Bring this classic American Macaroni Salad recipe from Food Network Kitchen to your next picnic � it's perfect for an outdoor barbecue spread.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories side-dish
Time 30m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine the macaroni, celery, onion, parsley and tomato, if using. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, sugar, vinegar, sour cream and salt. Pour the dressing over the salad and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve. Store covered in the refrigerator, for up to 3 days.
EASY CREAMY MACARONI SALAD RECIPE
The perfect side dish for your summer BBQ - traditional creamy American macaroni salad. Creamy, easy, and delicious.
Provided by Camille Beckstrand
Categories Side Dish
Time 10m
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- In a large bowl combine the macaroni, celery, onion, parsley and tomato.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, sugar, vinegar, sour cream and salt.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and stir to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve.
- Store covered in the refrigerator, for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 324 kcal, Carbohydrate 38 g, Protein 7 g, Fat 16 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, TransFat 1 g, Cholesterol 11 mg, Sodium 326 mg, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 4 g, ServingSize 1 serving
SUMMER MACARONI SALAD
This recipe has to be the best macaroni salad recipe ever! It has been loved by our family and friends for many years, and I have yet to meet a single person who didn't love it. Perfect for picnics and summer get-togethers.
Provided by starchaser
Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Tomato Pasta Salad Recipes
Time 25m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes.
- While the macaroni is cooking, mix salad dressing, sugar, vinegar, mustard, relish, salt, and pepper together in a bowl.
- Drain macaroni, rinse under cold water, and drain again. Add to the salad dressing mixture with tomatoes, celery, and onion. Stir until thoroughly coated. Sprinkle with paprika. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 219.8 calories, Carbohydrate 35.9 g, Cholesterol 6.7 mg, Fat 6.1 g, Fiber 1.8 g, Protein 5 g, SaturatedFat 0.8 g, Sodium 425.1 mg, Sugar 8.8 g
Tips:
- For the best flavor, use a variety of pasta shapes and sizes.
- Cook the pasta al dente so that it retains a slight chew.
- Use a variety of vegetables, both cooked and raw, to add color and crunch to the salad.
- Use a light and flavorful dressing, such as a vinaigrette or a creamy dressing made with yogurt or mayonnaise.
- Add some protein to the salad, such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- Serve the salad chilled for a refreshing summer side dish.
Conclusion:
California Summer Macaroni Salad is a delicious and versatile salad that can be enjoyed as a side dish or a main course. With its variety of pasta shapes, vegetables, and dressing options, it's a salad that can be easily customized to your liking. So next time you're looking for a refreshing and flavorful summer salad, give California Summer Macaroni Salad a try.
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love
