Best 4 Classic Macaroni Salad With A Twist Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

In the realm of summer cookouts and potlucks, one dish reigns supreme: macaroni salad. This classic dish, made with tender macaroni, crisp vegetables, and a creamy, tangy dressing, is a symphony of flavors and textures that delights the palate. But why settle for the ordinary when you can elevate this classic with a twist? This article presents a collection of macaroni salad recipes that take the traditional dish to new heights of flavor and creativity. From a classic macaroni salad with a hint of Dijon mustard to a unique version featuring roasted red peppers and feta cheese, these recipes offer something for every taste. Whether you prefer a creamy, mayonnaise-based dressing or a lighter, vinegar-based dressing, you're sure to find a recipe that suits your preferences. With step-by-step instructions and helpful tips, these recipes will guide you through the process of creating a macaroni salad that will be the star of your next gathering. So, grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and let's embark on a culinary journey to discover the extraordinary world of macaroni salad with a twist.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CLASSIC MACARONI SALAD



Classic Macaroni Salad image

Creamy dishes like Alex's macaroni salad are a perfect match for fresh dill. "I love dill with mayonnaise," she says. "It's grassy and light."

Provided by Alex Guarnaschelli

Categories     side-dish

Time 45m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
1 small red onion, diced, soaked in ice water at least 1 hour and up to 12 hours
1 large red bell pepper, diced
3 scallions (green parts only), thinly sliced
Kosher salt
12 ounces elbow macaroni
1 sprig dill, leaves finely chopped
4 sprigs basil, leaves torn

Steps:

  • Make the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, soy sauce and hot sauce until smooth. Drain and dry the red onion and stir it into the dressing along with the bell pepper, scallions and a generous pinch of salt.
  • Make the pasta: In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil. Add a generous amount of salt. Add the pasta and cook, stirring from time to time, until al dente (chewy but not hard or raw tasting), 6 to 10 minutes. Drain; do not rinse the pasta. Spread it out on a large baking sheet to cool slightly, 5 to 10 minutes.
  • While the pasta is still warm, add it to the bowl with the dressing and let sit at room temperature, 10 to 15 minutes. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Stir in the dill and basil just before serving and taste for seasoning.

MACARONI SALAD WITH A TWIST!



Macaroni Salad With a Twist! image

This was a brain storm idea from my husband because he loves Tony Packos Sweet Hot pickles so I tried it a couple of weeks ago and he said it was the best macaroni salad I had ever made and I have been making it for a long time. Hope you enjoy it.

Provided by jakpak 353708

Categories     < 4 Hours

Time 1h40m

Yield 6 cups, 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 cups elbow macaroni
1 cup tony packos sweet hots pickle juice
2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
1 cup cubed sharp cheddar cheese (small cubes)
1 cup Miracle Whip
1 small onion, diced
6 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni and drain.
  • Put macaroni in a bowl and pour pickle juice over it while it is still hot.
  • Let set for about an hour and then drain juice and discard.
  • Mix macaroni with remaining ingredients and put in fridge for 4-6 hours or overnight. Preparation time includes marinating the macaroni.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 442, Fat 18.2, SaturatedFat 8.6, Cholesterol 347.7, Sodium 332.4, Carbohydrate 44.8, Fiber 2, Sugar 3.9, Protein 23.5

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

MACARONI SALAD WITH A TWIST



Macaroni Salad with a Twist image

I was messin' around in my kitchen trying to put a twist on my traditional macaroni salad recipe. I tried several different dishes before I came up with this one. Now my friends and family can't get enough of it! I recommend making it a day ahead and chilling it overnight to really develop the flavors.

Provided by Sean

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Macaroni Salad Recipes

Time 4h28m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 (16 ounce) package small seashell pasta
1 cup mayonnaise
¼ cup distilled white vinegar
⅔ cup white sugar
2 ½ tablespoons prepared yellow mustard
1 ½ teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 large Vidalia or sweet onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
¼ cup grated carrots
1 pound diced cooked ham

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta, and cook until al dente, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain pasta, but do not rinse. Let stand 5 minutes.
  • To make the dressing, combine the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Set aside.
  • Combine the onion, celery, bell pepper, carrots, and ham in a large bowl. Stir in the dressing. Add the pasta and toss gently to blend all ingredients. Chill at least 4 hours before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 581.9 calories, Carbohydrate 64.1 g, Cholesterol 43.9 mg, Fat 29.2 g, Fiber 2.9 g, Protein 17.7 g, SaturatedFat 5.5 g, Sodium 1415.5 mg, Sugar 20.3 g

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh vegetables, flavorful cheese, and a good quality mayonnaise will make all the difference in the taste of your macaroni salad.
  • Don't overcook the macaroni: Cook the macaroni to al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. This will prevent it from becoming mushy in the salad.
  • Cool the macaroni before assembling the salad: This will help to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
  • Use a light hand with the mayonnaise: Too much mayonnaise can make the salad heavy and greasy. Add just enough to bind the ingredients together.
  • Add your favorite mix-ins: Feel free to add other ingredients to your macaroni salad, such as chopped hard-boiled eggs, diced ham, or shredded chicken.

Conclusion:

Macaroni salad is a classic summer side dish that is easy to make and loved by all. With its creamy, tangy dressing and colorful vegetables, it's the perfect dish to bring to a potluck or picnic. So next time you're looking for a simple and delicious side dish, give this classic macaroni salad with a twist a try.

Related Topics