Best 4 Classic Old Fashioned Macaroni Salad Recipes

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Indulge in the classic charm of Macaroni Salad, a beloved side dish that has graced tables for generations. This timeless recipe combines tender macaroni, crisp vegetables, and a creamy, tangy dressing, creating a symphony of flavors that will delight your taste buds. With its versatility, Macaroni Salad seamlessly complements a variety of main courses, from grilled meats to fried chicken. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue, a potluck gathering, or simply seeking a comforting meal, this classic dish is sure to satisfy.

This comprehensive guide presents a collection of Macaroni Salad recipes that cater to diverse preferences and dietary needs. From the traditional mayonnaise-based dressing to lighter options featuring yogurt or vinegar, there's a recipe here for every palate. Discover the secrets to achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures, ensuring that each bite is a celebration of freshness and indulgence. Embark on a culinary journey as you explore these delectable variations, transforming ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dish that will become a staple in your kitchen.

Let's cook with our recipes!

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

CLASSIC OLD FASHIONED MACARONI SALAD RECIPE - (4.6/5)



Classic Old Fashioned Macaroni Salad Recipe - (4.6/5) image

Provided by Tabatha

Number Of Ingredients 15

Dressing:
1/2 cup of mayonnaise
2 tablespoons of pickle juice or vinegar
1 tablespoon of granulated sugar
1 tablespoon of Creole or other spicy brown mustard
1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt
Salad:
2 cups of dry elbow macaroni
1 teaspoon of olive oil
1 cup of chopped sweet onion
1/4 cup of chopped celery
1 (2 ounce) jar of pimentos, drained
1/8 cup of chopped pickles, sweet or dill
1/4 cup of pickle juice, optional
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Steps:

  • In a large serving bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients; set aside. Cook pasta in well salted water until al dente according to package directions. Drain, rinse and drizzle with olive oil; add to serving bowl. Top with the onion, celery, pimentos, pickles and pickle juice and toss. Taste, add salt and pepper, taste and adjust as needed. Refrigerate before serving for at least 2 hours, or overnight, if possible; toss again before serving, stirring in additional mayonnaise or pickle juice if more moisture is needed. Cook's Notes: I use Zatarain's Creole mustard and bread and butter fridge pickles and juice. Other add-ins: Sliced or chopped black or green olives, chopped or grated carrot, green, red or yellow bell pepper, red onion, frozen, thawed green peas, sliced green onion, chopped, boiled eggs, seeded and chopped tomatoes, seeded and chopped cucumber, cooked, crumbled bacon, shredded or cubed cheese, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and fresh herbs are all good choices. Tip: For a pretty presentation, garnish with a little paprika and lay slices of hard boiled eggs across the top. Top with cooked, crumbled bacon and chopped fresh parsley. Can also serve on individual chilled salad plates dressed with lettuce leaves or shredded lettuce, with a garnish of crumbled egg and cooked bacon. Variation: Add 2 cups of cooked chicken (canned okay), 1-1/2 cups of cubed ham, 2 cups of small, cooked shrimp, drained, canned salmon alone, or in combination with, 2 cans of tuna, well drained, or just use the tuna alone.

OLD-FASHIONED MACARONI SALAD



Old-Fashioned Macaroni Salad image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 2h35m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

4 eggs
1 pound large elbow macaroni
4 ounces ham steak, finely chopped
2 stalks chopped celery, including leaves
1 large shallot, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2/3 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 (4-ounce) jar chopped pimentos, drained
3 tablespoons sweet pickled relish
Kosher salt and pepper

Steps:

  • To make the hard-boiled eggs: Add the eggs to a medium-sized saucepan. Cover with cold water and bring up to a boil over medium heat. Cover with a lid and turn off the heat. Let the eggs sit in the hot water for 14 minutes. Drain and cool under cold running water. Peel the eggs and chop. Reserve.
  • While the eggs are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat and add the macaroni. Cook until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  • In a large serving bowl, combine the eggs, ham steak, celery, shallots and lemon juice Add the macaroni and stir to combine.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, pickled relish, and salt and pepper, to taste. Add the dressing to the macaroni and toss to coat. Season with more salt and pepper, if needed. Cover and chill for 2 hours for the flavors to meld.

OLD FASHIONED MACARONI SALAD



Old Fashioned Macaroni Salad image

My family has been making this for years, and it is my absolute favorite dish!

Provided by Jennie Minor

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Seafood Pasta Salad Recipes

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 cups macaroni
2 (5 ounce) cans tuna, drained
1 onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 ½ cups mayonnaise
2 tablespoons prepared mustard
salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Cook noodles in a large pot of boiling water until al dente. Rinse under cold water, and drain.
  • Mix tuna, onion, bell pepper, celery, garlic powder, mayonnaise, salt and pepper, and mustard together in a large bowl. Add pasta, and mix well.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 359.7 calories, Carbohydrate 19.9 g, Cholesterol 20.1 mg, Fat 26.9 g, Fiber 1.4 g, Protein 10.2 g, SaturatedFat 4.1 g, Sodium 243.9 mg, Sugar 2.2 g

Tips:

  • Cook the macaroni al dente. This means cooking it until it is tender but still has a slight bite to it. This will prevent it from becoming mushy in the salad.
  • Use high-quality mayonnaise. This is the main ingredient in macaroni salad, so it's important to use a good one. Look for a mayonnaise made with real eggs and oil, and avoid brands that use artificial ingredients.
  • Add a variety of vegetables. This will give your macaroni salad more flavor and texture. Some good options include celery, onion, carrots, and bell pepper.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients. There are many different ways to make macaroni salad, so don't be afraid to add your own unique twist. Some popular variations include adding cheese, bacon, or hard-boiled eggs.
  • Make sure the macaroni salad is chilled before serving. This will help it to firm up and develop its flavors.

Conclusion:

Macaroni salad is a classic American side dish that is perfect for potlucks, picnics, and barbecues. It is easy to make and can be customized to your own taste. With a few simple tips, you can make the best macaroni salad that everyone will love.

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