Best 5 Creamy Crunchy Macaroni Salad Recipes

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Calling all macaroni salad lovers! This creamy, crunchy macaroni salad is the perfect side dish for any summer gathering. Made with tender macaroni, crisp vegetables, and a creamy, tangy dressing, this salad is sure to be a hit. With three variations included in the recipe, you can customize it to your liking. Whether you prefer a classic macaroni salad, a bacon-ranch version, or a tangy mustard-dill variation, you'll find a recipe here that you'll love.

The classic macaroni salad is made with a mayonnaise-based dressing, while the bacon-ranch version gets its flavor from a creamy ranch dressing and crispy bacon. The tangy mustard-dill variation is made with a mustard-based dressing and fresh dill. All three recipes are easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making them perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks. So gather your ingredients and get ready to make the best macaroni salad you've ever tasted!

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

CREAMY MACARONI SALAD



Creamy Macaroni Salad image

I have looked all over for a great macaroni salad; this one is it! It's easy and is a huge hit at every function I take it to. The sauce for this is a great creamy sauce. I like my salads to have a lot of creamy dressing, so I always make an extra half batch of the wet mix and add it as necessary to get the salad more wet because the pasta soaks up the sauce.

Provided by Mandy Franke

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Macaroni Salad Recipes

Time 35m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
¾ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon ground white pepper
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
3 cups elbow macaroni
1 ½ cups mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream
1 (5 ounce) can evaporated milk
½ cup finely chopped onion
3 tablespoons finely chopped green bell pepper
3 tablespoons finely chopped red bell pepper
2 tablespoons finely chopped yellow bell pepper
½ cup finely chopped celery
½ cup finely chopped carrots

Steps:

  • Mix salt, dry mustard, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, white pepper, and black pepper in a small bowl.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, 8 minutes. Drain and rinse macaroni under cold water until cooled.
  • Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, and evaporated milk in a large salad bowl until dressing is smooth and creamy; stir in seasoning mix until well blended. Mix macaroni, onion, green, red, and yellow bell pepper, celery, and carrots into the dressing until thoroughly coated.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 341 calories, Carbohydrate 24 g, Cholesterol 18 mg, Fat 25.3 g, Fiber 1.4 g, Protein 5.1 g, SaturatedFat 5.1 g, Sodium 377.4 mg, Sugar 3.1 g

CREAMY MACARONI SALAD RECIPE



Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe image

Creamy Macaroni Salad is a simple macaroni salad recipe. Even the pickiest of eaters will love this creamy pasta salad.

Provided by Deanna @SeductionInTheKitchen.com

Categories     Salad Recipes

Time 1h10m

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 lb large elbow macaroni (cooked)
1/2 cup thinly sliced celery
1/4 cup finely diced sweet onion
1/4 cup diced colored peppers ((red yellow, green))
1/4 cup sliced pimento stuffed olive
1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
2 teaspoons prepared yellow mustard
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon celery seed

Steps:

  • Mix cooled macaroni, celery, onions, bell pepper and green olives together in a large bowl.
  • In a separate bowl mix together the mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, pickle relish, sugar, salt, pepper and celery seed, stirring well.
  • Stir dressing into the macaroni mixture.
  • Chill the salad for at least 1 hour in the fridge.
  • Serve it up and ENJOY!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 263 calories, Carbohydrate 16 grams carbohydrates, Cholesterol 12 milligrams cholesterol, Fat 21 grams fat, Fiber 1 grams fiber, Protein 3 grams protein, SaturatedFat 3 grams saturated fat, ServingSize 1, Sodium 324 milligrams sodium, Sugar 3 grams sugar, TransFat 0 grams trans fat, UnsaturatedFat 17 grams unsaturated fat

CRUNCHY MACARONI SALAD



Crunchy Macaroni Salad image

THIS SALAD is ideal for one or two people, but I've often increased the recipe to take to potlucks. For variety, I'll sometimes add chopped pickles or shredded cheese. In summer, fresh tomatoes add color and flavor. -Ruth Griggs, South Hill, Virginia

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 10m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 cup cooked elbow macaroni
1 hard-boiled large egg, chopped
2 tablespoons chopped celery
2 tablespoons chopped onion
3 tablespoons Miracle Whip
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon prepared mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
Pinch pepper

Steps:

  • In a bowl, combine the macaroni, egg, celery and onion. In another bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Pour over macaroni mixture and toss gently. Cover and chill for 2 hours before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 283 calories, Fat 20g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 114mg cholesterol, Sodium 453mg sodium, Carbohydrate 20g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 6g protein.

CREAMY & CRUNCHY MACARONI SALAD



Creamy & Crunchy Macaroni Salad image

This is my oldie but goodie recipe from the back of the San Giorgio box. Never fails and is always a big hit. I usually double the recipe.

Provided by mandabears

Categories     Low Protein

Time 10m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
1/3 cup finely chopped carrot
1 hard-boiled egg, chopped
1/4 cup finely minced onion, i use dehydrated onion
2 tablespoons sweet relish
3/4 teaspoon dry ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 dash paprika
3 quarts water
1 1/2 teaspoons salt

Steps:

  • In a large pot bring 3 quarts water to a rolling boil.
  • Add 1 1/2 teaspoons salt.
  • Gradually add dry elbow macaroni.
  • Return to a boil.
  • Boil uncovered 6-8 minutes.
  • Drain well and rinse with cold water and drain again.
  • In a medium bowl combine all ingredients.
  • Place cooked macaroni in a large bowl and toss well with other ingredients.
  • Cover and refrigerate.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 465.9, Fat 22, SaturatedFat 3.5, Cholesterol 68.3, Sodium 1545.1, Carbohydrate 58.5, Fiber 2.5, Sugar 7.2, Protein 9.4

CRUNCHY MACARONI SALAD



Crunchy Macaroni Salad image

Simple, colorful and good. The celery, carrot and red pepper give it a nice crunch. The sour cream gives it some zing. Be sure you have a large bowl ready so you can fold it all together without having to crowd (and mash) the ingredients. Prep time does not include refrigeration time.

Provided by Missy Isacat

Categories     Peppers

Time 27m

Yield 4 cups (approx), 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

8 ounces elbow macaroni
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 teaspoon dried onion flakes
1 1/2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
salt and pepper
1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup celery, diced
1/4 cup carrot, diced
1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed

Steps:

  • Prepare pasta according to package directions and drain.
  • In a large bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, onion flakes, pickle relish, salt and pepper.
  • Dice bell pepper, carrot and celery and add to mayonnaise mixture.
  • Carefully fold pasta and peas into mixture.
  • Refrigerate at least two hours.
  • Stir halfway though cooling.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 215.7, Fat 8.5, SaturatedFat 2.7, Cholesterol 10.1, Sodium 154.1, Carbohydrate 30, Fiber 1.8, Sugar 3.1, Protein 5.2

Tips:

  • For the best texture, use a combination of elbow macaroni and shell pasta.
  • Cook the pasta al dente according to the package instructions, so it retains a slight bite.
  • Rinse the pasta with cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent it from becoming sticky.
  • Use high-quality mayonnaise for the best flavor. Look for a brand that is made with real eggs and oil.
  • Add some Dijon mustard to the mayonnaise for a tangy flavor boost.
  • Use a variety of vegetables for a colorful and flavorful salad. Some good options include celery, carrots, red onion, and bell pepper.
  • Add some cooked protein to the salad, such as chicken, ham, or shrimp.
  • Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
  • Serve the salad garnished with fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill.

Conclusion:

This creamy crunchy macaroni salad is a classic side dish that is perfect for potlucks, picnics, and barbecues. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With its creamy dressing, crunchy vegetables, and cooked protein, this salad is sure to be a hit with everyone at your next gathering.

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