Best 2 Dads Working Mans Macaroni Salad Recipes

In the realm of classic comfort foods, macaroni salad reigns supreme. This humble dish, often associated with backyard barbecues, summer picnics, and family gatherings, is a symphony of flavors and textures that brings joy to people of all ages.

Our collection of macaroni salad recipes takes this beloved dish to new heights, offering a diverse range of flavors that cater to every palate. From the classic American macaroni salad, with its creamy mayonnaise-based dressing and crisp vegetables, to the tangy Italian version featuring a zesty vinaigrette and sun-dried tomatoes, there's a recipe here to satisfy every craving.

For those who prefer a lighter option, the Greek macaroni salad, with its refreshing lemon-herb dressing and crumbled feta cheese, is a delightful choice. Those seeking a more robust flavor profile will find the bacon macaroni salad, with its smoky bacon and creamy dressing, to be an absolute treat. And for those with dietary restrictions, the vegan macaroni salad, made with a plant-based dressing and an array of colorful vegetables, is a delicious and nutritious option.

With step-by-step instructions and helpful tips, our macaroni salad recipes are easy to follow and guarantee a perfect result every time. Whether you're hosting a casual gathering or simply looking for a quick and satisfying meal, these recipes will become your go-to source for macaroni salad bliss.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

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

Ingredients

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.

MAC-DADDI-RONI SALAD

Mac-Daddi-Roni Salad image

Provided by Guy Fieri

Categories side-dish

Time 1h50m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

16 ounces macaroni pasta, 1/4-inch tube
2 cups mayonnaise
2 tablespoons minced garlic
3 tablespoons yellow mustard
1 tablespoon white vinegar
3/4 cup minced red onion
3/4 cup minced roasted red bell pepper
1/2 cup carrot, diced
3/4 cup celery, diced
1/4 cup diced peppadew peppers
1/4 cup minced pepperoncini
1 teaspoons sea salt
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

In a medium pot, boil water and add salt. Add pasta, cook until al dente, and place into an ice water bath.
In a medium mixing bowl add mayonnaise, garlic, mustard, and vinegar. Mix to combine and place in refrigerator to keep chilled while pasta cools down.
When pasta is cool, mix in mayonnaise mixture and all vegetables. Mix thoroughly, season with salt and pepper. Place into refrigerator and chill for 1 hour for the flavors to combine.

Tips:

Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your macaroni salad.
Cook the pasta al dente. This means cooking it until it is tender but still has a slight bite to it. Overcooked pasta will be mushy and not as tasty.
Let the pasta cool completely before adding the other ingredients. This will help to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
Use a variety of vegetables in your macaroni salad. This will add flavor, color, and texture to the dish.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients. There are many different ways to make macaroni salad, so feel free to add your own personal touch.

Conclusion:

Macaroni salad is a classic summer dish that is perfect for potlucks, picnics, and barbecues. It is a versatile dish that can be easily customized to your own taste. Whether you like it classic or creamy, with or without meat, there is a macaroni salad recipe out there for everyone. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy side dish, give macaroni salad a try.