Best 6 Grandmas Macaroni Salad Recipes

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**Grandma's Macaroni Salad: A Classic Dish with Endless Variations**

Macaroni salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a side dish, a main course, or even a potluck favorite. This classic recipe from Grandma's kitchen is a perfect starting point for creating your own delicious macaroni salad. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you'll have a flavorful and satisfying dish that's sure to please everyone at your table. But that's not all! This article also includes several variations on the classic recipe, so you can explore different flavors and ingredients to create a macaroni salad that's uniquely yours. From a tangy vinegar-based dressing to a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing, and from the addition of vegetables like celery and onion to the inclusion of proteins like ham and tuna, there's a macaroni salad recipe here for every taste and occasion.

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

GRANDMA'S MACARONI SALAD



Grandma's Macaroni Salad image

Provided by insanelygood

Categories     Recipes

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 11

8 ounces elbow macaroni (cooked and drained)
1 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/3 cup chopped onion
3/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp prepared mustard
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, mix in the macaroni, celery, bell pepper, and onion.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper until combined. Pour the mixture into the macaroni and vegetables. Mix well until everything is thoroughly coated in the dressing.
  • Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving. Preferably overnight.
  • Stir before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 208 cal

GRANDMA'S TUNA MACARONI SALAD



Grandma's Tuna Macaroni Salad image

This is the plain old fashioned macaroni salad my grandma used to make, which is still my sister Cathy's favorite.

Provided by Julesong

Categories     Tuna

Time 10m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 can tuna in water, drained
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried onion flakes
1/2 cup chopped celery (optional)
3/4 cup good mayonnaise (Best Foods, Helmann's, or Vegenaise)

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions and let cool.
  • Mix in the other items well, adding mayo last.
  • Chill well before serving.
  • When I make this, I omit the celery, add more dried onion, and add a little curry powder and garlic powder and cayenne.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 307.7, Fat 6.8, SaturatedFat 3.5, Cholesterol 32.9, Sodium 689.1, Carbohydrate 39.6, Fiber 1.7, Sugar 1.6, Protein 20.6

GRANDMA WELLS' TUNA MACARONI SALAD



Grandma Wells' Tuna Macaroni Salad image

Creamy, full of texture and flavor, we loved this tuna macaroni salad. The chunks of white tuna make this a hearty salad. Onion and celery add a nice crunch. We really enjoyed the slightly sweet pop of flavor from the peas. In the warmer months, this will make a nice light lunch or dinner. Perfect for potlucks and picnics too.

Provided by Katrina Freed

Categories     Tuna Salads

Time 25m

Number Of Ingredients 9

3 c elbow macaroni, uncooked
1 box baby peas, frozen (about 3 cups)
1 can(s) solid white tuna packed in water (large family size can)
5 oz cheddar cheese, cubed
2 Tbsp sweet pickle relish
1/2 red onion
3 - 4 celery stalks
1 c real mayonaise
salt and pepper, to taste

Steps:

  • 1. Cook macaroni according to package directions.
  • 2. Place frozen peas in a colander and run warm water over them to thaw; then drain well.
  • 3. When macaroni is done, rinse well in cold water to cool.
  • 4. Place all ingredients in a very large mixing bowl. Mix well.
  • 5. Chill, then serve.

GRANDMA'S MACARONI SALAD



Grandma's Macaroni Salad image

A recipe I found on "Texascooking.com". Sounds great to serve with your BBQ meals.

Provided by Lynn Dine

Categories     Pasta Sides

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 11

8 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
1 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/3 cup chopped onion
3/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon prepared mustard
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Steps:

  • 1. Mix the macaroni, celery, bell pepper and onion in a large bowl.
  • 2. Whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, sugar, salt and pepper to make a smooth dressing. Pour dressing over the vegetables, mix well and refrigerate for several hours.
  • 3. Give the salad a good stir before serving. Makes about 5 cups.

GRANDMA GRACE'S MACARONI SALAD WITH TUNA



Grandma Grace's Macaroni Salad With Tuna image

I don't know where my mother learned to make this macaroni salad, but it is a multi generation family favorite. And it is so simple! The only family get togethers where we don't make this are Thanksgiving and Christmas. I think my father would dis-own my sister and me if one of us didn't make it for Easter! It always disappears when taken to pot-lucks and picnics. There is no mustard in it, and it is the only macaroni salad my dad will eat. My mom used to use regular tuna packed in oil, but I now use solid white albacore packed in water, whole wheat pasta and canola oil mayo in an effort to "lighten it up". Prep time includes 2 hours cool time.

Provided by Simply Chris

Categories     Tuna

Time 2h20m

Yield 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

12 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked al-dente, and completely cooled
2 (6 ounce) cans tuna
1 -1 1/2 cup mayonnaise, do not use salad dressing
2 large kosher dill pickles, coarsely chopped
2 celery ribs, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon dried dill
salt and black pepper
fresh dill sprig (optional)
hard-boiled egg (optional)

Steps:

  • Cook the macaroni according to package directions for al dente doneness.
  • Drain and immediately plunge into very cold water to stop any further cooking.
  • Drain the tuna, and coarsely crumble into the drained and cooled macaroni.
  • Gently stir in about 1/2 cup of the mayonnaise.
  • Add the pickles, celery and dried dill.
  • Stir again gently adding more mayonnaise until desired coverage is achieved. (I don't like it dry, but it shouldn't be "soupy").
  • Add salt and pepper to taste, again gently stirring inches.
  • Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
  • If the salad looks a bit dry, you can add a bit more mayonnaise right before serving.
  • Garnish with fresh dill and sliced eggs if using.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 281.3, Fat 10.1, SaturatedFat 1.7, Cholesterol 19, Sodium 534.9, Carbohydrate 34.1, Fiber 1.6, Sugar 3.2, Protein 13.1

GRANDMA'S MACARONI SHRIMP SALAD



Grandma's Macaroni Shrimp Salad image

This is a family favorite! Macaroni, shrimp, and veggies make up this delicious salad!

Provided by jessnay

Categories     Salad     Seafood Salad Recipes     Shrimp Salad Recipes

Time 35m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 ½ cups elbow macaroni
¾ cup mayonnaise (such as Best Foods®)
1 large cucumber, diced
½ cup frozen peas
2 ribs celery, diced, or more to taste
4 radishes, sliced, or more to taste
3 green onions, chopped, or more to taste
1 teaspoon seasoned salt (such as Season-All®), or to taste
1 pound cooked medium shrimp
3 hard-boiled eggs, sliced, or more to taste
1 small avocado, sliced
1 medium tomato, sliced

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. Drain and pour into a salad bowl.
  • Add mayonnaise, cucumber, peas, celery, radishes, green onions, and seasoned salt to the macaroni; toss well. Add shrimp last. Garnish with hard-boiled eggs, avocado, and tomato.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 474.2 calories, Carbohydrate 27.7 g, Cholesterol 264 mg, Fat 30 g, Fiber 4 g, Protein 24.1 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, Sodium 540.8 mg, Sugar 3.6 g

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Organic, free-range, and locally sourced ingredients are always a good choice.
  • Cook the macaroni according to the package directions. Al dente pasta is best for macaroni salad.
  • Let the macaroni cool completely before adding it to the salad. This will prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
  • Use a variety of vegetables in your salad. This will add color, flavor, and texture.
  • Choose a dressing that you enjoy. Mayonnaise-based dressings are classic, but there are many other options available, such as oil and vinegar, yogurt-based, or pesto dressings.
  • Season the salad to taste with salt and pepper. You can also add other herbs and spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika.
  • Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld and the salad to become more refreshing.

Conclusion:

Grandma's macaroni salad is a classic dish that is perfect for potlucks, picnics, and barbecues. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. With a few simple tips, you can make a macaroni salad that everyone will love.

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