Best 4 Healthier Classic Macaroni Salad Recipes
Indulge in a healthier version of the classic macaroni salad, a timeless dish that brings joy to any gathering. This recipe offers a delightful twist on the traditional macaroni salad, using wholesome ingredients that maintain its creamy, tangy, and refreshing flavors. Explore variations such as the tangy Dijon mustard macaroni salad, bursting with a slightly spicy and tangy kick. For a Mediterranean twist, try the flavorful Greek macaroni salad, featuring a blend of fresh herbs, olives, and feta cheese. If you prefer a lighter option, the lightened-up macaroni salad reduces the mayonnaise while maintaining its creamy texture. And for a vegan delight, the vegan macaroni salad offers a plant-based alternative that's just as creamy and satisfying. Each recipe is carefully crafted to deliver a unique and delicious macaroni salad experience, catering to various dietary preferences and taste buds.
Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!
CLASSIC MACARONI SALAD
Forget store-bought macaroni salad - ours is a light, well-seasoned spin on the high-fat standard. For added color, stir in some diced tomatoes. Swap regular pasta for the whole wheat pasta, if desired.
Categories Lunch,Dinner
Time 22m
Yield 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Cook macaroni in salted water according to package directions; drain and transfer to a large bowl.
- Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard and garlic powder; stir mixture into cooked macaroni. Fold in celery, onion and parsley; season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve warm or chilled.
- Yields about 2/3 cup per serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 59 kcal
CLASSIC MACARONI SALAD
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
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 MACARONI SALAD
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
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.
HEALTHY MACARONI SALAD
This is a recipe I have been making for about 24 years. I can't remember the lady's name who published the book I got it from, but she was a real stickler about what you feed your kids. I started making this when my boys were preschool age. I would always make sure a had a big batch when they had a sitter, so she didn't fill them up with junk, and they would be on a sugar high when I got home at night. I am still making this today and I enjoy it as a healthy meal or snack anytime. I must say I usually triple this when I make it, as there was 5 of us.It keeps well in frig for a few days, and the boys would eat it for snacks a lot. It made me feel better that they were eating healthy. I used American cheese and I must say on my bowl I would add salt. I love this dish.
Provided by Baby Chevelle
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 20m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Cook macaroni according to directions on package.
- Drain and chill, adding lemon juice to macaroni.
- When chilled add rest of ingredients and refrigerate till serving time.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 312, Fat 16.4, SaturatedFat 4.5, Cholesterol 109.9, Sodium 406.9, Carbohydrate 31.4, Fiber 1.7, Sugar 4.5, Protein 10.1
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients. The better the ingredients, the better the salad will taste. Look for fresh vegetables, cooked macaroni, and a flavorful dressing.
- Don't overcook the macaroni. Al dente macaroni is the best for macaroni salad. It should be cooked through but still have a slightly firm bite.
- Chill the salad before serving. This will help the flavors to meld and the salad will be more refreshing.
- Garnish the salad with fresh herbs. Chopped parsley, dill, or chives add a nice pop of color and flavor.
- Serve the salad as a side dish or main course. It's also a great option for picnics and potlucks.
Conclusion:
Macaroni salad is a classic dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It's a versatile salad that can be made with a variety of ingredients. Whether you're looking for a simple side dish or a hearty main course, macaroni salad is a great option. With a few simple tips, you can make a delicious macaroni salad that everyone will love.
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