Best 2 Judys Macaroni Salad Recipes

In the realm of classic American side dishes, macaroni salad stands tall as a beacon of creamy, tangy, and nostalgic delight. Often gracing picnics, barbecues, and potlucks, this humble salad has captured hearts for generations. The secret lies in its simplicity, a harmonious blend of cooked elbow macaroni, mayonnaise-based dressing, crunchy vegetables, and sometimes a sprinkle of herbs or seasonings. While there are countless variations, each with its unique twist, all macaroni salads share a common goal: to deliver a burst of refreshing flavors that perfectly complement grilled meats, fried chicken, or even a simple sandwich. In this collection of recipes, we'll embark on a culinary journey, exploring different takes on this beloved dish, from the classic mayonnaise-based version to lighter, healthier alternatives and even a few surprises along the way. So, whether you're a traditionalist or an adventurous foodie, let's dive into the world of macaroni salad and discover the recipe that will become your new go-to side dish.

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

CLASSIC MACARONI SALAD

Classic Macaroni Salad image

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

Ingredients

3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
1 small red onion, diced, soaked in ice water at least 1 hour and up to 12 hours
1 large red bell pepper, diced
3 scallions (green parts only), thinly sliced
Kosher salt
12 ounces elbow macaroni
1 sprig dill, leaves finely chopped
4 sprigs basil, leaves torn

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.

JODY'S MACARONI SALAD

Jody's Macaroni Salad image

My friend and co-worker, Jody, makes this easy macaroni salad all the time. It was so good, I've adopted it and take it to a lot of family gatherings!

Provided by Stephany Troi

Categories Low Cholesterol

Time 25m

Yield 12-16 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

1 (12 ounce) package macaroni noodles
1 ripe tomatoes, diced
1 small cucumber, peeled,seeded,and diced
1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 small onion, diced
1/2 cup Miracle Whip
1 cup dorothy lynch salad dressing (can use more- I like the peppery taste with the veggies)

Steps:

Boil macaroni according to package directions and drain well.
Allow macaroni to cool.
Clean and prepare vegetables as listed (peel, seed, dice, etc.) Mix cooled macaroni, veggies, Miracle Whip and Dorothy Lynch until evely coated.
Refrigerate until well chilled.
This is best served very cold.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 173.7, Fat 4.5, SaturatedFat 1, Cholesterol 14.9, Sodium 246.8, Carbohydrate 28.3, Fiber 1.4, Sugar 4.9, Protein 5.1

Tips:

For the best flavor, use high-quality ingredients.
Cook the macaroni al dente according to the package instructions.
Rinse the macaroni with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from becoming mushy.
Use a variety of colorful vegetables to make your salad more appealing.
Add your favorite protein, such as cooked chicken, ham, or tuna, to make the salad more filling.
Use a light and tangy dressing to coat the salad without making it too heavy.
Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Garnish the salad with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese before serving.

Conclusion:

Judy's macaroni salad is a classic summer dish that is perfect for potlucks, picnics, and backyard barbecues. It's easy to make, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. With its combination of macaroni, vegetables, protein, and dressing, this salad has something for everyone. So next time you're looking for a side dish that is both tasty and satisfying, give Judy's macaroni salad a try. You won't be disappointed.

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