Best 8 Macaroni Cheese Salad Recipes

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Indulge in a symphony of flavors with our delectable macaroni cheese salad, a delightful fusion of classic macaroni salad and creamy, cheesy goodness. This versatile dish serves as a perfect side or a light meal, offering a delightful blend of textures and flavors.

Our collection of recipes caters to diverse preferences, featuring both classic and innovative variations. From the traditional macaroni cheese salad, bursting with the familiar flavors of cooked macaroni, cheese, and a tangy dressing, to the bacon ranch macaroni cheese salad, where smoky bacon and tangy ranch dressing add a savory twist, we have something for every palate.

For those seeking a lighter option, our Greek yogurt macaroni cheese salad offers a refreshing twist, using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a healthier and tangier dressing. And if you crave a touch of heat, the spicy macaroni cheese salad, infused with chili powder and cayenne pepper, delivers a delightful kick.

Vegetarians will delight in our broccoli macaroni cheese salad, where tender broccoli florets add a vibrant green hue and a satisfying crunch, while the sun-dried tomato macaroni cheese salad infuses the dish with a burst of Mediterranean flavors.

Whether you prefer a classic macaroni cheese salad or crave something more adventurous, our collection of recipes has you covered. Dive into the culinary journey and discover your new favorite macaroni cheese salad today!

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

MACARONI AND CHEESE SALAD



Macaroni and Cheese Salad image

The vinegar and cheese help to make this a unique macaroni salad.

Provided by Sally Dickson

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Tomato Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 1h25m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 ½ cups macaroni
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
½ cup chopped green bell pepper
¼ cup chopped celery
3 tablespoons thinly sliced green onion
8 cherry tomatoes
1 cup mayonnaise
salt and pepper to taste
¼ teaspoon Beau Monde ™ seasoning

Steps:

  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta until al dente, rinse under cold water and drain.
  • In a large bowl, combine pasta and vinegar. Mix well and allow to sit 15-20 minutes.
  • Add cheese, peppers, celery, green onions, tomatoes, mayonnaise and seasonings. Mix well and refrigerate until chilled.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 446.6 calories, Carbohydrate 23 g, Cholesterol 33.7 mg, Fat 35.9 g, Fiber 1.4 g, Protein 8.8 g, SaturatedFat 8.4 g, Sodium 354.2 mg, Sugar 1.7 g

MACARONI CHEESE SALAD



Macaroni Cheese Salad image

Delicious pasta salad with cheese cubes, bacon, peas and seasonings. An adaptation of an original recipe from a cookbook of the Junior League of Lynchburg, VA entitled Good Cookin' From the Heart of Virginia.

Provided by christina white

Categories     Cheese

Time 43m

Yield 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 1/2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
3/4 cup cubed cheddar cheese
1/3 cup finely chopped green onion
1/3 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped green pepper
1/8 cup chopped parsley
1/2 cup sour cream
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon prepared hot spicy mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 (10 ounce) package frozen peas, thawed
6 -8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
paprika

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain.
  • Rinse with cold water; drain.
  • Combine macaroni, cheese, onions, celery and green pepper; set aside.
  • Mix together sour cream, mayonnaise, mustard and seasonings.
  • Pour over macaroni mixture and stir gently.
  • Add thawed peas and bacon and parsley to macaroni.
  • Toss.
  • Sprinkle salad with paprika and serve.

MACARONI AND CHEESE PASTA SALAD



Macaroni and Cheese Pasta Salad image

One of my co-workers shared this recipe with us when everybody raved over it. I use this as a fast-fix dinners, as it can be made from last night's macaroni and cheese, and prep time is under 15 minutes.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 15m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 cups prepared macaroni and cheese
1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
1/4 cup chopped celery
1 tablespoon chopped onion
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
1/4 teaspoon celery salt
1/4 teaspoon celery seed

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, combine the macaroni and cheese, peas, celery and onion. Combine the mayonnaise, celery salt and seed. Add to macaroni mixture; stir to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 324 calories, Fat 20g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 33mg cholesterol, Sodium 562mg sodium, Carbohydrate 24g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 11g protein.

MACARONI AND CHEESE PEA SALAD



Macaroni and Cheese Pea Salad image

Made from boxed macaroni&cheese dinner. The cheese/macaroni mixture gives this a unique twist to typical macaroni salad. I've never made it from homemade cheese & macaroni, but I imagine it would work fine. Sometimes I use leftover macaroni & cheese dinner and adjust the rest of the ingredients accordingly. This is one of our quick and easy family favorites. Enjoy!!

Provided by BakinBaby

Categories     Vegetable

Time 40m

Yield 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 (7 ounce) box macaroni & cheese dinner mix (we use Kraft brand, but store brands are fine also)
1/4 cup butter or 1/4 cup margarine
1/4 cup milk
1 cup frozen peas (thawed)
3 hard-boiled eggs (chopped)
1/2 cup celery (chopped)
1/3 cup onion (chopped)
2 green onions (chopped)
1 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon salt and pepper (to taste)
1 teaspoon dried dill (you can substitute with your favorite cold salad seasoning.)

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni & cheese dinner per box directions; cool. (If you're using leftover macaroni, adjust the remaining ingredients accordingly).
  • Add chopped eggs, celery, onion, green onion to cooled macaroni & cheese.
  • Stir in mayonnaise and seasonings.
  • Gently stir in thawed peas and season to taste.
  • As with all salads, season to taste.

MEXICAN INSPIRED NO-MAYO MACARONI AND CHEESE SALAD



Mexican Inspired No-Mayo Macaroni and Cheese Salad image

First this is a much healthier and lighter version of traditional mayo based macaroni salads. This is such a nice salad for summer BBQ's, pot-lucks, even just dinner with the family. It is not spicy, but has a slight Mexican flair. Sour cream, spices and chopped peppers make this a great salad. I actually have 2 versions of this. I have added some sliced black olives and used Monterey Jack cheese, but my favorite is no olives and a good sharp Cheddar. Serve this with some spicy grilled chicken, burgers, steaks, hot dogs, etc. It is just a nice side dish.

Provided by SarasotaCook

Categories     Healthy

Time 30m

Yield 4-8 , 4-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

12 ounces elbow macaroni
2 medium green peppers, fine chopped
2 medium red peppers, fine chopped
1 medium onion, fine chopped
1 cup scallion, chopped (1 cup after chopping)
5 -6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (more or less to taste)
1/2-2/3 cup salsa (not chunky, just a basic medium heat salsa, use mild if you don't want any heat)
6 -8 tablespoons sour cream, depending on how creamy you like the salad (I have used low fat, but don't use NO fat)
4 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 limes, zested
2/3 cup fresh cilantro, fine chopped
2 teaspoons ground cumin
salt
pepper

Steps:

  • Dressing -- In a small bowl, add the salsa, sour cream, lime juice and zest, cilantro, cumin, pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate. NOTE: I start out with 1/2 cup salsa, and 6 tablespoons of sour cream. You can always add more once you dress the salad.
  • Pasta -- Simply cook in good salted water according to package directions.
  • Vegetables -- In a large bowl, add the chopped green and red pepper, onion and scallions.
  • Toss -- Once the past is done, drain and this is one time where I actually rinse my pasta under cold water. Drain well. Add to the bowl with the vegetables and add the dressing and the cheese. Toss well. You can add a bit more sour cream and salsa if necessary. Taste for seasoning and add any more salt and pepper if needed. And remember - this is not a creamy mayo type of salad. This is a healthier light version so there is not as much dressing.
  • Serve -- ENJOY!

MACARONI AND CHEESE SALAD



Macaroni and Cheese Salad image

One of my favorite sides is mac & cheese salad. Goes with so many things. Good for picnics or potlucks. Very versatile.

Provided by Darlene Summers

Categories     Cheese

Time 30m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 cups cooked & seasoned macaroni
1 cup diced celery
1 cup cooked peas
1/4 cup shredded uncooked carrot
1 (2 ounce) jar pimiento (well-drained)
1 cup mild cheddar cheese cube
salt & pepper
Miracle Whip
stuffed olives

Steps:

  • Drain well and chill cooked macaroni.
  • Combine macaroni with celery, peas, carrots, cheese cubes and pimento's.
  • Season to taste.
  • Moisten with desired amount of Miracle Whip.
  • Serve cold, garnished with olives.

MACARONI & CHEESE SALAD



Macaroni & Cheese Salad image

This was on a local cooking show the other day and looks like it will be a good and EASY recipe any potluck event.

Provided by Sherrybeth

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 1h

Yield 15-20 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 lb elbow macaroni
3/4 cup sweet onion, peeled and diced
1 dozen egg, boiled, peeled, and diced
2 (15 ounce) cans black olives
2 cups cheddar cheese, cubed
1/2 cup bacon bits (real bacon ones)
1 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
salt and pepper

Steps:

  • Boil macaroni according to package directions. Drain and rinse in cold water.
  • Dice onions, slice olives, cube cheese, and cut eggs in big chunks.
  • Add all onions, olives, cheese ,and eggs to macaroni one at a time.
  • Combine mayonnaise and dijon mustard.
  • Toss into macaroni salad.
  • Add bacon bits and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Toss well to mix.
  • Refrigerate to chill.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 356.9, Fat 20.3, SaturatedFat 5.9, Cholesterol 168.8, Sodium 784, Carbohydrate 31.5, Fiber 3, Sugar 2.3, Protein 12.9

MACARONI CHEESE SALAD



Macaroni Cheese Salad image

This was a recipe off the back of the Kraft Deluxe Macaroni and Cheese Dinner. We never would have tried it, but my brother came home from a visit to my aunt and uncle's house bragging on it. It was just as good as he said it was.

Provided by Joyce Lowery

Categories     Pasta Salads

Time 20m

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 box kraft deluxe macaroni and cheese dinner
8 slice bacon, fried crisp and crumbled
3 eggs, boiled and chopped
1/2 c dill pickle relish
3/4 c mayonnaise
1 tomato, peeled and chopped

Steps:

  • 1. Prepare the dinner as directed on the package. Cool.
  • 2. Add remaining ingredients. Mix well. Chill before serving. Add more mayonnaise before serving if needed.

Tips:

  • Choose the Right Macaroni: Select a small or elbow-shaped macaroni for the best texture and flavor.
  • Cook the Macaroni Perfectly: Cook the macaroni al dente according to the package instructions to avoid mushy pasta.
  • Drain and Rinse the Macaroni: Make sure to drain and rinse the macaroni thoroughly after cooking to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
  • Use High-Quality Cheese: Opt for a sharp cheddar cheese or a combination of cheddar and Parmesan for a rich and flavorful salad.
  • Add-Ins and Variations: Feel free to add other ingredients to your salad such as cooked diced ham, crumbled bacon, chopped celery, or diced bell peppers.
  • Chill Before Serving: Allow the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors and textures.

Conclusion:

Macaroni cheese salad is an American classic that combines the cheesy goodness of macaroni and cheese with the refreshing crunch of a salad. With its simple ingredients and endless variations, this dish is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a side dish for any meal. Whether you prefer a classic macaroni cheese salad or one with added ingredients like ham, bacon, or vegetables, this recipe provides a delicious and versatile base to work with. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying macaroni cheese salad that will be a hit at any gathering.

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