Best 6 Macaroni Medley Salad Recipes

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Indulge in a symphony of flavors with our Macaroni Medley Salad, a delectable dish that harmonizes the goodness of macaroni, a variety of vegetables, and a tangy dressing. This salad is a delightful combination of textures and tastes, featuring crunchy celery, crisp bell peppers, sweet carrots, and juicy tomatoes, all tossed in a zesty dressing made with mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, and a hint of mustard. It's a versatile dish that can be served as a main course, a side dish, or a refreshing snack. With its vibrant colors and irresistible taste, the Macaroni Medley Salad is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Additionally, this article offers three variations of the classic recipe: the Ham and Cheese Macaroni Salad, a protein-packed delight with ham and cheddar cheese; the Tuna Macaroni Salad, a seafood lover's paradise with flaked tuna and a creamy dressing; and the Vegetarian Macaroni Salad, a plant-based delight with a medley of fresh vegetables and a tangy vinaigrette dressing.

Let's cook with our recipes!

MACARONI SALAD



Macaroni Salad image

Macaroni Salad is quick to throw together and so DELICIOUS! A versatile, fool-proof pasta salad with an incredible creamy dressing perfect to take to gatherings, Bbq's, lunches and dinners. Or serve as a popular side dish!

Provided by Karina

Categories     Salad

Time 25m

Number Of Ingredients 16

8 oz (250g) dry macaroni pasta
1/2 medium red bell pepper (capsicum), (seeded and finely chopped)
1/2 medium red onion, (finely diced)
1 small carrot, (peeled and shredded)
2 dill pickles, (finely chopped)
1/4 cup chopped celery
1 cup mayonnaise, ((S&W, Best Foods, Hellmann's, Japanese or any whole egg mayo))
1/4 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons white vinegar, ((adjust to taste))
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, (chopped)
1 tablespoon fresh chives
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • Bring large pot of salted water to the boil over high heat. Add the pasta and boil until al dente (just fork-tender), or follow packet directions.
  • While pasta is boiling, prepare/chop SALAD ingredients and add them to a large serving bowl.
  • Mix DRESSING ingredients together in a small bowl.
  • Once pasta is cooked, drain and rinse under cool running water. Drain well and add to the rest of the SALAD ingredients in the large serving bowl.
  • Pour over DRESSING and toss well to evenly combine. Adjust salt, pepper and vinegar to taste.
  • Set aside for at least 15 minutes to let the ingredients warm close to room temperature and settle into each other before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 403 kcal, Carbohydrate 34 g, Protein 6 g, Fat 27 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 4 g, ServingSize 1 serving

MACARONI SALAD



Macaroni Salad image

Macaroni salad, a cookout favorite, doesn't take much to be great - just the right amount of moisture and seasoning. This version draws its inspiration from the macaroni salad at the Kennedy Fried Chicken restaurants. For the perfect balance, use a more savory brand of mayonnaise here, since the recipe gets its sweetness from a bit of sugar and shredded carrots. Make sure the macaroni salad is cold when you serve it; the only time macaroni has to be served hot is when it's covered in mounds of cheese, like this Southern Macaroni and Cheese.

Provided by Millie Peartree

Categories     noodles, salads and dressings, side dish

Time 30m

Yield 8 to 10 servings (3 quarts)

Number Of Ingredients 13

Kosher salt
1 pound elbow noodles
2 celery ribs, finely diced
1 red bell pepper, finely diced
1/2 cup shredded carrots (from 1 medium carrot)
1/2 cup finely diced red onion
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 tablespoon Dijon or yellow mustard
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, plus more as needed

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook noodles until a little past al dente, then rinse under cold water and drain. Once the noodles are cool enough to handle with your hands, transfer them to a large bowl.
  • Add the celery, bell pepper, carrots and onion to the cooled noodles; toss to combine.
  • Prepare the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt and pepper.
  • Pour dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is well coated. Taste and season with more salt and pepper, if desired. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

MACARONI SALAD



Macaroni Salad image

Provided by Molly Yeh

Categories     side-dish

Time 2h45m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

Kosher salt
1 pound elbow macaroni
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 1/4 cups mayonnaise
1/4 cup whole milk, plus more if needed
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 cups shredded peeled carrots
3 scallions, thinly sliced, white and dark green parts separated
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
1/2 small yellow onion, grated
Freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to the package directions, adding 2 minutes. Drain and place into a large mixing bowl. Stir in the apple cider vinegar and allow to cool for 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, mix the mayonnaise, milk and granulated sugar in a medium bowl. Fold into the macaroni along with the carrots, scallion whites and light green parts, celery, onion, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Refrigerate until chilled, about 2 hours and up to overnight.
  • Before transferring to a serving bowl, give it a good stir and add more milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Garnish with the scallion greens.

CLASSIC MACARONI SALAD



Classic Macaroni Salad image

This is a salad that everyone seems to love. I always get lots of compliments on this recipe and it is just a pleasing taste that seems to suit everyone.

Provided by Graden

Categories     Salad     Pasta Salad     Vegetarian Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 4h30m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 12

4 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 cup mayonnaise
¼ cup distilled white vinegar
⅔ cup white sugar
2 ½ tablespoons prepared yellow mustard
1 ½ teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 large onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
¼ cup grated carrot
2 tablespoons chopped pimento peppers

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni, and cook until tender, about 8 minutes. Rinse under cold water and drain.
  • In a large bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt and pepper. Stir in the onion, celery, green pepper, carrot, pimentos and macaroni. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving, but preferably overnight.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 390 calories, Carbohydrate 49.3 g, Cholesterol 8.4 mg, Fat 18.7 g, Fiber 2.8 g, Protein 6.8 g, SaturatedFat 2.8 g, Sodium 528.6 mg, Sugar 15.5 g

MACARONI SALAD WITH LEMON AND HERBS



Macaroni Salad With Lemon and Herbs image

Consider this a macaroni salad for the 21st century: Like the original, it's a welcome accompaniment to picnic fare and pairs with virtually anything off the grill. But this version also happens to be bright, acidic and herbaceous. The traditional elements have been preserved - elbow macaroni, mayonnaise and a pinch of sugar are mandatory - but they've been bolstered by bright flavors: lemon zest, tangy capers and pickles, crunchy celery and tons of fresh herbs. It goes lighter on mayonnaise than the original, swapping in tangy buttermilk for a dressing that is more glossy than gloopy. It can be served straight from the fridge or at room temperature. A splash of water stirred in restores its silky sheen.

Provided by Alexa Weibel

Categories     pastas, salads and dressings, appetizer, side dish

Time 25m

Yield 10 cups

Number Of Ingredients 13

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
2/3 cup minced bread-and-butter pickles
2 large stalks celery, peeled and finely chopped
4 scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced, plus more for garnish
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup buttermilk (see Tip)
1/3 cup finely chopped fresh Italian parsley, plus more for garnish
1/4 cup chopped fresh dill, plus small sprigs for garnish
1/4 cup drained jarred capers, chopped, plus 3 tablespoons caper brine
4 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest and 4 teaspoons juice (from 1 large lemon)
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
16 ounces elbow macaroni

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high.
  • While the water comes to a boil, prepare your dressing: In a large bowl, stir together pickles, celery, scallions, mayonnaise, buttermilk, parsley, dill, capers and brine, mustard, lemon zest and juice, and sugar. Season with 2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon pepper.
  • Cook the macaroni in the boiling water until al dente, about 6 minutes; drain well and let cool for a few minutes.
  • Once cooled, toss macaroni with dressing, season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve immediately or refrigerate until chilled. Top with extra scallions, parsley and dill to garnish just before serving.

MACARONI MEDLEY



Macaroni Medley image

This is a delicious twist on Mac n' Cheese that has a full flavour - it's a crowd pleaser, to say the least! This recipe gets gobbled up so fast - you may not even have leftovers - which is too bad, because it's even better the next day!

Provided by Patti-atti

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h15m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

3/4 lb Italian sausage
8 ounces elbow macaroni
3 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup onion, minced
3 tablespoons flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup milk
1/2 cup chicken broth
4 tablespoons parsley, minced (optional)
1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated

Steps:

  • Remove sausage from casing.
  • Cook in Skillet over medium heat until sausage loses it's red colour.
  • Stir often.
  • When cooked, pour off grease.
  • Set aside.
  • Cook macaroni according to package directions.
  • In saucepan, melt butter.
  • Saute onion in butter until softened.
  • Stir in flour.
  • Cook for one minute.
  • Add salt, pepper, milk, broth; stirring until blended.
  • Cook / stir for 1 minute until sauce is slightly thickened.
  • Add parsley and cheeses.
  • Combine cooked macaroni, sausage and cheese sauce.
  • Spoon mixture into a 1 1/2 quart oblong baking dish.
  • Bake 350 degrees F for 20 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
  • Sprinkle with additional cheese after 15 minutes if desired.
  • Enjoy!
  • Note - Substitute dry white wine for chicken broth, if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 569.9, Fat 32.5, SaturatedFat 15.5, Cholesterol 82.7, Sodium 1280.5, Carbohydrate 39.3, Fiber 1.6, Sugar 1.9, Protein 28.9

Tips:

  • Mise en place: Before you begin cooking, make sure you have all of your ingredients and equipment ready. This will help you stay organized and prevent any scrambling.
  • Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions. Be sure to not overcook it, as this will make the salad mushy.
  • Use a variety of vegetables. This will add color, texture, and flavor to the salad. Some good options include carrots, celery, bell peppers, onions, and cucumbers.
  • Use a flavorful dressing. A good dressing will help to bring all of the flavors of the salad together. You can use a store-bought dressing or make your own. Some good options include a vinaigrette, a creamy dressing, or a mayonnaise-based dressing.
  • Add some protein. This will help to make the salad more filling. Some good options include cooked chicken, ham, or tofu.
  • Chill the salad before serving. This will help to allow the flavors to meld together and will make the salad more refreshing.

Conclusion:

Macaroni medley salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is perfect for a potluck, picnic, or summer barbecue. With its variety of vegetables, protein, and dressing, it is sure to be a hit with everyone. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy salad recipe, give macaroni medley salad a try. You won't be disappointed!

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