Best 4 Macaroni Salad Virginia Style Recipes

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In the realm of summer cookouts and potlucks, macaroni salad reigns supreme, offering a delightful symphony of flavors and textures. Originating from humble beginnings, this classic dish has evolved into a beloved staple, particularly in the vibrant state of Virginia. In this culinary adventure, we present you with two distinctive macaroni salad recipes, each boasting its own unique charm.

Our first recipe, the beloved Classic Virginia Macaroni Salad, embodies the essence of tradition with its simple yet harmonious blend of ingredients. Elbow macaroni, boiled to perfection, provides the foundation for this salad, complemented by a symphony of crisp celery, sweet onion, and vibrant red bell pepper. Hard-boiled eggs add a touch of protein and richness, while tangy dill pickles and sweet pickle relish impart a delightful sourness. A creamy dressing, skillfully prepared with mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, and sugar, envelops the salad in a velvety embrace, harmonizing the flavors into a cohesive delight.

Venturing beyond the classic, our second recipe, the Elevated Virginia Macaroni Salad, takes this dish to new heights of culinary artistry. Featuring a medley of textures and flavors, this salad showcases tender roasted red peppers, earthy mushrooms, and succulent bacon, adding depth and complexity to each bite. A zesty dressing, infused with Dijon mustard and fresh herbs, elevates this salad to a gourmet status, leaving taste buds tantalized and satisfied.

Both recipes, while distinct in their approach, share a common goal: to provide you with a refreshing and flavorful side dish that will elevate any summer gathering. Whether you prefer the simplicity of the Classic Virginia Macaroni Salad or the sophisticated allure of the Elevated version, these recipes guarantee a culinary experience that will leave your guests craving more. So gather your ingredients, don your apron, and embark on this delightful journey into the world of Virginia-style macaroni salad.

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

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

CLASSIC MACARONI SALAD



Classic Macaroni Salad image

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

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 cup fat-free mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
2 teaspoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/3 cup chopped carrot
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 hard-boiled large egg, chopped
Dash paprika

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



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



Macaroni Salad image

Provided by Virginia Willis

Categories     side-dish

Time 2h30m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

Coarse kosher salt
One 16-ounce box elbow macaroni
1 cup shredded mild Cheddar cheese (4 ounces)
1/2 cup mayonnaise, or to taste
2 teaspoons celery seed
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, or to taste
3 carrots, shredded
3 celery stalks, very finely chopped
1/2 sweet onion, very finely chopped
Freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the macaroni and cook until tender, about 10 minutes, or according to the package instructions. Drain well in a colander and rinse well under cold running water until cool. Shake well to remove excess water. Transfer to a large bowl.
  • Once the macaroni is cooled, add the cheese, mayonnaise, celery seed, mustard, carrots, celery and onions. Stir well to combine and season with salt and pepper. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator until cold, at least 2 hours. Taste and adjust for seasoning with salt, pepper and mayonnaise just before serving.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh vegetables, flavorful cheese, and a tangy dressing will make all the difference in the taste of your macaroni salad.
  • Cook the macaroni al dente: This will prevent it from becoming mushy in the salad.
  • Chill the macaroni before assembling the salad: This will help to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
  • Use a light hand with the dressing: You don't want the salad to be too heavy or greasy.
  • Add some fresh herbs or spices to the salad: This will give it an extra pop of flavor.
  • Serve the salad immediately or chill it for later: Macaroni salad is best when served fresh, but it can also be chilled for a few hours before serving.

Conclusion:

Virginia-style macaroni salad is a classic summer dish that is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. With its creamy dressing, crunchy vegetables, and flavorful cheese, it's the perfect side dish for any cookout or picnic. So next time you're looking for a delicious and refreshing salad, give Virginia-style macaroni salad a try. You won't be disappointed!

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