Best 8 Macaroni Salad With A Twist Recipes

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Macaroni salad is a classic summer dish that is perfect for potlucks, picnics, and backyard barbecues. It is a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients, making it a great way to use up leftover vegetables or meats. This article provides three unique macaroni salad recipes with a twist, each offering a different flavor profile to tantalize your taste buds.

The first recipe, "Tangy Mustard Macaroni Salad," adds a zesty kick to the classic dish with a tangy mustard dressing. The second recipe, "Mediterranean Macaroni Salad," incorporates flavors from the Mediterranean region with ingredients like feta cheese, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes. The third recipe, "Spicy Southwest Macaroni Salad," brings a south-of-the-border flair with a spicy dressing made with chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Whether you prefer tangy, Mediterranean, or spicy flavors, these macaroni salad recipes are sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

Let's cook with our recipes!

MACARONI SALAD WITH A TWIST



Macaroni Salad with a Twist image

I was messin' around in my kitchen trying to put a twist on my traditional macaroni salad recipe. I tried several different dishes before I came up with this one. Now my friends and family can't get enough of it! I recommend making it a day ahead and chilling it overnight to really develop the flavors.

Provided by Sean

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Macaroni Salad Recipes

Time 4h28m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 (16 ounce) package small seashell pasta
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 Vidalia or sweet onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
¼ cup grated carrots
1 pound diced cooked ham

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta, and cook until al dente, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain pasta, but do not rinse. Let stand 5 minutes.
  • To make the dressing, combine the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Set aside.
  • Combine the onion, celery, bell pepper, carrots, and ham in a large bowl. Stir in the dressing. Add the pasta and toss gently to blend all ingredients. Chill at least 4 hours before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 581.9 calories, Carbohydrate 64.1 g, Cholesterol 43.9 mg, Fat 29.2 g, Fiber 2.9 g, Protein 17.7 g, SaturatedFat 5.5 g, Sodium 1415.5 mg, Sugar 20.3 g

A TWIST ON PASTA SALAD



A Twist on Pasta Salad image

"I lightened up this recipe i found on the back of a pasta box many years ago," writes Pat Morris, Marlton, New Jersey. "it's become a staple at our home and for family gatherings."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 50m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

1-1/4 cups uncooked tricolor spiral pasta
1/4 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
1 large sweet red pepper, julienned
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions; rinse under cold water. Drain. In a large bowl, whisk together the broth, vinegar, oil, garlic, sugar, basil and salt. Add pasta, broccoli, tomatoes, pepper and Parmesan and toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 104 calories, Fat 3g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 2mg cholesterol, Sodium 221mg sodium, Carbohydrate 16g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

CHICKEN SALAD WITH A TWIST



Chicken Salad with a Twist image

This colorful salad will disappear fast at your next potluck. I got the recipe from my cousin, who always has great dishes at her parties...and this recipe is no exception! -Valerie Hotl Cartersville, Georgia

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

8 ounces uncooked spiral pasta
2-1/2 cups cubed cooked chicken
1 medium onion, chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped
1 medium cucumber, seeded and chopped
1/2 cup sliced ripe olives
1/3 cup zesty Italian salad dressing
1/3 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons spicy brown or horseradish mustard
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 plum tomatoes, chopped

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, chicken, onion, celery, cucumber and olives. , In a small bowl, whisk the Italian dressing, mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Pour over salad and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or until chilled. Just before serving, fold in tomatoes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 215 calories, Fat 10g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 28mg cholesterol, Sodium 338mg sodium, Carbohydrate 18g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 12g protein.

MACARONI SALAD WITH A TWIST



Macaroni Salad with a Twist image

Found this among some recipes I pinched years ago. It is a nice twist on an old favorite.

Provided by Kathy W

Categories     Pasta Salads

Time 20m

Number Of Ingredients 8

4 c cooked macaroni, drained and cooled
2 Tbsp onion, finely diced
1/2 c radishes, sliced
1 c celery, sliced
1/2 c mayonnaise
1 1/2-2 Tbsp spicy brown mustard
1 1/2-2 tsp prepared horseradish
salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  • 1. Combine macaroni, onion, radishes and celery in a large bowl.
  • 2. In a small bowl combine mayonnaise, mustard, horseradish, salt and pepper. Whisk until well blended and smooth.
  • 3. Pour over macaroni mixture and toss. Chill.
  • 4. Note: If you want more of a "kick", add a little finely minced jalapeno.

MACARONI SALAD WITH A TWIST!



Macaroni Salad With a Twist! image

This was a brain storm idea from my husband because he loves Tony Packos Sweet Hot pickles so I tried it a couple of weeks ago and he said it was the best macaroni salad I had ever made and I have been making it for a long time. Hope you enjoy it.

Provided by jakpak 353708

Categories     < 4 Hours

Time 1h40m

Yield 6 cups, 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 cups elbow macaroni
1 cup tony packos sweet hots pickle juice
2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
1 cup cubed sharp cheddar cheese (small cubes)
1 cup Miracle Whip
1 small onion, diced
6 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni and drain.
  • Put macaroni in a bowl and pour pickle juice over it while it is still hot.
  • Let set for about an hour and then drain juice and discard.
  • Mix macaroni with remaining ingredients and put in fridge for 4-6 hours or overnight. Preparation time includes marinating the macaroni.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 442, Fat 18.2, SaturatedFat 8.6, Cholesterol 347.7, Sodium 332.4, Carbohydrate 44.8, Fiber 2, Sugar 3.9, Protein 23.5

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

PASTA SALAD WITH A TWIST



Pasta Salad with a twist image

Make and share this Pasta Salad with a twist recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Ladybug II

Categories     < 30 Mins

Time 20m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

10 ounces rotini pasta (Colored)
4 -6 ounces linguine
1 cucumber
1 head fresh broccoli (chopped)
1 head lettuce (chopped)
3 -4 tomatoes
8 ounces shredded italian cheese
1 bottle red wine and vinegar salad dressing (I use fat-free)
1 -3 teaspoon sugar (I use 6-8 equal packets)
parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Cook and drain all pasta.
  • Mix all salad dressing and sugar up.
  • In a large bowl, Layer half of pasta, Layer lettuce, Sprinkle half package of cheese, Add chopped tomatoes, broccoli, cucumber.
  • Pour half of mixed dressing and stir.
  • Then repeat all steps.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 309.5, Fat 8, SaturatedFat 4.5, Cholesterol 18.1, Sodium 301.2, Carbohydrate 46.2, Fiber 3.7, Sugar 3.9, Protein 13.9

SIMPLE MACARONI SALAD



Simple Macaroni Salad image

An easy mac salad that is excellent for parties, picnics and those summer day barbeques.

Provided by Samantha

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Macaroni Salad Recipes

Time 2h30m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 (16 ounce) package macaroni
2 red bell peppers, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
½ cup chopped green onions
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup mayonnaise
1 packet dry vegetable soup mix

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain, and rinse with cold water until no longer hot. Transfer noodles to a large bowl.
  • Stir in red bell peppers, green bell peppers, green onions, celery and olive oil. Mix in mayonnaise and soup mix. Refrigerate for a few hours before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 435.7 calories, Carbohydrate 45.8 g, Cholesterol 10.4 mg, Fat 24.5 g, Fiber 2.9 g, Protein 8.1 g, SaturatedFat 3.7 g, Sodium 179.7 mg, Sugar 4.3 g

Tips:

  • Choosing the Right Pasta: Select a short pasta like elbow macaroni or bow-tie pasta for the perfect texture and shape that holds the dressing well.
  • Cooking the Pasta: Cook the pasta al dente, following the package instructions. Drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from becoming mushy.
  • Cooling the Pasta: Allow the cooked pasta to cool completely before assembling the salad. This prevents the pasta from absorbing the dressing too quickly and becoming soggy.
  • Preparing the Dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar (either apple cider or Dijon), celery seeds, sugar, salt, and pepper. For a tangy twist, add a squeeze of lemon juice or a teaspoon of prepared horseradish.
  • Adding Vegetables: Vegetables should be cut into bite-sized pieces for even distribution. Popular choices include celery, onion, bell pepper, cucumber, and carrots. For a sweet crunch, add some chopped grapes or pineapple.
  • Mixing the Salad: Gently combine the cooked pasta, dressing, and vegetables in a large bowl. Toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
  • Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the macaroni salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the salad to develop its full potential.
  • Garnishing: Before serving, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley, chives, or dill over the salad for an extra pop of color and freshness.

Conclusion:

Macaroni salad is a versatile and delicious side dish, perfect for picnics, potlucks, and summer gatherings. With its simple ingredients and endless variations, it's a crowd-pleaser that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Experiment with different vegetables, herbs, and dressings to create your own unique macaroni salad recipe that suits your taste preferences. Whether you prefer a classic recipe or a more adventurous twist, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for a refreshing and flavorful side dish that complements any main course.

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