In the realm of summer cookouts, picnics, and potlucks, one dish reigns supreme: the magnificent macaroni salad. This classic dish, often associated with warm weather gatherings, is a symphony of flavors and textures that delights the palate and brings people together. With its vibrant colors, satisfying crunch, and creamy, tangy dressing, macaroni salad is a versatile side dish that complements grilled meats, fried chicken, and fresh salads. In this article, we present a collection of extraordinary macaroni salad recipes that will elevate your culinary repertoire and make you the star of any gathering. From the traditional to the innovative, these recipes offer a delightful array of flavors and ingredients, ensuring that there's a macaroni salad for every taste and occasion. Dive into this comprehensive guide and discover the secrets to creating the perfect macaroni salad that will leave your guests craving more.
Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!
MACARONI SALAD
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
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
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
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
CLASSIC MACARONI SALAD
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
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
OLD-FASHIONED MACARONI SALAD
Provided by Food Network
Categories side-dish
Time 2h35m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- To make the hard-boiled eggs: Add the eggs to a medium-sized saucepan. Cover with cold water and bring up to a boil over medium heat. Cover with a lid and turn off the heat. Let the eggs sit in the hot water for 14 minutes. Drain and cool under cold running water. Peel the eggs and chop. Reserve.
- While the eggs are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat and add the macaroni. Cook until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large serving bowl, combine the eggs, ham steak, celery, shallots and lemon juice Add the macaroni and stir to combine.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, pickled relish, and salt and pepper, to taste. Add the dressing to the macaroni and toss to coat. Season with more salt and pepper, if needed. Cover and chill for 2 hours for the flavors to meld.
MAGNIFICENT MACARONI SALAD
This is a wonderful salad that goes great with everything. I'm not particularly fond of elbow macaroni so I experimented with the shells. Don't expect this to last for another meal. It'll be gone before you know it.
Provided by Carole Whitmore
Categories Tuna
Time 40m
Yield 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Cook shells per directions.
- Remove yolks from hard boiled eggs.
- Mash egg yolks with buttermilk, mayo, sugar, salt and pepper.
- This makes the dressing.
- Drain shells and rinse with cold water.
- Add onion, celery, tuna fish, green and red pepper to shells.
- Dice egg whites and add to shells.
- Pour dressing over shells.
- Add paprika and parsley.
- Toss.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 123, Fat 5, SaturatedFat 1.6, Cholesterol 186.1, Sodium 88.7, Carbohydrate 12.6, Fiber 1.3, Sugar 10.7, Protein 7.1
CHEF JOHN'S CLASSIC MACARONI SALAD
Whether it's sitting next to some smoky ribs or just a humble hot dog, this deli-style macaroni salad will always be a crowd favorite, as long as you pay attention to a few key details.
Provided by Chef John
Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Macaroni Salad Recipes
Time 4h33m
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Whisk 1 cup mayonnaise, vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper together in a bowl until well blended; whisk in sugar. Stir in celery, red bell pepper, carrot, onions, and jalapeno and poblano peppers. Refrigerate until macaroni is ready to dress.
- Bring a large pot of well salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain but do not rinse. Allow macaroni to drain in a colander about 5 minutes, shaking out moisture from time to time. Pour macaroni into large bowl; toss to separate and cool to room temperature. Macaroni should be sticky.
- Pour dressing over macaroni and stir until dressing is evenly distributed. Cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or, ideally, overnight to allow dressing to absorb into the macaroni.
- Stir salad before serving. Mix 1 tablespoon mayonnaise and 1 tablespoon water into salad for fresher look.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 294.5 calories, Carbohydrate 32 g, Cholesterol 7.4 mg, Fat 16.1 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 5.4 g, SaturatedFat 2.4 g, Sodium 508.1 mg, Sugar 3.2 g
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Organic vegetables, fresh herbs, and a good quality mayonnaise will make a big difference.
- Cook the macaroni pasta according to the package directions, but drain it a little early so that it is still slightly firm. This will prevent it from becoming mushy in the salad.
- Allow the macaroni to cool completely before adding it to the salad. This will help to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
- Add the vegetables and other ingredients to the macaroni and toss to coat. Be gentle so that you don't break up the macaroni.
- Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve the macaroni salad with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream.
Conclusion:
This macaroni salad is a classic summer side dish that is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. With its creamy dressing, crunchy vegetables, and tender macaroni, it's the perfect dish to serve at a picnic, potluck, or barbecue. So next time you're looking for a delicious and refreshing side dish, give this macaroni salad a try!
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