Best 7 Marinated Macaroni Salad Recipes

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Macaroni salad is the perfect dish to cool off on a hot summer day or elevate any cookout or picnic. It's a versatile side dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients, allowing you to customize it to your own taste preferences. From the traditional to the unique, this article offers a collection of macaroni salad recipes that are sure to please everyone. These recipes include the classic macaroni salad with a mayonnaise-based dressing, a tangy vinegar-based dressing, a creamy avocado dressing, a flavorful pesto dressing, and a refreshing Mediterranean-inspired dressing. With step-by-step instructions and a variety of options to choose from, you'll be able to create a delicious macaroni salad that will be the star of your next gathering.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

MARINATED ITALIAN PASTA SALAD



Marinated Italian Pasta Salad image

When I have guests coming over or a busy day ahead, I like to make this salad because I prepare it the day before.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 15m

Yield 12-16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 package (16 ounces) medium pasta shells
1/4 pound hard salami, cubed
1/4 pound sliced pepperoni, halved
1 block (4 ounces) provolone cheese, cubed
4 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped
4 celery ribs, chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1/2 cup sliced pimiento-stuffed olives
1/2 cup sliced ripe olives
1 bottle (8 ounces) Italian salad dressing
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions; drain pasta and rinse in cold water. , Place in a gallon-size resealable plastic bag; add the salami, pepperoni, cheese, vegetables and olives. Add the salad dressing, oregano and pepper; seal and turn to coat. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Transfer to a serving bowl.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 261 calories, Fat 14g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 18mg cholesterol, Sodium 704mg sodium, Carbohydrate 25g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 9g protein.

ITALIAN PASTA SALAD RECIPE



Italian Pasta Salad Recipe image

This is one satisfying and flavor-packed cold pasta salad with crunchy veggies, fresh herbs, rustic old-world salami, tangy olives, and mozzarella. A zesty Italian dressing brings it all together.

Provided by Suzy Karadsheh

Categories     Salad

Number Of Ingredients 18

¾ lb pasta, ((I recommend fusilli or rotini pasta) )
Kosher salt
1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
1 bell pepper (any color, cored and chopped)
1 shallot (chopped)
1 cup marinated artichoke hearts (6 ounces)
1/4 cup pitted kalamata olives
6 pepperoncini, (chopped)
6 to 8 ounces salami, (sliced into bite size pieces )
6 ounces mozzarella cheese, (torn (or mozzarella cheese balls))
½ cup packed chopped fresh parsley
½ cup packed chopped fresh basil leaves
¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 garlic cloves, (minced)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Kosher salt and black pepper

Steps:

  • Cook the pasta in boiling water according to package instructions until the pasta is cooked to al dante (don't forget to salt your water). Drain
  • In a large bowl, mix the pasta with the tomatoes, chopped veggies, artichoke hearts, olives, pepperoncini, salami, mozzarella, and fresh herbs.
  • In a small bowl or measuring cup, mix the dressing ingredients together.
  • Pour the dressing over the pasta and toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 292.3 kcal, Carbohydrate 31.1 g, Protein 13.2 g, SaturatedFat 4.6 g, Cholesterol 26.9 mg, Sodium 748.4 mg, Fiber 2.7 g, ServingSize 1 serving

MARINATED MACARONI SALAD



Marinated Macaroni Salad image

This is an excellent macaroni salad that everyone in my family has made over the years, and now I make. We have this with dinner at least once a week or every two weeks. It's a hit with everyone, as there's ketchup and sugar in it for the kids. Just try it; you'll LOVE it!

Provided by KillerKitty

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Tomato Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 1h40m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 cup canola oil
⅔ cup white sugar
⅔ cup ketchup
½ cup white vinegar
2 teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
4 cups rotini pasta
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 small onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 cup chopped cucumber

Steps:

  • Whisk canola oil, sugar, ketchup, vinegar, salt, and black pepper together in a bowl. Set aside to let the flavors blend for 30 minutes.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes; drain. Rinse with cold water to cool; drain.
  • Combine cooled pasta, tomatoes, onion, green bell pepper, and cucumber in a bowl.
  • Drizzle the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to coat.
  • Chill in refrigerator for 1 hour before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 503.5 calories, Carbohydrate 56.7 g, Fat 28.8 g, Fiber 2.4 g, Protein 6.5 g, SaturatedFat 2.2 g, Sodium 809.7 mg, Sugar 24.3 g

MARINATED MACARONI SALAD



Marinated Macaroni Salad image

This is a tasty salad. You do not have to use all the macaroni at once, just keep it in the fridge and add the veggie's and mayo when you are ready to serve it. You can go wild with add ins, I like frozen peas, shredded cheddar etc.

Provided by yamma

Categories     Weeknight

Time 4h5m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 (8 ounce) box macaroni, cooked and drained
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 cup oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons vinegar
1/2 cup green pepper, chopped
1 small sweet onion, chopped
1/2 cup chopped celery
1 (4 ounce) jar pimientos
4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
3/4 cup mayonnaise, to taste (I use about 3/4 cup)

Steps:

  • Mix sugar, mustard, paprika, oil, lemon juice, and vinegar until blended.
  • Pour mixture over cooked macaroni.
  • Cover and place in fridge for at least 4 hours (can be chilled overnight).
  • Before serving, add onion, celery, green pepper and pimento.
  • Add chopped eggs and enough mayonnaise to suit your taste.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 702.4, Fat 34.8, SaturatedFat 5.8, Cholesterol 223.5, Sodium 393.6, Carbohydrate 84, Fiber 3.3, Sugar 31.8, Protein 15

MARINATED CUCUMBER PASTA SALAD



Marinated Cucumber Pasta Salad image

The sweet-and-sour dressing in this recipe is a nice change of pace from more traditional varieties. My nursing supervisor shared the recipe with me...and I'm glad she did!-Sue Dorrance, West Bend, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 20m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 package (16 ounces) mostaccioli
1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
6 green onions, chopped
MARINADE:
1 cup sugar
1 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup canola oil
1 jar (2 ounces) diced pimientos, drained
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • Cook mostaccioli according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. In a large bowl, combine the mostaccioli, cucumber and onions., In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the marinade ingredients; shake well. Pour over pasta mixture; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate overnight, stirring occasionally. Serve with a slotted spoon.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 188 calories, Fat 4g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 166mg sodium, Carbohydrate 35g carbohydrate (14g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

PASTA SALAD WITH MARINATED TOMATOES AND TUNA



Pasta Salad With Marinated Tomatoes and Tuna image

Fresh, quick-marinated tomatoes make the best sauces for pasta salad because not much needs to be done beyond tossing the tomatoes with hot pasta, salt and olive oil. The juices from the tomatoes and the heat create a gloriously glossy combination. Feel free to make this pasta salad ahead of time, then toss in flaked tuna right before serving.

Provided by Sue Li

Categories     dinner, easy, lunch, quick, weeknight, poultry, salads and dressings, seafood, main course

Time 25m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

3 pints cherry tomatoes (about 2 pounds), halved
1/2 cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1 large shallot, thinly sliced
3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
2 to 3 sprigs fresh oregano
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
Kosher salt and black pepper
1 pound casarecce or other short pasta
2 (6-ounce) jars tuna packed in olive oil, drained

Steps:

  • Toss cherry tomatoes, olive oil, shallot, garlic, oregano and vinegar in a large bowl. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper and let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil and season generously with salt.
  • Add pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente, 8 to 10 minutes, depending on the shape and brand of pasta. With a spider or slotted spoon, strain pasta directly into tomato mixture and toss to combine. Season to taste with more salt and pepper.
  • Stir in flakes of tuna and serve with a drizzle of olive oil on top. The pasta can be served hot or at room temperature.

MARINATED PASTA SALAD



Marinated Pasta Salad image

Make and share this Marinated Pasta Salad recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Jamie Fosnight

Categories     < 30 Mins

Time 30m

Yield 1/2 cup, 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 lb tri-color spiral pasta
1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
1 (2 1/4 ounce) can black olives, sliced
1/2 red onion, diced
1 (14 ounce) can marinated artichoke hearts, diced
1/2 lb fresh mozzarella cheese, cheesecubed
2 bell peppers, cut into small strips (1 red and 1 yellow)
0.5 (3 1/2 ounce) package pepperoni
3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
fresh ground pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried parsley

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse. Meanwhile, in a small bowl combine all dressing ingredients and chill. In a large bowl, combine all other ingredients. Pour dressing over the top and mix slightly, refrigerate at least one hour or overnight.
  • If necessary, add another T of oil, few splashes of vinegar and a pinch of salt before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 555.3, Fat 31, SaturatedFat 7.8, Cholesterol 29.6, Sodium 848.2, Carbohydrate 53.4, Fiber 5.9, Sugar 2.9, Protein 17.4

Tips:

  • For the best flavor, use high-quality ingredients. Choose fresh, ripe vegetables and flavorful macaroni.
  • Don't overcook the macaroni. It should be cooked al dente, or slightly firm to the bite.
  • Allow the macaroni salad to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will give the flavors time to meld.
  • Serve the macaroni salad with your favorite toppings. Some popular options include chopped hard-boiled eggs, diced celery, red onion, or pickles.
  • Marinated macaroni salad is a versatile dish that can be served as a side dish, main course, or potluck dish.

Conclusion:

Marinated macaroni salad is a classic summer dish that is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. With its creamy, tangy dressing and variety of colorful vegetables, it's a dish that is sure to brighten up any picnic or potluck. So next time you're looking for a simple and delicious dish to serve, give marinated macaroni salad a try.

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