Best 2 Old Fashioned Macaroni Salad Recipes

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Macaroni salad, a classic American dish, is a delightful blend of cooked macaroni, mayonnaise, and a variety of other ingredients. Often served at picnics, potlucks, and backyard barbecues, it's a versatile dish that can be customized to personal preferences. This article presents a collection of macaroni salad recipes, each offering a unique twist on this timeless dish. From the classic version with its creamy mayonnaise dressing and crunchy vegetables to variations featuring tangy vinaigrettes, flavorful herbs, and unexpected ingredients like bacon or avocado, these recipes cater to a wide range of tastes. Whether you're a traditionalist or an adventurous foodie, you're sure to find the perfect macaroni salad recipe to satisfy your cravings.

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

OLD-FASHIONED CHICKEN MACARONI SALAD



Old-Fashioned Chicken Macaroni Salad image

"My sister gave me the recipe for this creamy pasta salad about 25 years ago," Nola Erbe jots from Lodi, Wisconsin. "It's great to make for watching football games on TV. I serve it with potato chips, celery and pickles.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 25m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

2/3 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
1/3 cup frozen corn
1 cup cubed cooked chicken
1/4 cup sliced celery
1 hard-boiled large egg, chopped
2 tablespoons chopped green pepper
1 tablespoon chopped onion
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons white vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. Cook corn according to package directions; drain and cool. , In a serving bowl, combine the macaroni, corn, chicken, celery, egg, green pepper and onion. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, vinegar, salt and pepper. Pour over salad and stir to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 337 calories, Fat 10g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 175mg cholesterol, Sodium 882mg sodium, Carbohydrate 34g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 28g protein.

OLD FASHIONED MACARONI SALAD



Old Fashioned Macaroni Salad image

My family has been making this for years, and it is my absolute favorite dish!

Provided by Jennie Minor

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Seafood Pasta Salad Recipes

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 cups macaroni
2 (5 ounce) cans tuna, drained
1 onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 ½ cups mayonnaise
2 tablespoons prepared mustard
salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Cook noodles in a large pot of boiling water until al dente. Rinse under cold water, and drain.
  • Mix tuna, onion, bell pepper, celery, garlic powder, mayonnaise, salt and pepper, and mustard together in a large bowl. Add pasta, and mix well.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 359.7 calories, Carbohydrate 19.9 g, Cholesterol 20.1 mg, Fat 26.9 g, Fiber 1.4 g, Protein 10.2 g, SaturatedFat 4.1 g, Sodium 243.9 mg, Sugar 2.2 g

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh vegetables, flavorful cheeses, and a good-quality mayonnaise will make a big difference in the taste of your macaroni salad.
  • Cook the macaroni al dente: This means cooking it until it is tender but still has a slight bite to it. Overcooked macaroni will become mushy and ruin the texture of the salad.
  • Cool the macaroni completely before adding the other ingredients: This will help to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
  • Use a light hand when dressing the salad: You don't want the salad to be too oily or mayonnaise-y. Start with a small amount of dressing and add more to taste.
  • Add some fresh herbs or spices to the salad for extra flavor: Dill, parsley, chives, basil, oregano, and garlic powder are all good options.
  • Serve the salad chilled: Macaroni salad is best when served cold. It can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 2 days.

Conclusion:

Macaroni salad is a classic summer side dish that is always a hit at potlucks and picnics. It is easy to make and can be customized to your own taste. With a few simple tips, you can make the best macaroni salad that everyone will love. So next time you are looking for a delicious and refreshing side dish, give this old-fashioned macaroni salad recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!

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