Best 6 Red Macaroni Salad Recipes

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In the realm of summer cookouts, picnics, and potlucks, one dish reigns supreme: the vibrant and delectable red macaroni salad. This classic side dish, also known as American macaroni salad or hamburger macaroni salad, is a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. With its vibrant red hue, creamy dressing, tender macaroni, and an array of crisp vegetables, this salad is a feast for the eyes and a delight to the palate. Our collection of red macaroni salad recipes offers a diverse range of variations, each with its unique twist on this beloved dish. From the classic recipe with its tangy mayonnaise-based dressing to lighter versions featuring Greek yogurt or avocado, there's a red macaroni salad recipe to suit every taste preference. Whether you prefer a simple and straightforward preparation or one bursting with bold flavors and unexpected ingredients, our recipes have got you covered. So, gather your favorite picnic blanket, invite your friends and family, and prepare to indulge in the irresistible charm of red macaroni salad.

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

THE BEST MACARONI SALAD EVER



The Best Macaroni Salad Ever image

This macaroni salad recipe is creamy but still light, sweet but tangy, and has a wonderful mix of flavor, spice, and texture. And you can make it fast, in less than 30 minutes!

Categories     main dish     salad

Time 25m

Yield 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

4 c. elbow macaroni
1/2 c. mayonnaise
1 tbsp. red wine or distilled vinegar
3 tsp. sugar, more or less to taste
1/4 tsp. salt, more to taste
Plenty of black pepper
1/4 c. milk (more if needed)
Splash of pickle juice, more to taste
3 whole roasted red peppers, more to taste (can also use pimentos)
1/2 c. black olives, finely chopped
6 sweet/spicy pickle slices, diced (about 1/2 cup diced)
3 green onions, sliced (white and dark green parts)

Steps:

  • Cook the macaroni in lightly salted water according to the package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.
  • Mix together the mayo, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Splash in enough milk to make it pourable. Splash in pickle juice for extra flavor. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Set aside.
  • Place the cooled macaroni in a large bowl and pour in 3/4 of the dressing. Toss and add more dressing if you'd like. (The dressing will seem a little thin, but it will thicken up as the salad chills.)
  • Stir in the roasted red peppers (or pimentos), olives, pickles, and green onions. Add more of any ingredient if you'd like more stuff going on! At the end, splash in a little more pickle juice and stir.
  • Chill for at least 2 hours before serving. Sprinkle with sliced green onions to serve!

SUMMER MACARONI SALAD



Summer Macaroni Salad image

When we grill, my mother asks me to make this summer pasta salad. To make it extra creamy, I like to keep a small amount of dressing separate and stir it in just before serving. -Carly Curtin, Ellicott City, Maryland

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch     Side Dishes

Time 40m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 package (16 ounces) elbow macaroni
1 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
3 to 4 tablespoons water or 2% milk
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 small sweet yellow, orange or red pepper, finely chopped
1 small green pepper, finely chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 celery rib, finely chopped
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain; rinse with cold water and drain again., In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, water, vinegar, sugar and seasonings until blended. In a large bowl, combine macaroni, peppers, onion and celery. Add 1 cup dressing; toss gently to coat. Refrigerate, covered, until cold, about 2 hours. Cover and refrigerate remaining dressing to add just before serving., To serve, stir in reserved dressing. Sprinkle with parsley.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 160 calories, Fat 6g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 5mg cholesterol, Sodium 320mg sodium, Carbohydrate 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 1g 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

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

"RED" MACARONI SALAD



This is not your usual macaroni salad....there is no Miracle Whip in this. When i first saw it i was a little put off because of the looks of it, but was sooo surprised when i tasted it!!Glad i did! Tasty & a nice change.(I put 1 day for cook time as this is best made ahead of time,i am guessing on servings also as it depends on the appetites and the venue!)

Provided by Rhonda J

Categories     Low Cholesterol

Time P1DT30m

Yield 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 (1 lb) box elbow macaroni, cooked,drained & cooled
1 green pepper, diced small
1 onion, diced
3 -4 stalks celery, sliced small (up to one cup can be used)
1 cup fresh tomato, diced
1 cup cucumber, diced
1 cup oil
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup lemon juice
3/4 cup ketchup

Steps:

  • In large mixing bowl, combine your macaroni& diced veggies.
  • (first 6 ingredients.) In another bowl, combine sauce ingredients, blending well.
  • (or combine them in a covered container and shake well.) Pour sauce over the macaroni& vegetables.
  • Mix well& chill.
  • This can be made up to a day before for fullest flavour.
  • Great for a BBQ!
  • May be kept 3-4 days in refrigerator.

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:

  • Use high-quality macaroni. The best macaroni for this salad is a high-quality, short-cut pasta like elbow macaroni or penne.
  • Cook the macaroni al dente. Do not overcook the macaroni, or it will become mushy. Cook it al dente, so it still has a slight bite to it.
  • Use a flavorful dressing. The dressing is what makes this salad so delicious. Use a dressing that is flavorful and has a tangy flavor, such as a vinaigrette or a mayonnaise-based dressing.
  • Add your favorite vegetables. This salad is a great way to use up leftover vegetables. Add any vegetables that you like, such as celery, carrots, bell peppers, or tomatoes.
  • Chill the salad before serving. This salad is best served chilled. Chill it for at least an hour before serving, or even overnight.

Conclusion:

Red macaroni salad is a classic summer side dish that is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. With its vibrant color and delicious flavor, this salad is sure to be a hit at your next potluck or barbecue.

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