Best 5 Scandinavian Inspired Macaroni Salad Recipes

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Transport yourself to the heart of Scandinavia with our delectable macaroni salad, a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that pays homage to the region's culinary traditions. This delightful dish features tender macaroni enveloped in a creamy, tangy dressing, complemented by an array of crisp vegetables, savory bacon, and a hint of sweetness from diced apple. Experience the perfect balance of flavors and textures with every bite. Discover this Scandinavian-inspired macaroni salad and embark on a culinary journey through the Nordic lands.

Let's cook with our recipes!

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

CUBANO MACARONI SALAD



Cubano Macaroni Salad image

One of my favorite sandwiches is a hot Cubano, piled high with juicy pork, layers of ham and melty Swiss cheese. These same ingredients are amazing turned into a macaroni salad. -Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch     Side Dishes

Time 25m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
1 cup cubed cooked pork
1 cup cubed fully cooked ham
1/2 cup chopped sweet pickles
1/2 cup chopped onion

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water. Cool completely., For dressing, in a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sugar, mustard, salt and pepper. In a large bowl, combine cheese, pork, ham, pickles and onion. Add dressing; gently to coat. Refrigerate until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 300 calories, Fat 22g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 33mg cholesterol, Sodium 402mg sodium, Carbohydrate 14g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 12g protein.

POLYNESIAN-INSPIRED MACARONI SALAD



Polynesian-Inspired Macaroni Salad image

I have always loved SPAM, so I decided to combine it with pineapple to make this Polynesian-inspired macaroni salad recipe. It reminds me of vacationing in Hawaii. -Susan Bickta, Kutztown, Pennsylvania

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch     Side Dishes

Time 30m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 can (12 ounces) regular or teriyaki SPAM, cubed
1 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 can (8 ounces) unsweetened pineapple tidbits, drained
1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
1 can (8 ounces) sliced water chestnuts, drained and chopped
4 green onions, chopped

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water. Cool completely. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Cook Spam until golden brown, about 8 minutes. Cool completely., For dressing, in a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sugar, mustard, salt and pepper. In a large bowl, combine pineapple, red pepper, water chestnuts, cooled Spam and macaroni. Add dressing; gently toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving. Top with green onions before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 351 calories, Fat 27g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 26mg cholesterol, Sodium 655mg sodium, Carbohydrate 20g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 7g protein.

CAPRESE MACARONI SALAD



Caprese Macaroni Salad image

When fresh tomatoes and basil are abundant in the summer, I like to make this wonderful Caprese macaroni salad. -Debbie Glasscock, Conway, Arkansas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch     Side Dishes

Time 20m

Yield 7 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Italian salad dressing mix
2 teaspoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese pearls
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, slivered
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water. Cool completely., For dressing, in a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, dressing mix, sugar, mustard, salt and pepper. In a large bowl, combine tomatoes, mozzarella and macaroni. Add dressing; gently toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving. Top with basil and Parmesan before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 397 calories, Fat 31g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 29mg cholesterol, Sodium 458mg sodium, Carbohydrate 20g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 10g protein.

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

Tips:

  • Use a good quality mayonnaise. This will make a big difference in the flavor of the salad.
  • If you don't have sour cream, you can substitute plain yogurt or buttermilk.
  • Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as dill, parsley, or chives, to the salad for extra flavor.
  • If you like a sweeter salad, you can add a tablespoon or two of sugar or honey to the dressing.
  • Serve the salad chilled for the best flavor.

Conclusion:

A Scandinavian-inspired macaroni salad is a refreshing and delicious side dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With its creamy dressing, crisp vegetables, and tender macaroni, this salad is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

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