Best 4 Summer Chicken Macaroni Salad Recipes

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Indulge in a delightful culinary journey with our tantalizing summer chicken macaroni salad, a symphony of flavors that will elevate your taste buds. This classic dish, adorned with tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a creamy, tangy dressing, is a refreshing and satisfying treat perfect for warm-weather gatherings or as a light and flavorful meal.

Embark on a culinary adventure as you explore our diverse collection of macaroni salad recipes, each offering a unique twist on this beloved classic. From the zesty kick of our spicy macaroni salad, bursting with bold flavors, to the refreshing crunch of our Asian macaroni salad, infused with vibrant Asian-inspired ingredients, our selection caters to every palate.

For those seeking a classic macaroni salad experience, our traditional macaroni salad recipe delivers a nostalgic blend of flavors, while our Greek macaroni salad adds a Mediterranean flair with its tangy feta cheese and fresh herbs. And for the ultimate indulgence, our bacon macaroni salad elevates this classic dish to new heights with the addition of crispy bacon and a creamy, cheesy sauce.

Dive into a world of culinary delights as you explore our macaroni salad recipes, each promising a unique taste sensation. Whether you prefer bold and spicy, refreshing and tangy, or creamy and indulgent, our collection has something for everyone.

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

SUMMER CHICKEN MACARONI SALAD



Summer Chicken Macaroni Salad image

For sunny, lazy days, I make a loaded macaroni salad that's like three salads in one. The mix of fresh veggies, sweet peaches and crunchy pistachios is a surprisingly delicious combo. -Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 25m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 15

1-1/2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 rotisserie chicken, skin removed, shredded
3/4 cup fresh or frozen peas
5 green onions, finely chopped
2 celery ribs, thinly sliced
1/3 cup loosely packed basil leaves, thinly sliced
1/4 cup lemon juice, divided
1 teaspoon kosher salt
3/4 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
3/4 cup plain yogurt
3/4 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
3 medium peaches, peeled and sliced
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
3/4 cup pistachios

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, mix chicken, peas, onions, celery, basil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, salt and pepper. Drain macaroni; rinse with cold water, then drain again. Add to chicken mixture., Mix yogurt, mayonnaise and remaining lemon juice. Add to salad and mix well. Add peaches and cheeses; toss gently. Refrigerate at least 2 hours. Sprinkle with pistachios before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 312 calories, Fat 16g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 85mg cholesterol, Sodium 379mg sodium, Carbohydrate 13g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 29g protein.

COLD CHICKEN MACARONI SALAD



Cold Chicken Macaroni Salad image

Cold macaroni salad meets chicken salad... good recipe for leftovers. If you want more flavor add in your favorite fruit, veggie, or whatnot--such as celery, grapes, or frozen green peas. Happy eating.

Provided by Lori Roper

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Macaroni Salad Recipes

Time 1h35m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 each skinless, boneless chicken breasts, diced
4 cups elbow macaroni
4 large eggs
1 cup mayonnaise, or more to taste
4 teaspoons white sugar
4 teaspoons white vinegar
1 teaspoon onion salt
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon prepared yellow mustard
1 pinch ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add chicken; continue to boil until no longer pink in the middle, 15 to 20 minutes. Let sit until cool enough to handle, then dice into small bite-sized pieces.
  • While chicken cooks, bring a second large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain and rinse under cool water.
  • At the same time, place eggs in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil, remove from heat, and let eggs stand in hot water for 15 minutes. Remove eggs from hot water, cool under cold running water, and peel.
  • Mix mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, onion salt, salt, mustard, and pepper together in a large bowl. Mix in eggs, pasta, and chicken, adding a little more mayonnaise if too dry. Chill for 1 hour, to overnight.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 468.5 calories, Carbohydrate 42.5 g, Cholesterol 119.6 mg, Fat 25.8 g, Fiber 1.7 g, Protein 16.2 g, SaturatedFat 4.4 g, Sodium 733 mg, Sugar 4 g

SUMMER MACARONI SALAD



Summer Macaroni Salad image

This recipe has to be the best macaroni salad recipe ever! It has been loved by our family and friends for many years, and I have yet to meet a single person who didn't love it. Perfect for picnics and summer get-togethers.

Provided by starchaser

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Tomato Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 25m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 cups elbow macaroni
½ cup creamy salad dressing (such as Miracle Whip®)
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 tablespoon prepared yellow mustard
1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
½ teaspoon salt
1 dash ground black pepper
½ pint cherry tomatoes, chopped
2 stalks celery, diced
1 ½ tablespoons diced onion
1 dash paprika

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes.
  • While the macaroni is cooking, mix salad dressing, sugar, vinegar, mustard, relish, salt, and pepper together in a bowl.
  • Drain macaroni, rinse under cold water, and drain again. Add to the salad dressing mixture with tomatoes, celery, and onion. Stir until thoroughly coated. Sprinkle with paprika. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 219.8 calories, Carbohydrate 35.9 g, Cholesterol 6.7 mg, Fat 6.1 g, Fiber 1.8 g, Protein 5 g, SaturatedFat 0.8 g, Sodium 425.1 mg, Sugar 8.8 g

SUMMER CHICKEN SALAD



Summer Chicken Salad image

"Using a little imagination, I came up with this recipe for drop-in dinner guests one night," writes Diana Boschulte of Goodfield, Illinois. "It's so versatile. You can leave out the grapes and add chopped apples or vegetables instead."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 10m

Yield 2-3 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 cups cubed cooked chicken
1 celery rib, thinly sliced
1/2 cup seedless red grapes
1/3 cup raisins
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/3 cup chopped pecans
Leaf lettuce
Tomato slices, optional

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the chicken, celery, grapes and raisins. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, salt and pepper. Add to chicken mixture; toss to coat. Stir in pecans. Serve on lettuce. Garnish with tomato if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 605 calories, Fat 46g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 96mg cholesterol, Sodium 688mg sodium, Carbohydrate 20g carbohydrate (16g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 29g protein.

Tips:

  • For perfectly cooked macaroni, cook it al dente according to the package instructions and immediately transfer it to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and maintain its texture.
  • Use high-quality mayonnaise for a richer and more flavorful salad. If you have time, try making your own mayonnaise from scratch.
  • For the chicken, you can use either cooked or rotisserie chicken. If using raw chicken, cook it thoroughly before adding it to the salad.
  • Add your favorite vegetables to the salad, such as chopped celery, red onion, or shredded carrots.
  • For a more flavorful salad, marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, herbs, and spices before cooking.
  • Garnish the salad with fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or chives.

Conclusion:

This Summer Chicken Macaroni Salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or backyard barbecues. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With its combination of cooked macaroni, juicy chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy dressing, this salad is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. So next time you're looking for a summery side dish, give this recipe a try!

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