Best 8 Summer Macaroni Salad Recipes

In the realm of summer cookouts and potlucks, macaroni salad stands as a beacon of refreshing delight. This classic dish, with its medley of cooked macaroni, crisp vegetables, and tangy dressing, has captured the hearts of generations. This article presents a delectable collection of macaroni salad recipes, each offering a unique twist on the traditional favorite.

One recipe tantalizes with a creamy dressing infused with fresh dill and a hint of lemon zest. Another introduces a delightful smoky flavor with roasted red peppers and paprika. For those with a penchant for spice, a rendition features a zesty combination of jalapeños, chipotle peppers, and a touch of cayenne. For those seeking a lighter option, a recipe showcases a vibrant vinaigrette dressing, bursting with the flavors of basil, oregano, and red wine vinegar. And for those with dietary restrictions, a gluten-free variation offers a satisfying alternative without compromising on taste.

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

Ingredients

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

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

Ingredients

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.

SPAM & MACARONI SUMMER SALAD

Spam & Macaroni Summer Salad image

From Creamettes & Spam I have had this recipe that I cut from a magazine for I probably 20 years. To tell the truth, never made it. We love Spam, yes it's true so I though and it just sound good. Hope I will get around to making it some day. I think the colored noodles would be fun with all the other colors.

Provided by True Texas

Categories Summer

Time 20m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

7 ounces elbow macaroni (2 cups dry)
2 tablespoons salad oil
2 tablespoons vinegar
1 tablespoon onion, minced
1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt
1/4 teaspoon seasoned pepper
1 cup cheddar cheese, diced in chunks
1 (12 ounce) can Spam, cubed
1/2 cup mayonnaise (or salad dressing)
1 cup celery, diced
10 ounces frozen sweet peas or 17 ounces peas

Steps:

Cook macaroni according to directions. Drain, do not chill.
While hot drizzle with oil and vinegar.
Add onion, seasonings and cheese, toss well.
Chill throughly. Serve on salad greens to dress up (optional).

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

Ingredients

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

CALIFORNIA SUMMER MACARONI SALAD

California Summer Macaroni Salad image

Simple macaroni salad with a bit of Cali flair. Perfect for summer, whether it is a day at the beach, an afternoon picnic, or a holiday BBQ.

Provided by LadyElizabethV

Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Macaroni Salad Recipes

Time 50m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 (8 ounce) package elbow macaroni
3 large eggs
1 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
¼ teaspoon sweet relish
¼ teaspoon ground white pepper
¼ teaspoon sea salt
1 large avocado, chopped
¼ cup chopped celery
¼ cup chopped green onion
2 tablespoons honey Dijon mustard

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. Drain, rinse with cold water, and transfer to a large bowl. Place in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the eggs.
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. Slice eggs with an egg slicer.
Mix mayonnaise, vinegar, relish, white pepper, and sea salt together in a small bowl. Gently mix in avocado, celery, and green onion, being careful not to overmix the avocado. Mix in sliced eggs.
Add mayonnaise mixture to cooled macaroni; stir until well coated.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 260.9 calories, Carbohydrate 17.5 g, Cholesterol 53.5 mg, Fat 19.6 g, Fiber 2.3 g, Protein 4.7 g, SaturatedFat 3.1 g, Sodium 226.9 mg, Sugar 1.1 g

REFRESHING SUMMER COLD TUNA MACARONI SALAD

Refreshing Summer Cold Tuna Macaroni Salad image

This is my family's go to meal during the summer. I make a huge batch of it and we all eat it around the pool all Memorial weekend. I've used Cavatappi pasta instead of elbow macaroni this time so that the cute curly Cavatappi's ridges can grab more tuna. Enjoy!

Provided by Deni Elwood

Categories Salads

Time 1h10m

Number Of Ingredients 5

Ingredients

1 box 1 lb macaroni, elbow or cavatappi pasta
2 can(s) 12 oz water packed tuna
1 jar(s) 14 oz sweet pickle relish
1 jar(s) 15 oz. miracle whip
salt & pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Bring pot of salted water to a rapid boil. Add pasta to boiling water. Stir and let boil for 8-10 minutes. Remove Pasta from pot, drain well then rinse while in colander with cold water from your tap. After pasta is completely cooled, drain well and pour into large bowl.
2. While pasta is boiling, rough chop a large sweet onion.
3. Empty the contents of the sweet relish into bowl with pasta and stir. Add the chopped onion and mix into pasta mixture.
4. Open both cans of tuna and drain well. Empty the cans of tuna, breaking up the tuna as you do. Mix well into pasta mixture. Add the jar of Miracle Whip and mix completely with pasta, relish and onion.
5. Refrigerate the pasta salad until very cool. Before serving, stir again and add salt and pepper to taste. I like to use sea salt for the taste.
6. Hint: Sometimes the salad becomes dry (due to the pasta absorbing the liquid), so before serving if it is a little dry, add a small amount of milk to the pasta salad and mix well.

SUMMER MACARONI SALAD WITH PEAS AND RADISH

Summer Macaroni Salad with Peas and Radish image

I loved Pea Salad as a kid. We always had radishes on the relish trays that were popular in the 60's. I have been cooking for 40+ years, and I never thought to feature peas and radishes together. I will tell you, that the sweetness of the peas, and the distinctive heat of the radishes make a very tasty gastronomic experience....

Provided by Garrison Wayne

Categories Pasta Salads

Time 25m

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

2/3 c dry mini elbow macaroni (measured dry and cooked in salted water according to package)
1 c petite peas, cooked
6 large red radishes, halved and sliced thin
2 large scallions, chopped
1/4 c mayonnaise
1 1/2 Tbsp cider vinegar
1 tsp dijon mustard
1 tsp honey
3/8 tsp cracked or coarse black pepper
1/2 tsp kosher salt

Steps:

1. Place all the ingredients in a bowl and toss to mix. Chill 1 hour before serving. Serves 4

SUMMER MACARONI SALAD

Summer Macaroni Salad image

Make and share this Summer Macaroni Salad recipe from Food.com.

Provided by KarlaOregon

Categories Potluck

Time 55m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 -1 1/2 lb salad macaroni
2 large hard-boiled eggs, chopped
1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
2 tablespoons dried onion flakes
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
4 tablespoons sweet pickle juice
3/4 cup diced sweet gherkin
1/3 cup minced celery
1/4 cup chopped green pepper
1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
3/4 cup cheddar cheese, cubed

Steps:

Cook macaroni according to package directions, drain and rinse in cold water, set aside.
In a small bowl, mix mayo, dried onion, mustard, sweet pickle juice.
Next toss sweet pickles, celery, green pepper, eggs, peas with macaroni.
Add mayo mixture, mix well.
Fold in cheddar cheese cubes.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Stir before serving, enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 634.5, Fat 27.4, SaturatedFat 6.6, Cholesterol 100.8, Sodium 739.3, Carbohydrate 81, Fiber 3.5, Sugar 9.8, Protein 17

Tips:

Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh vegetables, cooked pasta, and flavorful cheese are all essential.
Don't overcook the pasta. It should be cooked al dente, or slightly firm to the bite.
Let the cooked pasta cool completely before adding it to the salad. This will 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 vinegary.
Add some fresh herbs to the salad for a pop of flavor. Basil, parsley, and chives are all good options.
Serve the salad immediately, or refrigerate it for later. The salad is best enjoyed within a day or two of making it.

Conclusion:

Summer macaroni salad is a refreshing and flavorful side dish that is perfect for potlucks, picnics, and barbecues. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With a few simple tips, you can make a summer macaroni salad that everyone will love.

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