Best 8 Summertime Macaroni Salad Ala Aunt Max Recipes

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A classic side dish perfect for potlucks, picnics, and summer gatherings, Aunt Max's Summertime Macaroni Salad is a symphony of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds. With its tender macaroni, crisp vegetables, and tangy dressing, this salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish that's sure to be a hit. Alongside the classic macaroni salad recipe, this article also includes a variation with a creamy, Greek yogurt-based dressing for those who prefer a lighter option. Both recipes offer step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, and a helpful video tutorial to guide you through the process. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, you'll find everything you need to create this delicious and versatile salad.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

AMERICAN MACARONI SALAD



American Macaroni Salad image

Bring this classic American Macaroni Salad recipe from Food Network Kitchen to your next picnic � it's perfect for an outdoor barbecue spread.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     side-dish

Time 30m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 cups dry elbow macaroni, cooked, rinsed, and drained
1/3 cup diced celery
1/4 cup minced red onion, soaked in cold water for 5 minutes, drained
1 tablespoon minced flat-leaf parsley
1/2 cup diced vine-ripened tomato (optional)
1/2 cup prepared mayonnaise
3/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons cider vinegar
3 tablespoons sour cream
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
Freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the macaroni, celery, onion, parsley and tomato, if using. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, sugar, vinegar, sour cream and salt. Pour the dressing over the salad and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve. Store covered in the refrigerator, for up to 3 days.

THE FAMOUS MACARONI SALAD



The Famous Macaroni Salad image

A basic recipe that has been in my family for years and is so simple to make.

Provided by Kay Little

Categories     Salad

Time 20m

Number Of Ingredients 6

3 cups dry elbow macaroni, cooked, rinsed, and drained
1/2 cup sweet pickle relish
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon coarse black pepper
3/4 cup Mayonnaise
6 eggs, boiled and chopped

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine cooked macaroni, pickle relish, onion, black pepper, and mayonnaise, toss together until all of the ingredients are distributed well.
  • Add chopped boiled eggs and fold in being sure not to mash them too much. Refrigerate until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 297.40, Fat 19.95, SaturatedFat 3.73, Carbohydrate 21.62, Fiber 1.25, Sugar 5.92, Protein 7.84, Sodium 302.59, Cholesterol 148.54

SUMMERTIME MACARONI SALAD ALA AUNT MAX



Summertime Macaroni Salad Ala Aunt Max image

I grew up eating this simple macaroni salad at every summer gathering that we had. It is very easy and tastes wonderful. The great thing about this is that it becomes the base for so many full meal recipes, Add cooked and cooled diced chicken and dill for a chicken salad. Or try adding a little Old Bay seasoning instead of...

Provided by Deb Lund

Categories     Other Salads

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 lb creamette macaroni ( or any type of pasta, cavatappi pictured)
3/4-1 c real mayonnaise ( may need a little more depending how your pasta absorbs)
3/4-1 c sour cream (lite works as well as real) ( if you increase mayo also increase sour cream)
1 cup finely diced celery
1 cup finely diced cucumber
1/2-1 cup finely sliced green onion(more or less to taste and strength of onions)
1-2 diced firm body tomatoes (if not firm squeeze water out before adding and allow to drain slightly on paper towel)
salt to taste
pepper to taste

Steps:

  • 1. Cook macaroni to package directions. (do not overcook it will flatten the macaroni)
  • 2. While that is happening, prepare all the vegetables.
  • 3. Cool the macaroni. When the macaroni is finished cooking, pour off the hot water and immediately add very cold water to macaroni to stop the cooking process. You can either add some ice to the pot and stir the macaroni until chilled or you can pour off again and add more cold water. I find adding ice cubes the best method.
  • 4. When the macaroni is cool and drained, mix all the ingredients, except tomatoes, in a large bowl.
  • 5. When you have finished mixing thoroughly and have added the correct amount of salt and pepper. Add the tomatoes and fold them in gently so you do not end up with pink salad. Or you can sprinkle them over the top for a decorative touch.

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 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

When this pasta salad arrived on the picnic table, and where it came from, is a mystery. It may have been an offshoot of another creamy summer salad, the potato kind. Crisp celery, peas, and scallions punctuate this version, which is sprinkled with bits of ham and ground pepper and nutmeg in this classic macaroni salad.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Pork Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 12

Coarse salt
1 pound elbow macaroni
1 1/4 cups frozen petite peas
2 celery stalks, thinly sliced crosswise
3 scallions, white and pale-green parts plus 1 inch of dark-green part, thinly sliced diagonally
6 ounces Black Forest ham, or other dry-cured ham, cut into 1/4-inch dice
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
3/4 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Freshly ground pepper

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil; add salt. Add macaroni; cook until al dente. Drain. Rinse with cold water, and drain. Transfer to a large bowl. Cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate until cool.
  • Thaw peas under cold running water. Drain. Toss with celery, scallions, and ham in a bowl. Add to macaroni; toss.
  • Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon salt; fold into macaroni mixture. Season with salt and pepper. Salad can be refrigerated in an airtight container, up to 3 hours.

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

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

SUMMER MACARONI SALAD



Summer Macaroni Salad image

I was surprised not to see this salad already posted on Zaar. We really enjoy this salad, especially in the summertime, and have been making it for about 20 years. I hope you like it too!

Provided by Chef PotPie

Categories     Tuna

Time 40m

Yield 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 (16 ounce) package jumbo pasta shells, cooked and drained
2 cups thin sliced cucumbers
1 1/2 cups diced tomatoes
2 cups albacore tuna, flaked (or 2 cups cooked salad shrimp.)
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup Italian dressing
1 teaspoon dried dill weed
salt and pepper

Steps:

  • Combine cooked pasta, cucmbers, tomatoes, tuna, celery and onion in large bowl.
  • Combine mayonnaise and Italian dressing and add to salad.
  • Add dill, salt and pepper to taste.
  • Chill well.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 384.1, Fat 15, SaturatedFat 2.3, Cholesterol 7.6, Sodium 369.7, Carbohydrate 54.6, Fiber 2.6, Sugar 6.5, Protein 8.4

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh, flavorful ingredients will make your macaroni salad shine. Look for ripe tomatoes, crisp celery, and crunchy bell peppers. If you can, use homemade mayonnaise instead of store-bought.
  • Cook the macaroni al dente: You don't want the macaroni to be mushy, so cook it until it is just tender. This will help it hold its shape in the salad.
  • Chill the salad before serving: This will help the flavors meld and the salad will be more refreshing.
  • Add your favorite mix-ins: This is a classic macaroni salad recipe, but you can add your favorite mix-ins to make it your own. Some popular options include bacon, hard-boiled eggs, cheese, or chopped vegetables.

Conclusion:

This summertime macaroni salad is a delicious and refreshing side dish that is perfect for any gathering. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste. So next time you are looking for a summer side dish, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!

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