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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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