Macaroni Salad Recipe
Macaroni Salad Recipe: As a housewife who loves cooking and is a food critic, I have been a big fan of Macaroni Salad since I was a little girl. My mother used to make it for me on summer afternoons, and it always reminded me of childhood memories filled with laughter and warmth. The dish’s unique aroma of mayonnaise and vinegar is still imprinted in my mind. Every time I make it, I am transported back in time to those wonderful days. The creamy, tangy flavor of the dressing, combined with the chewy texture of the macaroni, makes this dish a delightful addition to any meal. I love to serve it at barbecues, potlucks, and picnics, as it’s a crowd-pleaser and always a hit.
What is Macaroni Salad?
Macaroni Salad is a pasta salad dish made with cooked macaroni, mayonnaise, and various other ingredients such as vinegar, mustard, celery, onion, and pickles. It is usually chilled before serving and can be served as a side dish or a main dish. The dish is popular in the United States and is a staple at picnics, barbecues, and potlucks.
Variations of Macaroni Salad
- Classic Macaroni Salad: This variation is a classic dish made with cooked macaroni, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and spices. It is chilled before serving and can be garnished with chopped herbs and pickles.
- Mediterranean Macaroni Salad: This variation features a dressing made with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices, and is topped with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and kalamata olives.
- Southern Macaroni Salad: This variation is a creamy, tangy dish made with a dressing of mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and spices. It is usually garnished with boiled eggs, diced ham, and pickles.
- Mexican Macaroni Salad: This variation features a dressing made with mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, and cilantro. It is topped with diced red onion, jalapeno, and diced red pepper.
Nutrition – Macaroni Salad
Macaroni Salad is a high-calorie dish that is rich in carbohydrates, fat, and protein. A serving of Macaroni Salad contains approximately 350 calories and 20 grams of fat. While it can be a nutritious dish if made with low-fat mayonnaise and added vegetables, it is best consumed in moderation.
Step by Step Macaroni Salad Recipe
Macaroni Salad Recipe
Ingredients
For Salad:
- 400 gram elbow macaroni
- ½ capsicum / bell peppers
- 1 tbsp salt
- ½ cucumber
- 1 Onions
- ½ red bell pepper
- 1 capsicum / bell peppers
- fresh parsley
For Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 cup parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- ½ tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper powder
Instructions
Preparation
- Assemble all ingredients together to avoid last minute rush.
- Wash and finely chop onion, bell pepper, cucumber, capsicum, parsley and green chillies.
- Peel, wash and boil green peas. Alternatively, you could use frozen peas and boil them for a minute in a Microwave. Drain water and let them cool down completely.
- Cook macaroni in salted water and ½ tbsp oil till al-dente and rinse with cold water in a Strainer to stop further cooking. Keep aside to cool down completely.
- Grate parmesan cheese in a Bowl.
Method
- Transfer all chopped vegetables, chopped parsley, boiled peas and cooled down macaroni in a Mixing Bowl.
- In another small Bowl, prepare dressing by adding, grated cheese, mayonnaise, vinegar oregano, garlic powder and salt together and whisk until combine nicely.
- Now, add olive oil and black pepper powder in the small Bowl and mix again. Check the taste and adjust salt and black pepper powder according to your taste buds.
- Then, pour prepared dressing over the chopped veggies and macaroni and toast gently to coat pasta with the dressing.
- Check seasoning once again and adjust.
- Refrigerate for a while or until gets chilled.
- Your Macaroni Salad / Pasta Salad is ready to serve.
Equipment Used for This Recipe
Notes & Tips
- Dressing: The dressing should be of pouring consistency. Hence, if required add more olive oil to get the liquid consistency. The salad dressing can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for 2 – 3 days.
- Macaroni: Do not combine vegetables with warm macaroni. The vegetables will get steamed and lose their crunch.
- Vegetables: You could choose any vegetables of your choice in Macaroni Salad.
- Mayonnaise: Choose any mayo – egg or eggless as per your choice.
- Herbs: Feel free to choose any herb to add in Macaroni Salad.
- Serving Tips: Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for 1 – 2 hours before serving. Mix gently once again before serving.
- Ingredients & Equipment: Find these Ingredients & Equipment at specialty food stores or online stores. For review of some stores, please refer to the Grocery Review Section on our Website.
Nutrition Information (Note: Approximate)
FAQs – Macaroni Salad Recipe
What ingredients are required to make Macaroni Salad?
For a classic Macaroni Salad recipe, you’ll need macaroni pasta, mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, celery, red onion, and cherry tomatoes. Some variations may also include ingredients like pickles, olives, green onions, and cheese.
Can Macaroni Salad be made ahead of time?
Yes, Macaroni Salad is perfect for making ahead of time as the flavors blend together as it chills in the refrigerator. You can make it a day or two in advance and keep it stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before serving.
Is Macaroni Salad gluten-free?
Most traditional Macaroni Salad recipes are made with regular wheat-based macaroni pasta, which contains gluten. However, you can easily make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free macaroni pasta.
Can Macaroni Salad be frozen?
Unfortunately, Macaroni Salad is not a great candidate for freezing as the mayonnaise and sour cream tend to separate and become watery when thawed. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
What is the best type of macaroni pasta to use for Macaroni Salad?
The best type of macaroni pasta to use for Macaroni Salad is elbow macaroni. This type of pasta holds its shape well and is perfect for soaking up the dressing. However, you can also use other types of pasta, such as spiral or shell, for a different texture.
How can I make a healthier version of Macaroni Salad?
To make a healthier version of Macaroni Salad, you can use low-fat mayonnaise and sour cream, swap the sugar for a sugar substitute, and add in more veggies, such as carrots, bell peppers, and cucumber. Additionally, you can use whole grain pasta for added fiber and nutrients.
What are some common variations of Macaroni Salad?
There are many variations of Macaroni Salad, including classic American-style, Italian-style with ingredients like salami and mozzarella cheese, and even a Mexican-style with ingredients like corn, black beans, and jalapeno peppers. Get creative and try a new twist on the classic recipe!
See Also:
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