Best 7 A Little Different Macaroni Salad Recipes

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Macaroni salad is a classic dish that can be found at many potlucks and picnics. However, if you're looking for something a little different, there are plenty of ways to change up the traditional recipe. From adding different types of pasta to incorporating unique ingredients, there are endless possibilities when it comes to creating a macaroni salad that is both delicious and unique. Here are some ideas for creating a macaroni salad that will have your guests asking for seconds.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

A DIFFERENT MACARONI SALAD



A Different Macaroni Salad image

I am a Thousand Island addict, I use it on everything, so eventually it made it's way into a Macaroni Salad. Don't be disturbed by it's pink appearance. =o)

Provided by b_dazzld

Categories     Potluck

Time 25m

Yield 5-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 cup thousand island dressing
1 tablespoon vinegar
4 hard-boiled eggs (separate the yolk from the white after they've been boiled)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (not from concentrate)
1 tablespoon prepared mustard (I use dijon)
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
8 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked per package instructions,drained (shells can be used too of course!)
1 cup sliced celery
1 cup chopped green peppers or 1 cup red pepper
1/4 cup chopped onion

Steps:

  • Combine first 6 ingredients, in this step include only the egg yolks leaving the whites.
  • This is your sauce.
  • Chop the whites of the eggs.
  • Stir in remaining ingredients.
  • Cover, chill (I always top this with a sprinkle of paprika).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 445, Fat 22.7, SaturatedFat 4, Cholesterol 182.6, Sodium 767, Carbohydrate 48, Fiber 3, Sugar 11.3, Protein 12.5

A LITTLE DIFFERENT MACARONI SALAD



A Little Different Macaroni Salad image

Make and share this A Little Different Macaroni Salad recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Mel B

Categories     Vegetable

Time 30m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

3 cups cooked macaroni
2 green onions, chopped
1/2 cup green pepper, chopped
1/4 cup carrot, shredded
1/2 bottle low calorie catalina salad dressing
1/2 cup Miracle Whip light
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon italian seasoning

Steps:

  • Mix all ingredients and enjoy!

OLD-FASHIONED MACARONI SALAD



Old-Fashioned Macaroni Salad image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 2h35m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

4 eggs
1 pound large elbow macaroni
4 ounces ham steak, finely chopped
2 stalks chopped celery, including leaves
1 large shallot, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2/3 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 (4-ounce) jar chopped pimentos, drained
3 tablespoons sweet pickled relish
Kosher salt and pepper

Steps:

  • To make the hard-boiled eggs: Add the eggs to a medium-sized saucepan. Cover with cold water and bring up to a boil over medium heat. Cover with a lid and turn off the heat. Let the eggs sit in the hot water for 14 minutes. Drain and cool under cold running water. Peel the eggs and chop. Reserve.
  • While the eggs are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat and add the macaroni. Cook until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  • In a large serving bowl, combine the eggs, ham steak, celery, shallots and lemon juice Add the macaroni and stir to combine.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, pickled relish, and salt and pepper, to taste. Add the dressing to the macaroni and toss to coat. Season with more salt and pepper, if needed. Cover and chill for 2 hours for the flavors to meld.

EASY MACARONI SALAD



Easy Macaroni Salad image

This hearty pasta salad is sure to please appetites of all ages-and it serves a lot of folks! -LaVerna Mjones, Moorhead, Minnesota

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch     Side Dishes

Time 15m

Yield 34 (1-cup) servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 pounds uncooked elbow macaroni
12 hard-boiled large eggs, chopped
2-1/2 pounds fully cooked ham, cubed
1 package (16 ounces) frozen peas, thawed
3 cups sliced celery
1 large green pepper, chopped
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 jar (4 ounces) diced pimientos, drained
4 cups mayonnaise

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions. Rinse in cold water; drain and cool completely. , Place in a large bowl; stir in remaining ingredients. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 380 calories, Fat 26g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 102mg cholesterol, Sodium 615mg sodium, Carbohydrate 23g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 13g protein.

CLASSIC MACARONI SALAD



Classic Macaroni Salad image

This is a salad that everyone seems to love. I always get lots of compliments on this recipe and it is just a pleasing taste that seems to suit everyone.

Provided by Graden

Categories     Salad     Pasta Salad     Vegetarian Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 4h30m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 12

4 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 cup mayonnaise
¼ cup distilled white vinegar
⅔ cup white sugar
2 ½ tablespoons prepared yellow mustard
1 ½ teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 large onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
¼ cup grated carrot
2 tablespoons chopped pimento peppers

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni, and cook until tender, about 8 minutes. Rinse under cold water and drain.
  • In a large bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt and pepper. Stir in the onion, celery, green pepper, carrot, pimentos and macaroni. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving, but preferably overnight.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 390 calories, Carbohydrate 49.3 g, Cholesterol 8.4 mg, Fat 18.7 g, Fiber 2.8 g, Protein 6.8 g, SaturatedFat 2.8 g, Sodium 528.6 mg, Sugar 15.5 g

SIMPLE MACARONI SALAD



Simple Macaroni Salad image

An easy mac salad that is excellent for parties, picnics and those summer day barbeques.

Provided by Samantha

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Macaroni Salad Recipes

Time 2h30m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 (16 ounce) package macaroni
2 red bell peppers, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
½ cup chopped green onions
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup mayonnaise
1 packet dry vegetable soup mix

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain, and rinse with cold water until no longer hot. Transfer noodles to a large bowl.
  • Stir in red bell peppers, green bell peppers, green onions, celery and olive oil. Mix in mayonnaise and soup mix. Refrigerate for a few hours before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 435.7 calories, Carbohydrate 45.8 g, Cholesterol 10.4 mg, Fat 24.5 g, Fiber 2.9 g, Protein 8.1 g, SaturatedFat 3.7 g, Sodium 179.7 mg, Sugar 4.3 g

MOM'S BEST MACARONI SALAD



Mom's Best Macaroni Salad image

This is, by far, the best macaroni salad I've ever put into my mouth. It has a perfect blend of sweetness and tartness, and it is so pretty with all of the multi-colored veggies. Be ready for this to disappear before you put it on the table! I have six children, and it is all I can do to keep them from nibbling on it while I'm mixing it up!

Provided by Renee Chase

Categories     Salad     Pasta Salad     Macaroni Salad Recipes

Time 30m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 11

16 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni
4 carrots, shredded
1 large red onion, chopped
½ green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
½ red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 cup chopped celery
2 cups mayonnaise
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
½ cup white sugar
½ cup white vinegar
salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add macaroni, and cook until tender, about 8 minutes. Rinse under cold water, and drain.
  • In a large bowl, stir together the carrots, red onion, green pepper, red pepper and celery. Mix in the mayonnaise, condensed milk, sugar, vinegar, salt and pepper. Add the macaroni, toss gently, cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours. I usually make this a day ahead of time, and stir it occasionally to blend the flavors. The macaroni will absorb some of the liquid.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 424.2 calories, Carbohydrate 45 g, Cholesterol 18.8 mg, Fat 24.7 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 6.6 g, SaturatedFat 4.8 g, Sodium 205.4 mg, Sugar 21.7 g

Tips:

  • Use a variety of pasta shapes and sizes. This will give your salad a more interesting texture and appearance.
  • Cook the pasta al dente. This means that it should be cooked until it is just tender, but still has a slight bite to it.
  • Rinse the pasta with cold water after cooking. This will stop the cooking process and help to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
  • Use a variety of vegetables. This will add color, flavor, and nutrients to your salad.
  • Use a flavorful dressing. This can be a simple vinaigrette, a creamy dressing, or a tangy dressing made with lemon juice or vinegar.
  • Add some protein. This can be cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
  • Garnish your salad with fresh herbs. This will add a pop of color and flavor.

Conclusion:

Macaroni salad is a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients. It is a great way to use up leftover pasta, vegetables, and protein. With so many different variations to choose from, there is sure to be a macaroni salad recipe that everyone will enjoy.

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