Best 6 California Summer Macaroni Salad Recipes

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California Summer Macaroni Salad is the ultimate side dish for your next summer potluck or barbecue. This classic recipe combines cooked macaroni noodles, mayonnaise, celery, onion, and a variety of other ingredients to create a delicious and refreshing salad that is sure to please everyone. This article will provide you with a step-by-step guide to making the best California Summer Macaroni Salad, ensuring that it is creamy, flavorful, and a hit at your next gathering.

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

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

CALIFORNIA PASTA SALAD



California Pasta Salad image

As far as cold pasta salad recipes go, this is one of the best. Not only does it travel well to get-togethers such as picnics or tailgate parties, but people absolutely love it when it gets there. -Jeanette Krembas, Laguna Niguel, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch     Side Dishes

Time 15m

Yield 15 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 pound thin spaghetti, broken into 1-inch pieces
3 large tomatoes, diced
2 medium zucchini, diced
1 large cucumber, diced
1 medium green pepper, diced
1 sweet red pepper, diced
1 large red onion, diced
2 cans (2-1/4 ounces each) sliced ripe olives, drained
DRESSING:
1 bottle (16 ounces) Italian salad dressing
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
2 teaspoons poppy seeds
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon celery seed
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions; Drain and rinse in cold water. Transfer to a large bowl. Add the vegetables and olives. , In a large bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients. Drizzle over spaghetti mixture; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Serve with a slotted spoon.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 257 calories, Fat 13g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 1mg cholesterol, Sodium 567mg sodium, Carbohydrate 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 6g protein.

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

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

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

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

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:

  • For the best flavor, use ripe and fresh summer vegetables.
  • If you don't have any cooked macaroni, you can cook some according to the package directions.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables or ingredients that you like, such as chopped hard-boiled eggs, crumbled bacon, or chopped fresh herbs.
  • This salad is best served chilled, so make it ahead of time and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion:

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

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