Best 6 Crunchy Macaroni Salad Recipes

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In the culinary realm, macaroni salad stands as a classic dish that has delighted taste buds for generations. Originating from humble beginnings, this versatile salad has evolved into a staple of picnics, potlucks, and backyard barbecues. With its vibrant colors, satisfying crunch, and irresistible dressing, macaroni salad captivates the senses and leaves a lasting impression. Whether you prefer a classic rendition or one with a modern twist, the quest for the ultimate crunchy macaroni salad beckons you on a culinary adventure.

Let's cook with our recipes!

CRUNCHY MACARONI SALAD



Crunchy Macaroni Salad image

THIS SALAD is ideal for one or two people, but I've often increased the recipe to take to potlucks. For variety, I'll sometimes add chopped pickles or shredded cheese. In summer, fresh tomatoes add color and flavor. -Ruth Griggs, South Hill, Virginia

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 10m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 cup cooked elbow macaroni
1 hard-boiled large egg, chopped
2 tablespoons chopped celery
2 tablespoons chopped onion
3 tablespoons Miracle Whip
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon prepared mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
Pinch pepper

Steps:

  • In a bowl, combine the macaroni, egg, celery and onion. In another bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Pour over macaroni mixture and toss gently. Cover and chill for 2 hours before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 283 calories, Fat 20g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 114mg cholesterol, Sodium 453mg sodium, Carbohydrate 20g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 6g protein.

CREAMY & CRUNCHY MACARONI SALAD



Creamy & Crunchy Macaroni Salad image

This is my oldie but goodie recipe from the back of the San Giorgio box. Never fails and is always a big hit. I usually double the recipe.

Provided by mandabears

Categories     Low Protein

Time 10m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
1/3 cup finely chopped carrot
1 hard-boiled egg, chopped
1/4 cup finely minced onion, i use dehydrated onion
2 tablespoons sweet relish
3/4 teaspoon dry ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 dash paprika
3 quarts water
1 1/2 teaspoons salt

Steps:

  • In a large pot bring 3 quarts water to a rolling boil.
  • Add 1 1/2 teaspoons salt.
  • Gradually add dry elbow macaroni.
  • Return to a boil.
  • Boil uncovered 6-8 minutes.
  • Drain well and rinse with cold water and drain again.
  • In a medium bowl combine all ingredients.
  • Place cooked macaroni in a large bowl and toss well with other ingredients.
  • Cover and refrigerate.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 465.9, Fat 22, SaturatedFat 3.5, Cholesterol 68.3, Sodium 1545.1, Carbohydrate 58.5, Fiber 2.5, Sugar 7.2, Protein 9.4

CRUNCHY MACARONI SALAD



Crunchy Macaroni Salad image

Simple, colorful and good. The celery, carrot and red pepper give it a nice crunch. The sour cream gives it some zing. Be sure you have a large bowl ready so you can fold it all together without having to crowd (and mash) the ingredients. Prep time does not include refrigeration time.

Provided by Missy Isacat

Categories     Peppers

Time 27m

Yield 4 cups (approx), 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

8 ounces elbow macaroni
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 teaspoon dried onion flakes
1 1/2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
salt and pepper
1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup celery, diced
1/4 cup carrot, diced
1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed

Steps:

  • Prepare pasta according to package directions and drain.
  • In a large bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, onion flakes, pickle relish, salt and pepper.
  • Dice bell pepper, carrot and celery and add to mayonnaise mixture.
  • Carefully fold pasta and peas into mixture.
  • Refrigerate at least two hours.
  • Stir halfway though cooling.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 215.7, Fat 8.5, SaturatedFat 2.7, Cholesterol 10.1, Sodium 154.1, Carbohydrate 30, Fiber 1.8, Sugar 3.1, Protein 5.2

CRUNCHY NOODLE SALAD



Crunchy Noodle Salad image

Provided by Ina Garten

Categories     main-dish

Time 35m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

Kosher salt
1/2 pound thin spaghetti
1 pound sugar snap peas
1 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
1/3 cup soy sauce
3 tablespoons dark sesame oil
1 tablespoon honey
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
3 tablespoons toasted white sesame seeds, divided
1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
2 red bell peppers, cored and seeded, and thinly sliced
4 scallions (white and green parts), sliced diagonally
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, bring another large pot of salted water to a boil, add the sugar snap peas, return to a boil, and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until crisp tender. Lift the sugar snap peas from the water with a slotted spoon and immerse them in a bowl of ice water. Drain.
  • For the dressing, whisk together the vegetable oil, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, garlic, ginger, 2 tablespoons sesame seeds and peanut butter in a medium bowl.
  • Combine the spaghetti, sugar snap peas, peppers and scallions in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the spaghetti mixture. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds and the parsley and toss together.

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

CRUNCHY ASIAN PASTA SALAD



Crunchy Asian Pasta Salad image

A soy sauce dressing adds Asian inspiration to a veggie and fruit pasta salad.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Side Dish

Time 25m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 box Betty Crocker™ Suddenly Salad® classic pasta salad mix
1 package (3 oz) Oriental-flavor ramen noodle soup mix
3 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons white vinegar
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon soy sauce
3 cups coleslaw mix
1 cup snow pea pods, strings removed, cut diagonally into 1/2-inch pieces
1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
1 can (15 oz) mandarin orange segments, drained

Steps:

  • Empty Pasta mix into 3-quart saucepan 2/3 full of boiling water. Gently boil uncovered 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Drain pasta; rinse with cold water. Shake to drain well.
  • In large bowl, stir together seasoning mixes from pasta mix and soup mix, sugar, oil, vinegar, water and soy sauce. Add pasta, coleslaw mix, pea pods, almonds and oranges; toss to combine.
  • Just before serving, coarsely crush dry noodles from soup mix; stir into pasta mixture. Serve immediately, or refrigerate.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 220, Carbohydrate 30 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Fat 1 1/2, Fiber 3 g, Protein 5 g, SaturatedFat 1 1/2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 610 mg, Sugar 10 g, TransFat 1/2 g

Tips:

  • For the best macaroni salad, use high-quality, fresh ingredients.
  • Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions, but be careful not to overcook it.
  • Rinse the macaroni with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent it from sticking together.
  • Use a variety of vegetables in your macaroni salad, such as celery, onion, carrots, and bell pepper.
  • Add some protein to your macaroni salad, such as cooked chicken, ham, or tuna.
  • Use a creamy dressing, such as mayonnaise or sour cream, to bind the macaroni salad together.
  • Season the macaroni salad with salt, pepper, and other herbs and spices to taste.
  • Chill the macaroni salad for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Conclusion:

Macaroni salad is a classic summer dish that is perfect for potlucks, picnics, and barbecues. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. With its creamy dressing, crunchy vegetables, and variety of flavors, macaroni salad is a dish that everyone will enjoy.

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