Best 4 Fresh N Tasty Macaroni Salad Recipes

Are you tired of boring, bland macaroni salads that lack flavor and personality? It's time to say goodbye to those uninspiring dishes and embark on a culinary journey to discover the secrets of creating an exceptional "fresh n tasty macaroni salad." In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the world of macaroni salad, exploring different ingredients, cooking techniques, and flavor combinations that will transform this classic dish into a symphony of taste. Prepare your taste buds for an explosion of freshness, complemented by a delightful harmony of textures and flavors that will leave you craving more.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

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

Ingredients

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

Ingredients

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

FRESH 'N' TASTY MACARONI SALAD

Fresh 'n' Tasty Macaroni Salad image

Classic summertime bbq food! But I can imagine this easily at other times of the year as an alternate to cole slaw, and as a nice side for deli sandwiches!

Provided by PalatablePastime

Categories Lunch/Snacks

Time 30m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups cooked whole wheat elbow macaroni
2 hard-cooked egg whites, chopped
1/2 cup diced celery
1/2 medium onion, chopped
1/4 cup chopped bell pepper, mixed red and green
1/3 cup chopped fresh tomato
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
1/2 cup fat-free mayonnaise
1/4 teaspoon salt

Steps:

Combine all ingredients.
Chill before serving.

OLD-FASHIONED EASY MACARONI SALAD RECIPE

Old-Fashioned Easy Macaroni Salad Recipe image

Try our Old-Fashioned Easy Macaroni Salad Recipe. All it takes is just one taste to see why this delicious recipe is a rich and creamy classic.

Provided by My Food and Family

Categories Recipes

Time 2h30m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

2 cups small pasta shells, uncooked
1/2 cup chopped red peppers
1/2 cup chopped cucumbers
2 green onions, chopped
1/2 cup KRAFT Real Mayo Mayonnaise
1/2 cup KRAFT Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
1/4 tsp. black pepper

Steps:

Cook pasta as directed on package, omitting salt; drain. Cool slightly.
Combine pasta and vegetables in large bowl. Mix remaining ingredients until blended. Add to pasta mixture; mix lightly.
Refrigerate 2 hours or until chilled.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 230, Fat 14 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 5 mg, Sodium 230 mg, Carbohydrate 0 g, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 0 g, Protein 3 g

Tips:

Use high-quality pasta: Choose a short pasta shape like elbow macaroni or shells that will hold the dressing well.
Cook the pasta al dente: This means cooking it until it is tender but still has a slight bite to it.
Rinse the pasta with cold water: This will stop the cooking process and help the pasta to retain its shape.
Use a variety of vegetables: The more colorful and flavorful the vegetables, the better your salad will be. Some good options include celery, carrots, bell peppers, cucumber, and red onion.
Choose a flavorful dressing: A good macaroni salad dressing should be creamy and tangy. You can use a store-bought dressing or make your own from scratch.
Add some protein: If you want to make your macaroni salad a more complete meal, you can add some cooked chicken, ham, or shrimp.
Chill the salad before serving: This will allow the flavors to meld and the salad to become more refreshing.

Conclusion:

Macaroni salad is a classic summer side dish that is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. With a few simple tips, you can make the best macaroni salad that will be the star of your next potluck or picnic. So next time you're looking for a side dish that is both delicious and easy to make, give macaroni salad a try.