Best 7 Healthier Classic Macaroni Salad Recipes
In the realm of classic comfort foods, macaroni salad stands tall with its creamy, mayonnaise-based dressing and a medley of vegetables. However, the traditional recipe often comes with a hefty dose of unhealthy fats and carbohydrates. In this article, we will embark on a culinary journey to bring you a collection of healthier macaroni salad recipes that maintain the delicious flavors and textures of the classic, while also promoting a balanced and nutritious lifestyle. Get ready to indulge in a guilt-free version of this timeless picnic and potluck staple that will satisfy your cravings without compromising your health goals.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
HEALTHY MACARONI SALAD
This is a recipe I have been making for about 24 years. I can't remember the lady's name who published the book I got it from, but she was a real stickler about what you feed your kids. I started making this when my boys were preschool age. I would always make sure a had a big batch when they had a sitter, so she didn't fill them up with junk, and they would be on a sugar high when I got home at night. I am still making this today and I enjoy it as a healthy meal or snack anytime. I must say I usually triple this when I make it, as there was 5 of us.It keeps well in frig for a few days, and the boys would eat it for snacks a lot. It made me feel better that they were eating healthy. I used American cheese and I must say on my bowl I would add salt. I love this dish.
Provided by Baby Chevelle
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 20m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Cook macaroni according to directions on package.
- Drain and chill, adding lemon juice to macaroni.
- When chilled add rest of ingredients and refrigerate till serving time.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 312, Fat 16.4, SaturatedFat 4.5, Cholesterol 109.9, Sodium 406.9, Carbohydrate 31.4, Fiber 1.7, Sugar 4.5, Protein 10.1
CLASSIC MACARONI SALAD
Provided by Kelsey Nixon
Time 20m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- For the dressing: Whisk the mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, vinegar and sugar together in a small bowl or glass measuring cup. Season with salt and pepper.
- For the pasta: In a large mixing bowl, combine the macaroni, dill, celery, bell pepper and red onion. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately or keep up to 2 days in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
HEALTHIER CLASSIC MACARONI SALAD
Making this salad with less sugar and whole wheat noodles makes it a healthy treat for the entire family.
Provided by MakeItHealthy
Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Macaroni Salad Recipes
Time 4h30m
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Rinse under cold water and drain.
- Mix mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper together in a large bowl. Stir in onion, celery, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, carrot, pimentos, and macaroni. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 281.3 calories, Carbohydrate 28.1 g, Cholesterol 8.4 mg, Fat 18 g, Fiber 3 g, Protein 4.2 g, SaturatedFat 2.7 g, Sodium 529.9 mg, Sugar 8.7 g
CLASSIC MACARONI SALAD
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
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
CLASSIC MACARONI SALAD
Make this Classic Macaroni Salad for picnics and get togethers. Classic Macaroni Salad is the perfect dish for summertime gatherings.
Provided by My Food and Family
Categories Recipes
Time 3h30m
Yield 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Cook macaroni in saucepan as directed on package, omitting salt; drain. Cool.
- Combine macaroni, celery, red peppers and onions in large bowl.
- Mix all remaining ingredients until blended. Add to macaroni mixture; mix lightly.
- Refrigerate 3 hours.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 210, Fat 11 g, SaturatedFat 1.5 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 5 mg, Sodium 125 mg, Carbohydrate 24 g, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 2 g, Protein 4 g
CLASSIC MACARONI SALAD - MADE LIGHTER!
This is a great recipe for healthier macaroni salad. Very creamy and lots of flavor. Great side dish to burgers, such as Greek-style turkey burgers, recipe #13285.
Provided by Karamia
Categories Kid Friendly
Time 25m
Yield 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Cook macaroni according to directions, drain and rinse with cold water and let cool completely.
- Combine mayo, pickle relish, sugar substitute, mustard, salt and pepper to make dressing.
- Mix together pasta, celery, carrots and onion; then gently mix in dressing; stir to combine well.
- Garnish with sliced egg and dash of paprika.
- Chill completely, serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 192.6, Fat 2.8, SaturatedFat 0.6, Cholesterol 39.6, Sodium 480.7, Carbohydrate 36, Fiber 2.5, Sugar 6.1, Protein 6.1
CLASSIC MACARONI SALAD
This classic macaroni salad recipe is a refreshingly light take on an all-time favorite. It's perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or festive weekend barbecue. -Dorothy Bayes, Sardis, Ohio
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch Side Dishes
Time 30m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water. Cool completely. , For dressing, in a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, pickle relish, sugar substitute, mustard, salt and pepper. In a large bowl, combine the macaroni, celery, carrot and onion. Add dressing and toss gently to coat. , Refrigerate until serving. Garnish with egg and paprika.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 115 calories, Fat 2g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 27mg cholesterol, Sodium 362mg sodium, Carbohydrate 21g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Look for fresh vegetables, a flavorful cheese, and a good quality mayonnaise.
- Cook the macaroni al dente so that it retains a slight bite.
- Chill the macaroni salad before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Experiment with different variations of the recipe. Add your favorite vegetables, cheeses, or meats to create a unique dish.
- Serve macaroni salad as a side dish at picnics, potlucks, or barbecues.
Conclusion:
Macaroni salad is a classic summer dish that is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. With its creamy dressing, tender macaroni, and crunchy vegetables, it's the perfect dish to bring to any gathering. The best part about macaroni salad is that it's so versatile. You can easily customize it to your liking by adding your favorite ingredients. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy side dish, give macaroni salad a try. You won't be disappointed!
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