Best 3 Hearty Macaroni Salad Recipes

In the culinary world, macaroni salad is a classic dish that has captured the hearts of food enthusiasts for generations. Whether it's served as a side dish at backyard barbecues, a refreshing lunch option, or a potluck favorite, a hearty macaroni salad has the ability to transform an ordinary meal into a memorable feast. With its harmonious blend of textures, flavors, and colors, this dish is a testament to the power of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. In this article, we'll embark on a culinary journey to discover the secrets of crafting the ultimate hearty macaroni salad that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight.

Let's cook with our recipes!

HEARTY MACARONI SALAD

Hearty Macaroni Salad image

With chicken, ham and tiny shrimp, this recipe makes a hearty warm-weather salad. The dill adds a nice twist. It's great to serve for a luncheon. -Mary Selner, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 15m

Yield 10-12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

2 cups cubed cooked chicken
2 cups cubed fully cooked ham
2 cups cooked salad shrimp
1 package (7 ounces) pasta shells, cooked and drained
1 celery rib, sliced
1/4 cup diced green pepper
1/4 cup diced sweet red pepper
1/4 cup diced onion
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
DRESSING:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons vinegar
1/2 teaspoon sugar
2 teaspoons minced fresh dill or 1 teaspoon dill weed

Steps:

In a large bowl, toss the chicken, ham, shrimp, macaroni, celery, peppers, onion, salt and pepper. In a small bowl, combine all dressing ingredients; mix well. Pour over salad and toss. Cover and chill for 3-4 hours.

Nutrition Facts :

HEALTHY MACARONI SALAD

Healthy Macaroni Salad image

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

Ingredients

1 cup elbow macaroni
4 cups water
1/2 cucumber
2 hard-boiled eggs, diced
1/2 cup cheese, diced
1/2 cup celery, diced
1/2 cup carrot, grated
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon lemon juice

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

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.

Tips:

Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Opt for fresh vegetables, flavorful cheese, and a good quality mayonnaise.
Don't overcook the macaroni. Cook it according to the package directions, then drain and rinse it immediately to stop the cooking process.
Allow the macaroni salad to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld and develop.
Be creative with your ingredients. There are endless possibilities for macaroni salad, so feel free to experiment with different vegetables, cheeses, and meats.
Serve macaroni salad as a side dish or main course. It's also great for potlucks and picnics.

Conclusion:

Macaroni salad is a versatile and delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its endless variations, there is sure to be a macaroni salad recipe that everyone will enjoy. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy dish to make, give macaroni salad a try!