Best 13 Mac N Cheese Salad Recipes

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Mac n cheese salad is a delectable dish that combines the classic comfort food of macaroni and cheese with the refreshing elements of a salad. It is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, featuring tender macaroni, creamy cheese, and crisp vegetables. This versatile dish can be enjoyed as a main course, a side dish, or a potluck favorite. In this article, we will explore some of the best recipes for mac n cheese salad, providing a variety of options to suit different preferences and dietary restrictions. Whether you're looking for a traditional recipe or a healthier version, we've got you covered. So, get ready to embark on a culinary journey filled with cheesy goodness and vibrant flavors.

Here are our top 13 tried and tested recipes!

MACARONI AND CHEESE PASTA SALAD



Macaroni and Cheese Pasta Salad image

One of my co-workers shared this recipe with us when everybody raved over it. I use this as a fast-fix dinners, as it can be made from last night's macaroni and cheese, and prep time is under 15 minutes.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 15m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 cups prepared macaroni and cheese
1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
1/4 cup chopped celery
1 tablespoon chopped onion
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
1/4 teaspoon celery salt
1/4 teaspoon celery seed

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, combine the macaroni and cheese, peas, celery and onion. Combine the mayonnaise, celery salt and seed. Add to macaroni mixture; stir to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 324 calories, Fat 20g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 33mg cholesterol, Sodium 562mg sodium, Carbohydrate 24g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 11g protein.

MACARONI AND CHEESE PEA SALAD



Macaroni and Cheese Pea Salad image

Made from boxed macaroni&cheese dinner. The cheese/macaroni mixture gives this a unique twist to typical macaroni salad. I've never made it from homemade cheese & macaroni, but I imagine it would work fine. Sometimes I use leftover macaroni & cheese dinner and adjust the rest of the ingredients accordingly. This is one of our quick and easy family favorites. Enjoy!!

Provided by BakinBaby

Categories     Vegetable

Time 40m

Yield 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 (7 ounce) box macaroni & cheese dinner mix (we use Kraft brand, but store brands are fine also)
1/4 cup butter or 1/4 cup margarine
1/4 cup milk
1 cup frozen peas (thawed)
3 hard-boiled eggs (chopped)
1/2 cup celery (chopped)
1/3 cup onion (chopped)
2 green onions (chopped)
1 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon salt and pepper (to taste)
1 teaspoon dried dill (you can substitute with your favorite cold salad seasoning.)

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni & cheese dinner per box directions; cool. (If you're using leftover macaroni, adjust the remaining ingredients accordingly).
  • Add chopped eggs, celery, onion, green onion to cooled macaroni & cheese.
  • Stir in mayonnaise and seasonings.
  • Gently stir in thawed peas and season to taste.
  • As with all salads, season to taste.

QUICK MACARONI SALAD



Quick Macaroni Salad image

You can't go wrong with this time-tested winner. Here it is pared down for two.-Carma Blosser, Livermore, Colorado

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 20m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

3/4 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
1/3 cup frozen peas
1/3 cup cubed cheddar cheese
1/4 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons chopped celery
1 teaspoon finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon diced pimientos
1 teaspoon finely chopped green pepper
1/8 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions, adding peas during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and rinse in cold water. , In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Stir in macaroni and peas. Chill until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 276 calories, Fat 15g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 24mg cholesterol, Sodium 544mg sodium, Carbohydrate 28g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 10g protein.

THE WORLDS BEST MACARONI AND CHEESE SALAD



The Worlds Best Macaroni and Cheese Salad image

I usually don't measure and I usually make this for big family gatherings. So Take away from the recipe as you see fit. I get a whole lot of complements on this salad and I enjoy it myself. The bacon bits add crunch and taste.

Provided by Christina M

Categories     Cheese

Time 50m

Yield 10-13 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 lb elbow macaroni
1 big onion, peeled and diced
1 dozen egg, hardboiled, peeled and roughly chopped
2 (15 ounce) cans black olives, very well drained
2 cups cheddar cheese, cubed
1/2-1 cup bacon bits
1 1/2-2 cups mayonnaise (NOT Miracle Whip)
2 -3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
salt and pepper

Steps:

  • Boil macaroni.
  • Dice onion.
  • Cut olives/cheese/eggs (eggs in big chunks).
  • When macaroni is done, drain and rinse until mac is cool.
  • Add all ingredients at one at a time stirring in between.
  • Add mayo; stir--add mayo; stir.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 463.8, Fat 24.1, SaturatedFat 8.3, Cholesterol 224.7, Sodium 972.6, Carbohydrate 41.7, Fiber 4.5, Sugar 2.2, Protein 20.7

CHEDDAR AND MACARONI SALAD



Cheddar and Macaroni Salad image

This is a good make-ahead side dish for a summer dinner.

Provided by Karena

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Vegetarian Pasta Salad Recipes

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 cup macaroni
¾ cup cubed Cheddar cheese
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
½ cup frozen green peas, thawed
⅓ cup chopped onion
¼ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream
2 tablespoons milk
1 ½ tablespoons sweet pickle relish

Steps:

  • Cook pasta in boiling salted water until done. Drain. Rinse macaroni under cold water, and drain again.
  • Combine pasta with cheese, vegetables, mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, and pickle relish. Chill for at least 24 hours.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 243.4 calories, Carbohydrate 19.2 g, Cholesterol 25.4 mg, Fat 15.2 g, Fiber 1.7 g, Protein 7.9 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, Sodium 213.5 mg, Sugar 3.6 g

MAC 'N' CHEESE SALAD



Mac 'N' Cheese Salad image

"This salad is so easy to make, and it tastes even better the next day," assures Doris Moore of Augusta, Illinois. Extra macaroni and cheese is the key to the cool creamy mixture that's seasoned with a pinch of dill.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 10m

Yield 2-3 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 7

1-1/2 cups leftover macaroni and cheese, chilled
1/2 cup chopped cucumber
1/4 cup sliced radishes
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1/8 teaspoon dill weed

Steps:

  • In a serving bowl, combine all of the ingredients. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts :

MACARONI CHEESE SALAD



Macaroni Cheese Salad image

Delicious pasta salad with cheese cubes, bacon, peas and seasonings. An adaptation of an original recipe from a cookbook of the Junior League of Lynchburg, VA entitled Good Cookin' From the Heart of Virginia.

Provided by christina white

Categories     Cheese

Time 43m

Yield 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 1/2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
3/4 cup cubed cheddar cheese
1/3 cup finely chopped green onion
1/3 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped green pepper
1/8 cup chopped parsley
1/2 cup sour cream
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon prepared hot spicy mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 (10 ounce) package frozen peas, thawed
6 -8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
paprika

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain.
  • Rinse with cold water; drain.
  • Combine macaroni, cheese, onions, celery and green pepper; set aside.
  • Mix together sour cream, mayonnaise, mustard and seasonings.
  • Pour over macaroni mixture and stir gently.
  • Add thawed peas and bacon and parsley to macaroni.
  • Toss.
  • Sprinkle salad with paprika and serve.

CLASSIC MACARONI SALAD



Classic Macaroni Salad image

Creamy dishes like Alex's macaroni salad are a perfect match for fresh dill. "I love dill with mayonnaise," she says. "It's grassy and light."

Provided by Alex Guarnaschelli

Categories     side-dish

Time 45m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
1 small red onion, diced, soaked in ice water at least 1 hour and up to 12 hours
1 large red bell pepper, diced
3 scallions (green parts only), thinly sliced
Kosher salt
12 ounces elbow macaroni
1 sprig dill, leaves finely chopped
4 sprigs basil, leaves torn

Steps:

  • Make the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, soy sauce and hot sauce until smooth. Drain and dry the red onion and stir it into the dressing along with the bell pepper, scallions and a generous pinch of salt.
  • Make the pasta: In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil. Add a generous amount of salt. Add the pasta and cook, stirring from time to time, until al dente (chewy but not hard or raw tasting), 6 to 10 minutes. Drain; do not rinse the pasta. Spread it out on a large baking sheet to cool slightly, 5 to 10 minutes.
  • While the pasta is still warm, add it to the bowl with the dressing and let sit at room temperature, 10 to 15 minutes. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Stir in the dill and basil just before serving and taste for seasoning.

MACARONI AND CHEESE SALAD



Macaroni and Cheese Salad image

The vinegar and cheese help to make this a unique macaroni salad.

Provided by Sally Dickson

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Tomato Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 1h25m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 ½ cups macaroni
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
½ cup chopped green bell pepper
¼ cup chopped celery
3 tablespoons thinly sliced green onion
8 cherry tomatoes
1 cup mayonnaise
salt and pepper to taste
¼ teaspoon Beau Monde ™ seasoning

Steps:

  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta until al dente, rinse under cold water and drain.
  • In a large bowl, combine pasta and vinegar. Mix well and allow to sit 15-20 minutes.
  • Add cheese, peppers, celery, green onions, tomatoes, mayonnaise and seasonings. Mix well and refrigerate until chilled.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 446.6 calories, Carbohydrate 23 g, Cholesterol 33.7 mg, Fat 35.9 g, Fiber 1.4 g, Protein 8.8 g, SaturatedFat 8.4 g, Sodium 354.2 mg, Sugar 1.7 g

MACARONI & CHEESE SALAD



Macaroni & Cheese Salad image

This was on a local cooking show the other day and looks like it will be a good and EASY recipe any potluck event.

Provided by Sherrybeth

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 1h

Yield 15-20 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 lb elbow macaroni
3/4 cup sweet onion, peeled and diced
1 dozen egg, boiled, peeled, and diced
2 (15 ounce) cans black olives
2 cups cheddar cheese, cubed
1/2 cup bacon bits (real bacon ones)
1 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
salt and pepper

Steps:

  • Boil macaroni according to package directions. Drain and rinse in cold water.
  • Dice onions, slice olives, cube cheese, and cut eggs in big chunks.
  • Add all onions, olives, cheese ,and eggs to macaroni one at a time.
  • Combine mayonnaise and dijon mustard.
  • Toss into macaroni salad.
  • Add bacon bits and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Toss well to mix.
  • Refrigerate to chill.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 356.9, Fat 20.3, SaturatedFat 5.9, Cholesterol 168.8, Sodium 784, Carbohydrate 31.5, Fiber 3, Sugar 2.3, Protein 12.9

MACARONI AND CHEESE SALAD



Macaroni and Cheese Salad image

I found this recipe in my Sunday paper and had to make it right away. Cook time includes chilling time.

Provided by Shari2

Categories     Cheese

Time 3h15m

Yield 16 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
2 cups chopped celery
1 small red bell peppers or 1 small green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
2 hardboiled egg, chopped
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon tarragon vinegar or 1 tablespoon wine vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon yellow mustard

Steps:

  • Cook the elbow macaroni until al dente and rinse under cold water.
  • Mix all the dry ingredients together.
  • Mix the mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, salt and mustard together.
  • Add the mayonnaise mixture to the macaroni mixture.
  • Chill for 2 to 3 hours to mix flavors.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 119.3, Fat 5.8, SaturatedFat 3.3, Cholesterol 35.4, Sodium 236.8, Carbohydrate 11.3, Fiber 0.8, Sugar 1.4, Protein 5.4

PIMENTO CHEESE MACARONI SALAD



Pimento Cheese Macaroni Salad image

This is inspired by a delicious and creamy pimento dip that my best friend makes whenever we do a weekend barbecue shindig. I decided to make a pasta salad version of that dish featuring elbow macaroni. The addition of diced red bell pepper adds a crunch of freshness that pairs perfectly with the creaminess of the ingredients. This fun and comforting salad is delicious warm or room temperature but can also be made in advance and served cold.

Provided by Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 25m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
8 ounces elbow macaroni
4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup canned pimento peppers, diced
1/2 cup shredded sharp Cheddar
2 tablespoon chives, fresh or freeze-dried
1 tablespoon smoked paprika, plus more for sprinkling
1 clove garlic, minced
Dash hot sauce (use your favorite)
1 red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded and diced

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted boiling water to a rolling boil. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente, about 1 minute less than package directions suggest.
  • Meanwhile, in a large bowl, mix the cream cheese, mayonnaise, pimento peppers, Cheddar, chives, smoked paprika, garlic, hot sauce and a pinch of salt and black pepper together until thoroughly combined.
  • Transfer the cooked macaroni directly to the large bowl with the cheese mixture and mix until everything is thoroughly combined. Fold in the red bell pepper and garnish with more smoked paprika. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge until ready to serve.

MACARONI SALAD



Macaroni Salad image

Macaroni salad, a cookout favorite, doesn't take much to be great - just the right amount of moisture and seasoning. This version draws its inspiration from the macaroni salad at the Kennedy Fried Chicken restaurants. For the perfect balance, use a more savory brand of mayonnaise here, since the recipe gets its sweetness from a bit of sugar and shredded carrots. Make sure the macaroni salad is cold when you serve it; the only time macaroni has to be served hot is when it's covered in mounds of cheese, like this Southern Macaroni and Cheese.

Provided by Millie Peartree

Categories     noodles, salads and dressings, side dish

Time 30m

Yield 8 to 10 servings (3 quarts)

Number Of Ingredients 13

Kosher salt
1 pound elbow noodles
2 celery ribs, finely diced
1 red bell pepper, finely diced
1/2 cup shredded carrots (from 1 medium carrot)
1/2 cup finely diced red onion
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 tablespoon Dijon or yellow mustard
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, plus more as needed

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook noodles until a little past al dente, then rinse under cold water and drain. Once the noodles are cool enough to handle with your hands, transfer them to a large bowl.
  • Add the celery, bell pepper, carrots and onion to the cooled noodles; toss to combine.
  • Prepare the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt and pepper.
  • Pour dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is well coated. Taste and season with more salt and pepper, if desired. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the salad will taste. Use fresh vegetables, a good quality cheese, and a flavorful dressing.
  • Cook the macaroni al dente: This will prevent it from becoming mushy in the salad.
  • Let the macaroni cool completely before adding it to the salad: This will help to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
  • Be generous with the cheese: Macaroni salad is all about the cheese, so don't be afraid to add a lot. A good rule of thumb is to use about 1 cup of cheese per pound of macaroni.
  • Use a flavorful dressing: The dressing is what really brings the salad together. Use a dressing that is tangy, creamy, and flavorful.
  • Add some mix-ins: Macaroni salad is a great way to use up leftover vegetables, meats, or cheeses. Feel free to add whatever you like to your salad.

Conclusion:

Macaroni salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is perfect for potlucks, picnics, and barbecues. With so many different variations to choose from, there is sure to be a macaroni salad recipe that everyone will love.

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