Classic Macaroni Salad | Salad
Classic Macaroni salad is an easy side dish you can make the night before your picnic or potluck with an easy creamy and tangy classic dressing.
HOW DO YOU MAKE MACARONI SALAD?
Macaroni salad is an easy pasta salad that’s a mix of elbow pasta, mayonnaise, Italian dressing and crunchy vegetables.
But, here’s the thing. This recipe is crazy easy. So easy in fact by the time the pasta is done cooking you’ll have the entire mixture ready to go. Then you drain the pasta, toss it in the mixture and refrigerate overnight. The longest part of the recipe? Waiting for the water to boil.
MACARONI SALAD ADD-IN IDEAS:
Red Onions: They’re slightly sweeter than yellow onions and add a fun color.
Bell Peppers: Don’t worry they’ll have a slight crunch but also somewhat soften overnight.
Pickled Gherkins, Burger Chips Or Jalapenos will give tangy flavour in the salad.
Black Olives: The deep black of the Olives add a nice color contrast to the salad along with a nutty flavour.
Pineapple: Another fun option is Hawaiian Macaroni Salad which has pineapple
Mangoes: These are my kids favourite choice will increase the flavour of your macaroni salad.
Cucumber: Will give refreshing taste to the salad along with some mint leaves.
How to Make this Simple Macaroni Salad Dressing
The dressing for this salad is a mayonnaise base that’s been thinned out with Italian Dressing.
The Best Ever Classic Italian Salad Dressing Recipe
After a bit of experimenting, I finally came up with my own homemade Italian Salad Dressing that’s delicious and versatile enough for a lot of different tastes. Just choose your preferred vinegar for the base, and you’ve got an oil and vinegar dressing that’s tailor-made for your family.
Italian Dressing
Ingredients
- 6 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 tbsp White Vinegar
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 2 Cloves Garlic
- 1 tbsp Dried Basil or Italian Mixed Herbs
- 1/4 tsp Crushed Red peppers
- 1/4 tsp Oregano
- 3/4 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 1/2 tsp Pepper
Instructions
- Whisk together all the ingredients. Use as Required
Classic Macaroni salad
Ingredients
- 1 cup Macaroni
Boiled & Cooled - 1/2 cup Pineapple chopped
- 1/2 cup Onion chopped
- 1 tbsp Red Pepper chopped
- 1 tbsp Olives chopped
- 1/2 cup Mango chopped
- 1 Cucumber chopped
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Celery / Mint Leaves chopped
Instructions
- Mix all the chopped vegetables and Fruits and macaroni in a bowl.
- Mix Italian Dressing and Mayonnaise and keep aside.
- Pour dressind over the salad at least 1 hour before serving.
- Chill in fridge for 1 hour before serving.
Video
Notes
- Cooking the macaroni correctly is essential to a good mac salad. Overcook it and you’ll end up with mushy bites that won’t stand up to the mixing with the vegetables.
- This salad tastes best when it’s had some time in the refrigerator for the flavors to meld. Allow for at least an hour before serving, or make it the night before for the best, flavorful taste.
- And always remember to taste again before serving to decide if more salt and pepper seasoning needs to be added.
Macaroni Salad Variations
I love this homemade macaroni salad recipe, and that you can make it your own! I added the mix-ins I like but you can swap the ones I have here with different vegetables or mix-ins you prefer. Here’s some other good choices:
- Corn
- Tomatoes (seeded)
- Diced baby dill pickles or sweet pickle relish
- Peas
- Cheese
Cooking with lots of love and straight from the heart.
Bhawna Maharshi
Pans n ovens