How to Make Macaroni Salad Quickly

A quick macaroni salad with herbs and canned or non-canned macaroni. Try macaroni chicken salad, salad without mayo, and one with fruit cocktail. These recipes are perfect for minimal prep time.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)

• 1 cup diced vegetables (bell peppers, celery, carrots, red onion)

• ½ cup sweet pickle relish (optional)

• 2 boiled eggs, chopped (optional)

• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

For the Dressing:

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon sugar or honey (adjust to taste)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)

Before We Start

• Cook Pasta Perfectly: Cook the macaroni until al dente (firm but cooked). Overcooking can make it mushy.

• Cool the Pasta: Rinse with cold water after cooking to stop further cooking and cool it down for the salad.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh veggies and herbs make a big difference in taste.

• Prepare Dressing First: Mixing the dressing separately ensures it's evenly distributed.

• Chill Before Serving: Let the salad sit in the fridge for at least an hour for the flavors to meld. (Macaroni salad will be done in 20–25 minutes. If you have time, refrigerating enhances the taste, but it’s okay if you serve it right away.)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

1. Take a deep pot, fill it with enough water, add a teaspoon of oil (to prevent sticking), and add salt. Pour in 2 cups of elbow macaroni and boil according to package instructions (it should take 7–8 minutes).

2. Once boiled, drain and rinse the macaroni under cold water. Set aside.

Prepare the Dressing
3. In a bowl, combine ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons vinegar (or lemon juice), 1 tablespoon mustard, 1 tablespoon sugar (adjust to taste), salt, pepper (to taste), and paprika (if using). Adjust the seasoning as needed.

Gather Ingredients
4. In a large bowl, mix the cooled macaroni with diced vegetables (bell peppers, celery, carrots, red onion) and boiled eggs. (If using relish, this is the point to add it.)

Combine and Chill
5. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
6. Cover the macaroni salad bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate for 1 hour to enhance the flavors.

Serve
7. After an hour, remove the bowl from the fridge, stir, garnish with parsley, and serve chilled.

What Goes with Macaroni Salad

Macaroni salad pairs well with grilled or barbecued meats, chicken (grilled, roasted, or fried), burgers (beef, turkey, or veggie), steak, hot dogs, and sausages (perfect for picnics or BBQs). It can also be enjoyed with beverages like iced tea or lemonade.

Recipes Related to Macaroni Salad

How to Make Macaroni Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

• Cooked macaroni (2 cups)

• Shredded chicken (1 cup, boiled or roasted)

• Mayonnaise (½ cup)

• Chopped vegetables (carrots, capsicum, celery)

• Salt, pepper, and a dash of lemon juice

Steps:

1. In a deep pot, simmer macaroni according to package instructions. Drain, rinse, and let it cool.

2. Boil or roast the chicken, shred it, and combine with chopped vegetables (carrots, capsicum, celery) and cooled macaroni in a large bowl.

3. Prepare the dressing in a bowl by mixing mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Combine it with macaroni, chicken, and chopped vegetables, ensuring everything is well coated.

4. Cover and chill for an hour for enhanced flavor, or serve warm for the best taste.

Your macaroni chicken salad is ready!

How to Make Macaroni Salad Without Mayo

Ingredients:

• Macaroni (2 cups)

• Greek yogurt (½ cup) or olive oil (for a lighter version)

• Mustard (1 tsp)

• Chopped herbs (parsley, dill)

• Vegetables like cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and onions

Steps:

1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain, rinse, and let it cool.

2. In a bowl, whisk yogurt or olive oil with mustard and chopped herbs.

3. Add macaroni and chopped vegetables (cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, onions) to the bowl. Combine well, ensuring the dressing coats everything evenly.

4. Serve warm with a sprinkle of parsley, or refrigerate for enhanced flavor.

Your macaroni salad without mayo is ready to enjoy!

How to Make Macaroni Salad with Fruit Cocktail

Ingredients:

• Macaroni (2 cups, cooked and cooled)

• Fruit cocktail (1 can, drained)

• Condensed milk (2 tbsp)

• Cream (½ cup)

• Grated cheese (optional)

Steps:

1. Boil the macaroni, then drain and rinse. Let it cool.

2. In a bowl, whisk cream and condensed milk together.

3. Add the boiled macaroni and drained fruit cocktail to the bowl. Mix well until evenly coated.

4. Before serving, sprinkle grated cheese on top if desired. Chill for 1–2 hours for best flavor, or serve warm if preferred.

Your fruit cocktail macaroni salad is ready!

Conclusion

1. In a deep pot, boil water with a teaspoon of oil (to prevent sticking) and salt to taste. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions (usually 7–8 minutes). Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.

2. Prepare the dressing by mixing mayonnaise, vinegar or lemon juice, mustard, sugar, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using) in a bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

3. In a large bowl, combine the cooled macaroni, diced vegetables (bell peppers, celery, carrots, red onion), boiled eggs, and the prepared dressing. Mix gently until evenly coated.

4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for an hour to enhance the flavors.

5. After chilling, give it a stir, sprinkle with parsley, and serve chilled for the best taste.

Enjoy your quick and easy macaroni salad!

For More Recipes, Check Out:

• How to Make Potato Salad as You Desire

• How to Make Chicken Salad (Delicious)

• How to Make Chickpea Salad Recipe

• How to Make Dense Bean Salad (Easy Steps)

• How to Make Vegan Pasta Salad (Tasty)

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