Best Macaroni Salad Recipe
User Reviews
5
Best Macaroni Salad Recipe
Description
The Best Macaroni Salad Recipe uses cooked elbow macaroni as the base tossed with roasted red bell peppers and chopped kale for vegetable freshness and color. Cooked and chopped bacon adds savory smokiness and bite, while sweet pickle relish introduces acidity and sweetness. Scallions contribute a mild onion flavor. The dressing combines mayonnaise with apple cider vinegar, sugar, a touch of hot sauce, and minced garlic, providing creaminess with balanced tang and subtle heat.
This salad is best served chilled and works well as a side dish for summer meals or picnics. Its make-ahead nature allows flavors to meld overnight and offers convenience for gatherings. The mix of ingredients gives the dish textural interest with tender pasta, crisp veggies, and creamy dressing.
For best results, refrigerate the salad in an airtight container for up to four days before serving. Toss gently before serving to redistribute dressing and flavors evenly.
Ingredients
- 1 pound macaroni pasta
- 12 ounces red bell pepper 1 jar) drained and chopped, roasted
- 3/4 cup kale finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Bacon chopped, cooked
- 1/2 cup pickle relish sweet
- 1/2 cup scallion chopped
- 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise could be low fat
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce I used Frank's RedHot
- 1 clove garlic minced
- salt
- black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions, usually 7-10 minutes. Then drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a medium bowl mix the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, hot sauce, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper.
- Pour the macaroni in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the top. Then add the chopped roasted red peppers, kale, bacon, pickle relish, and scallions.
- Toss well to coat. Then refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Prepare the macaroni salad up to four days in advance and store it refrigerated in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Serve the salad chilled for the best texture and flavor balance.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 362 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 362kcal | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | 34g | 11% |
| Protein | 5g | 10% |
| Fat | 22g | 34% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 12mg | 4% |
| Sodium | 689mg | 29% |
| Potassium | 163mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 750IU | 15% |
| Vitamin C | 20mg | 22% |
| Calcium | 31mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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