Simple Summer Macaroni Salad Recipe

by Sugar on May 25, 2010 · 6 comments

Summer Macaroni Salad Receipe

This salad is one that I make all the time in the summer and everyone loves it.  Even my kids and their friends ask me to make this because they love it so much. If you need a side dish to complete a meal or bring to a BBQ, make this and I guarantee everyone will want the recipe.

This is a modified recipe of a macaroni salad my Mom always made for me.  When I was a kid, she often made this into a complete meal by adding a can of tuna.

Ingredients

1 pound elbow macaroni (I recommend Barilla)

1-1/2 cups mayonnaise

3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon of sugar

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/2 onion, chopped

2 stalks celery, chopped

1/2 green bell pepper, chopped

1/2 red bell pepper, chopped

2 carrots, chopped

A handful of fresh parsley, chopped and some left over for garnish

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.  Add macaroni and cook, about 7 minutes.  Don’t overcook.  This is best served al dente (a little firm).  Rinse under cold water and drain.

In a large bowl, mix together the macaroni, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar and a good sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir in the onion, celery, green pepper, red pepper, carrot, and parsley. Refrigerate for a few hours or overnight.  Before serving, taste the salad and add more salt and pepper if needed.  Top with a garnish of fresh parsley.

{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }

Cheri June 9, 2010 at 12:57 pm

I made this for my family picnic and they loved it! So healthy and it looked just like the picture! Will be sure to make it again….

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Sugar June 9, 2010 at 1:03 pm

I’m so glad to hear that Cheri. I have to add the beet salad recipe I sent you. That is another one people love.

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Steph August 4, 2010 at 11:44 pm

This was a great recipe but you better not be shy about cutting. There was a lot vegetables that needed to be cut. Everyone loved it. I doubled the recipe which was a little overkill but gave us some excellent leftovers. It was delicious and the kids loved it the most out of all the side dishes that were served. I am definitely making this one again.
-Steph

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Sugar August 5, 2010 at 8:51 am

Steph it sounds like you had one monster macaroni salad. If chopping is a problem you can always use a hand chopper or a food processor. They come in all sizes and prices but cut out most of the chopping time. I usually throw all my veggies in at once and have it chopped in a minute. If you don’t have one of these appliances you should pick one up. No cook should be without one. Trust me when I tell you it will be one of your favorite kitchen gadgets.

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Erin May 26, 2011 at 2:13 pm

Mmm looks really good! I like the use of peppers.

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Sugar May 26, 2011 at 2:22 pm

Erin, This one is so simple and everyone will love it. Have a great weekend.

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