Creamy Summer Macaroni Salad

Macaroni Salad Recipe

Description: This delightful Macaroni Salad recipe comes straight from a friend who served it at her 4th of July party, and it was an instant hit! The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility; you can adjust the quantities of cheese, cucumbers, and tomatoes to suit your taste buds. Personally, I love to load up on extra cheese for that added creamy goodness. The combination of crisp cucumbers with the soft macaroni creates a delightful texture that is simply irresistible!

Recipe Category: Vegetable 🥒

Keywords: Low Protein, Low Cholesterol, Potluck, Spring, Summer, < 30 Mins, Stove Top, Easy 🌱🌞

Ingredients:

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

• Calories: 211.8
• Fat Content: 8.4g
• Saturated Fat Content: 1.5g
• Cholesterol Content: 7.9mg
• Sodium Content: 165.6mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 29.6g
• Fiber Content: 1g
• Sugar Content: 3g
• Protein Content: 4.6g

Servings:

• Yield: Not specified
• Servings: 8

Instructions:

1. Cook the Macaroni:

   • Bring a pot of water to a boil.
   • Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente.
   • Once cooked, drain the macaroni and allow it to cool completely.

2. Prepare the Vegetables and Cheese:

   • While the macaroni is cooling, dice the cucumber and tomatoes to your desired size.
   • Cut the cheddar cheese into small cubes.

3. Combine Ingredients:

   • In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled macaroni, diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and cheddar cheese.

4. Make the Dressing:

   • In a separate bowl, prepare the dressing by mixing together mayonnaise, milk, and sugar until smooth and well-combined.

5. Combine Dressing with Salad:

   • Pour the prepared dressing over the macaroni mixture in the large bowl.
   • Gently stir until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

6. Season to Taste:

   • Add salt and pepper to the salad according to your taste preferences.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Once seasoned to perfection, transfer the Macaroni Salad to a serving dish.
   • This salad is best served chilled, making it perfect for potlucks, picnics, or any spring and summer gatherings.
   • Enjoy the creamy, crunchy goodness of this delightful Macaroni Salad with friends and family!

Tips:

• For a burst of flavor, consider adding diced red onions or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill to the salad.
• You can make this salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Feel free to customize the ingredients based on your dietary preferences or what you have on hand. You can use low-fat mayo or add more vegetables to make it even healthier.
• If you prefer a tangier dressing, add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to the dressing mixture.
• Don’t forget to adjust the seasoning before serving to ensure the perfect balance of flavors.