A Different Macaroni Salad Recipe
If you’re a fan of Thousand Island dressing like I am, you’ll love this creative twist on the classic macaroni salad. With a smooth and tangy flavor that comes from combining creamy Thousand Island with traditional salad ingredients, this recipe brings a unique, refreshing touch to your summer potlucks, barbecues, or picnics. Don’t be alarmed by the pinkish hue—it’s just the magic of Thousand Island dressing bringing color and flavor to this vibrant dish!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| Hard-boiled eggs | 1 (only the yolks for the sauce) |
| Fresh lemon juice | 4 teaspoons |
| Prepared mustard | 1 teaspoon |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Elbow macaroni | 8 oz |
| Celery | 1 stalk, diced |
| Green pepper | 1, diced |
| Onion | 1 small, diced |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 445 kcal |
| Total Fat | 22.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Cholesterol | 182.6 mg |
| Sodium | 767 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 48 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugars | 11.3 g |
| Protein | 12.5 g |
Instructions:
-
Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the first six ingredients: vinegar, egg yolks (discard the whites for now), lemon juice, prepared mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper. Whisk them together until smooth and creamy. This mixture will form the base of your dressing.
-
Chop the Egg Whites: Once the yolks have been mixed into the dressing, chop the egg whites into small pieces. Set them aside for later.
-
Cook the Macaroni: In a large pot, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Once done, drain and rinse under cold water to cool down the pasta and stop the cooking process.
-
Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cooked and cooled macaroni with the chopped egg whites, diced celery, diced green peppers, and diced onion.
-
Add the Dressing: Pour the Thousand Island dressing over the macaroni and vegetable mixture, stirring gently to coat everything evenly.
-
Chill and Serve: Cover the macaroni salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together. For a final touch, sprinkle the top with a little paprika just before serving.
Tips for the Perfect Macaroni Salad:
- Make Ahead: This macaroni salad can be prepared a day in advance, making it perfect for busy potluck prep. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
- Customize Your Veggies: If you like, you can swap out the green peppers or celery for other crunchy veggies like red bell pepper, cucumber, or even olives.
- For Extra Creaminess: You can add a little extra mayo or more Thousand Island dressing if you prefer a richer texture.
Whether you’re preparing this for a summer BBQ or a family picnic, this macaroni salad is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser! The tangy, creamy sauce pairs perfectly with the crisp vegetables and tender pasta, making it a standout side dish. Enjoy!
Keywords:
Summer, <30 Mins, Refrigerator, Beginner Cook, Stove Top, Easy, Inexpensive
