The “A Little Different Macaroni Salad” is a unique twist on the traditional macaroni salad. It’s known for its rich and flavorful taste, making it a popular choice for gatherings and picnics. Here’s the recipe along with its history, ingredients, instructions, preparation steps, and estimated preparation time:
Recipe: A Little Different Macaroni Salad
History:
The exact origin of this recipe is unclear, but variations of macaroni salad have been enjoyed in various cultures for many years. This particular twist adds a touch of uniqueness to the classic macaroni salad, making it stand out in terms of flavor and presentation.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups macaroni pasta
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cooked and diced ham
- 1/2 cup diced cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup diced pickles
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
Recipe Instructions:
- Cook the macaroni pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and let it cool to room temperature.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Add the cooked and cooled macaroni pasta to the bowl and toss it with the dressing to coat evenly.
- Gently fold in the diced ham, cheddar cheese, red bell pepper, green onions, parsley, and pickles.
- Lastly, add the chopped hard-boiled eggs and give the salad a final gentle toss to incorporate all the ingredients.
- Refrigerate the macaroni salad for at least 1-2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Preparation Steps:
- Cook macaroni pasta.
- Prepare the dressing by whisking together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
- Combine pasta and dressing, ensuring the pasta is well coated.
- Add diced ham, cheddar cheese, red bell pepper, green onions, parsley, and pickles.
- Gently fold in chopped hard-boiled eggs.
- Refrigerate for 1-2 hours before serving.
Preparation Time:
Approximately 30 minutes for cooking and preparing the ingredients, plus an additional 1-2 hours of refrigeration time.
Enjoy your “A Little Different Macaroni Salad”! It’s a delightful and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and health information for “A Little Different Macaroni Salad”:
Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximately 1 cup):
- Calories: ~350
- Total Fat: ~20g
- Saturated Fat: ~4g
- Cholesterol: ~45mg
- Sodium: ~600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: ~30g
- Dietary Fiber: ~2g
- Sugars: ~3g
- Protein: ~12g
- Vitamin D: ~2% DV
- Calcium: ~10% DV
- Iron: ~10% DV
- Potassium: ~6% DV
Health Information:
- Moderation is key due to the calorie and fat content. Enjoy in appropriate portions.
- The salad contains a decent amount of protein from ham and eggs.
- The fiber from vegetables and pasta helps with digestion and satiety.
- Consider using low-fat mayo or a mix of Greek yogurt and mayo for a lighter option.
- The salad contains sodium from ham, cheese, and pickles. Be mindful if you’re watching sodium intake.
- Incorporating whole wheat or higher-fiber pasta can increase the overall fiber content.
- This salad provides a mix of vitamins and minerals from vegetables, contributing to your daily intake.
Remember that nutritional values can vary based on specific brands and portion sizes. It’s always a good idea to consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist for personalized dietary advice.
