Macaroni Summer Salad: A Delightful and Easy Tuna Dish for Hot Days
Cook Time: 2 hours (chill time)
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Description: This Macaroni Summer Salad is a nostalgic dish that brings back memories of childhood summers, where my mom would whip up this easy and delicious salad for us. Perfect for warm weather, this salad combines tender macaroni with refreshing ingredients, making it a delightful addition to any summer meal or picnic.
Recipe Category: Tuna
Keywords: Summer, Easy, Inexpensive, < 4 Hours
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Macaroni | 7 cups |
| Vinegar | 2 tablespoons |
| Onion | 2 tablespoons (finely chopped) |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Cheddar Cheese | ¼ cup (shredded) |
| Tuna in Water | 1 can (drained) |
| Mayonnaise | 1 cup |
| Celery | 1 stalk (diced) |
| Sweet Peas | ½ cup (cooked or canned) |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutritional Element | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 692.4 kcal |
| Total Fat | 29.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 74.8 mg |
| Sodium | 1040.5 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 63.3 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.3 g |
| Sugars | 10.4 g |
| Protein | 41.7 g |
Instructions
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Cook the Macaroni: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the macaroni in a colander and allow it to cool slightly.
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Add Oil and Vinegar: While the macaroni is still warm, drizzle in the olive oil and vinegar. This will help to infuse the pasta with flavor and prevent it from sticking together as it cools.
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Incorporate the Seasonings: Once you have added the oil and vinegar, fold in the finely chopped onion, salt, and pepper. The warm macaroni will absorb these seasonings beautifully, creating a flavorful base for your salad.
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Add the Cheese: Gently mix in the shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt slightly with the warmth of the pasta, enhancing the overall richness of the salad.
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Fold in the Remaining Ingredients: Carefully mix in the drained tuna, sweet peas, diced celery, and mayonnaise. Take your time with this step to ensure that everything is evenly distributed without breaking up the tuna too much.
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Chill the Salad: Once all the ingredients are combined, transfer the salad to a large bowl or serving dish. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly.
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Serve and Enjoy: After chilling, give the salad a good toss before serving to refresh the ingredients. Serve it cold as a stand-alone dish or as a side to your favorite summer entrees. This salad is not only easy to prepare but also a hit at any gathering, reminding everyone of those sunny days gone by.
Serving Suggestion: This Macaroni Summer Salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, hot dogs, or a simple green salad. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs to make it your own!
Final Thoughts: With its creamy texture, delightful flavors, and vibrant colors, this Macaroni Summer Salad is more than just a dish; it’s a cherished recipe that evokes fond memories and is sure to become a staple in your summer repertoire. Enjoy the freshness and simplicity of this classic salad with your loved ones!
