The “Macaroni Cheese Salad” recipe you’re interested in is a delightful adaptation from the Junior League of Lynchburg’s cookbook, “Good Cookin’ From the Heart of Virginia.” This pasta salad combines the comforting flavors of macaroni, cheese cubes, bacon, peas, and a medley of seasonings, making it perfect for potlucks, summer gatherings, or any occasion where a delicious, easy-to-prepare dish is needed in less than an hour.
Recipe Details:
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Category: Cheese
- Keywords: Potluck, Summer, < 60 Mins, Refrigerator
- Rating: 5 stars
- Review Count: 1
Ingredients:
- Macaroni Cheese Salad:
- 2 1/2 cups elbow macaroni
- 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, cubed
- 1/3 cup green onion, chopped
- 1/3 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup green pepper, finely chopped
- 1/8 cup parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon spicy mustard
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup peas, thawed
- Paprika, for garnish
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 251.3
- Total Fat: 9.8g
- Saturated Fat: 4.9g
- Cholesterol: 22.7mg
- Sodium: 470.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 30.8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 3.5g
- Protein: 10g
Recipe Instructions:
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Cook Macaroni: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain well again.
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Prepare Salad Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled macaroni with the cheddar cheese cubes, chopped green onion, celery, and green pepper.
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Prepare Dressing: In another bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, spicy mustard, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.
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Combine Ingredients: Pour the dressing over the macaroni mixture in the large bowl. Gently stir until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
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Add Final Ingredients: Fold in the thawed peas, crumbled bacon, and chopped parsley into the macaroni mixture. Toss gently to distribute these ingredients throughout the salad.
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Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to a serving dish. Sprinkle paprika over the top for added flavor and presentation. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
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Serve: Before serving, give the salad a final gentle toss to mix everything together. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Additional Tips:
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Make-Ahead: This salad can be prepared up to a day in advance. Keep it refrigerated until ready to serve for the best flavor and texture.
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Variations: Feel free to customize this salad with additional vegetables like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for added color and crunch.
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Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Stir gently before serving again.
Final Thoughts:
The “Macaroni Cheese Salad” recipe is not only a testament to the culinary heritage of Virginia but also a versatile and flavorful addition to any meal. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or bringing a dish to a potluck, this salad is sure to impress with its creamy dressing, hearty pasta, and savory bacon. Enjoy the blend of textures and flavors that make this recipe a standout choice for any occasion!