Cindi’s Chicken Macaroni Salad 🥗
Overview:
Cindi’s Chicken Macaroni Salad is a delightful concoction that brings together the comforting flavors of cooked chicken or turkey, vibrant vegetables, and creamy dressing. Perfect for a quick meal or as a side dish, this recipe is a testament to family favorites and culinary ingenuity. With a touch of sweetness and a hint of tanginess, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 2-3 cups cooked turkey or chicken 🍗
- 2 cups macaroni 🍝
- 3/4 cup diced red bell pepper 🌶️
- 2/3 cup chopped celery 🥬
- 2-3 tablespoons finely chopped onions 🧅
- 8 ounces cubed colby cheese 🧀
- 8 ounces peas, thawed if frozen 🌱
- 1 cup salad dressing 🥗
- 1 1/2 cups Kraft’s Creamy Cucumber Ranch Salad Dressing 🥒
Instructions:
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Preparation: Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
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Combine Ingredients: In a very large bowl, combine the cooked turkey or chicken, cooked macaroni, diced red bell pepper, chopped celery, finely chopped onions, cubed colby cheese, and peas.
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Add Dressings: Pour in the salad dressing and Kraft’s Creamy Cucumber Ranch Salad Dressing. Gently toss everything together until well combined, ensuring that all ingredients are evenly coated in the creamy dressing.
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Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for several hours to allow the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill thoroughly.
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Serve: Once chilled, give the salad a final toss to redistribute the dressing. Serve cold as a standalone dish or as a side to your favorite main course. Enjoy the delicious flavors and refreshing crunch with every bite!
Tips and Substitutions:
- Meat Quantity: Feel free to adjust the amount of cooked turkey or chicken according to your preference. If you’re a meat lover like Cindi, go ahead and add 3 cups for an extra protein boost.
- Cheese Swap: While colby cheese adds a creamy texture and mild flavor to the salad, you can substitute it with mild cheddar cheese if preferred.
- Dressing Preference: Cindi swears by Kraft’s Creamy Cucumber Ranch Salad Dressing for its unique flavor profile, but you can use any regular ranch salad dressing as an alternative.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 277
- Fat Content: 12g
- Saturated Fat Content: 5.9g
- Cholesterol Content: 57.1mg
- Sodium Content: 377.1mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 24.2g
- Fiber Content: 2.1g
- Sugar Content: 4.8g
- Protein Content: 17.6g
Serving Size and Yield:
- Yield: Approximately 4 1/2 lbs. of salad
- Serving Size: Serve generous portions of this hearty salad to feed a crowd or enjoy leftovers for days to come.
Recipe Notes:
- Make Ahead: This salad is perfect for making ahead of time, making it ideal for picnics, potlucks, and busy weeknights. Prepare it the night before and refrigerate overnight for maximum flavor.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
- Enjoyment: Whether served as a light lunch, a side dish, or a party pleaser, Cindi’s Chicken Macaroni Salad is guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds and leave you craving more. Enjoy the vibrant colors, refreshing crunch, and irresistible flavors with every forkful!