Creamy Macaroni Cheese Salad: A Picnic Favorite 🧀🥗

Recipe: Macaroni and Cheese Salad 🥗

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6

Description:

Macaroni and Cheese Salad is a delightful and versatile side dish that perfectly complements a variety of meals. Whether you’re planning a picnic, potluck, or simply looking for a quick and delicious dish, this recipe is sure to please. With its creamy texture and vibrant flavors, it’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

Ingredients:

2 cups macaroni
1 cup diced celery
1 cup peas
1/4 cup diced carrot
1 cup cheddar cheese cubes
1/4 cup diced pimiento
Miracle Whip (to moisten)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Olives (for garnish)

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 248.2
Fat: 7.9g
Saturated Fat: 4.8g
Cholesterol: 23.1mg
Sodium: 179.2mg
Carbohydrates: 32.2g
Fiber: 3.1g
Sugar: 3.6g
Protein: 11.7g

Instructions:

Cook the Macaroni: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Transfer the cooked macaroni to a large mixing bowl and chill in the refrigerator while preparing the other ingredients.
Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and dice the celery, carrot, and pimiento. Drain the peas if using canned. Add these vegetables to the chilled macaroni in the mixing bowl.
Add Cheese: Cut the cheddar cheese into small cubes and add them to the mixing bowl with the macaroni and vegetables.
Season to Taste: Season the salad with salt and pepper according to your preference. You can also add other seasonings like paprika or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
Moisten with Miracle Whip: Add Miracle Whip to the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. Start with a small amount and add more as needed to achieve the desired creaminess.
Chill and Serve: Cover the macaroni and cheese salad with plastic wrap or a lid and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Before serving, garnish with sliced olives for an extra burst of flavor and color.
Enjoy: Serve the macaroni and cheese salad cold as a side dish alongside your favorite main courses. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or any occasion where you want a delicious and satisfying dish that everyone will love.

Tips:

For a healthier version, you can use whole wheat or gluten-free macaroni and low-fat cheese.
Customize the salad by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or cherry tomatoes.
Substitute Miracle Whip with mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a different flavor profile.
Make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for maximum convenience.
Feel free to adjust the quantities of ingredients according to your personal preferences and dietary needs.

This Macaroni and Cheese Salad recipe is a delightful twist on the classic comfort food, offering a refreshing and flavorful option that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture, vibrant colors, and irresistible taste, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire. Give it a try and watch it become a hit at your next gathering!