Quick Macaroni Salad โ A Picnic-Friendly Delight
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Category: < 30 Mins
Recipe Yield: Serves approximately 4-6
Description:
This Quick Macaroni Salad is a perfect dish for your next picnic or casual gathering. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the fact that it requires no mayonnaise or Miracle Whip, which often spoil in the heat. The combination of creamy sweetened condensed milk and tangy vinegar gives the salad a unique flavor, while the crisp bacon and fresh veggies add a delightful crunch. With just a few easy steps, youโll have a delicious side dish thatโs ready to serve in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Elbow macaroni | 4 cups |
| Carrots, finely chopped | 3 medium |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 small |
| Bacon, chopped | 1 slice |
| Colby cheese, shredded | 1 cup |
| Cheddar cheese, shredded | 1 cup |
| Sweetened condensed milk | 1 can (14 oz) |
| Vinegar | 1/4 cup |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 945.9 kcal |
| Total Fat | 50.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 23.8 g |
| Cholesterol | 115.2 mg |
| Sodium | 970 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 87.7 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.5 g |
| Sugars | 41.9 g |
| Protein | 34.8 g |
Instructions:
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Cook the macaroni: Begin by boiling the elbow macaroni according to the instructions on the package. Once cooked, drain and rinse the macaroni under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly. Set aside.
-
Prepare the bacon: While the macaroni is cooking, chop the bacon into small pieces and fry in a skillet until crispy. Once done, remove the bacon and drain on a paper towel to absorb any excess grease.
-
Chop the vegetables: While the bacon is cooling, finely chop the carrots and onion. If you prefer a little extra color, feel free to add some peas (frozen peas work well). Set all the veggies aside.
-
Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked and cooled macaroni, chopped carrots, onion, bacon, and the shredded Colby and cheddar cheeses. Toss them together to combine evenly.
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Prepare the dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and vinegar until well-blended. This will be your creamy and tangy dressing.
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Mix the salad: Pour the dressing over the macaroni mixture and stir everything together until the salad is evenly coated.
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Chill and serve: Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours. Stir the salad every once in a while to ensure the flavors meld together beautifully.
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Serve and enjoy: After chilling, the macaroni salad is ready to serve! Itโs the perfect side dish for any picnic, BBQ, or family meal. Its flavor only gets better as it sits, so feel free to make it in advance for added convenience.
Tips for the Perfect Macaroni Salad:
-
Add extra veggies: Feel free to get creative with your veggies. Chopped bell peppers, celery, or even peas add an extra crunch and pop of color to the dish.
-
Customize your cheese: While Colby and cheddar are the cheeses used in this recipe, you can switch things up with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a little Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
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Make it ahead of time: This salad tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together, making it a great make-ahead recipe for busy days or gatherings.
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Consider adding protein: For a more filling dish, consider adding diced cooked chicken, ham, or even tuna to transform this side dish into a more substantial meal.
Why Youโll Love This Macaroni Salad:
- No mayo, no problem: This recipe skips the traditional mayonnaise or Miracle Whip, making it ideal for warm weather gatherings where traditional creamy dressings might spoil.
- Simple, yet flavorful: With a handful of ingredients, this macaroni salad packs a punch in terms of flavor, thanks to the savory bacon, creamy cheeses, and the sweet-tangy dressing.
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe comes together quickly without much fussโperfect for when you need a satisfying side dish in a pinch.
Conclusion:
Whether youโre preparing for a family BBQ, a picnic, or just need a quick dish for dinner, this Quick Macaroni Salad is a must-try. Itโs easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for warm weather eating. The absence of mayonnaise makes it a more picnic-friendly option, and the combination of savory bacon, sharp cheeses, and tangy vinegar ensures that every bite is delicious. Give it a try and watch it become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire!
