Macaroni-Chicken Salad 🥗
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 5
Calories: 444.7 per serving
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Keywords: Chicken, Pasta Shells, Poultry, Meat, < 30 Mins, Refrigerator, Stove Top
Description:
Indulge in the savory delight of this Macaroni-Chicken Salad, a cherished favorite among pasta salad enthusiasts. With its simple yet robust flavors, it has won the hearts of many, becoming a weekly staple in households craving culinary satisfaction.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups macaroni
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 onion, finely diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup sweet pickles, chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon prepared mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Cook Macaroni: Cook the shell macaroni according to the package directions; rinse and drain thoroughly to remove excess starch. |
| 2 | Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, chopped celery, shredded chicken, diced onion, diced green pepper, and chopped sweet pickles. Mix well to distribute ingredients evenly. |
| 3 | Prepare Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and prepared mustard until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain. |
| 4 | Combine Dressing: Pour the mayonnaise-mustard mixture over the macaroni salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly with the dressing. |
| 5 | Season to Taste: Season the salad with salt and pepper according to your preference, adjusting the seasoning to achieve the desired flavor profile. |
| 6 | Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for 3-4 hours to allow the flavors to meld together and develop. This chilling process enhances the taste and texture of the salad, making it even more irresistible. |
| 7 | Serve: Once properly chilled, serve the Macaroni-Chicken Salad as a delightful lunch or snack option, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors and textures in every satisfying bite. |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 444.7
- Fat: 19.3g
- Saturated Fat: 3.2g
- Cholesterol: 43.7mg
- Sodium: 573.7mg
- Carbohydrates: 51.4g
- Fiber: 2.7g
- Sugar: 7.9g
- Protein: 17.1g
Notes:
- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite ingredients such as diced tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, or grated cheese for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- This salad is best enjoyed chilled, making it an ideal make-ahead dish for picnics, potlucks, or weekday lunches.
- Experiment with different types of pasta shapes to add visual appeal and variety to your salad.
- For a lighter version, you can use low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt as a substitute for regular mayonnaise.
- Don’t hesitate to double or triple the recipe for larger gatherings or to have leftovers for quick and convenient meals throughout the week.
