🍍 Welcome to a tropical delight that will tantalize your taste buds – Pineapple-Macaroni Salad! This recipe promises a burst of flavor with every bite, blending the sweetness of pineapple 🍍 with the savory goodness of cheddar cheese 🧀 and the creaminess of Miracle Whip. Perfect for a quick meal or as a side dish for gatherings, this salad is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, requiring just 45 minutes of your time from start to finish. So, let’s dive into the recipe and create a culinary masterpiece that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Pineapple-Macaroni Salad Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 1 cup pineapple tidbits
- 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, diced
- 1/2 cup Miracle Whip
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions:
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Prepare the Elbow Macaroni:
- Begin by boiling water in a large pot. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add the elbow macaroni and cook for approximately 7 minutes or until tender.
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Drain and Cool:
- Drain the cooked macaroni in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow the macaroni to cool completely before proceeding.
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Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled macaroni with the pineapple tidbits, diced cheddar cheese, grated carrot, salt, and lemon juice.
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Add Miracle Whip:
- Gently fold in the Miracle Whip until all the ingredients are evenly coated. Adjust the amount of Miracle Whip according to your taste preferences for creaminess.
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Chill Before Serving:
- Once the salad is thoroughly mixed, cover the bowl and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- After chilling, give the salad a final stir before serving it. Garnish with additional pineapple tidbits or a sprinkle of cheddar cheese, if desired. Enjoy this delightful Pineapple-Macaroni Salad as a refreshing side dish or a light meal on its own!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 219.2
- Total Fat: 3.1g
- Saturated Fat: 1.6g
- Cholesterol: 7.4mg
- Sodium: 550.8mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 39.8g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4.2g
- Protein: 7.9g
Recipe Notes:
- Tropical Twist: For an extra burst of tropical flavor, consider adding diced mango or papaya to the salad along with the pineapple tidbits.
- Customize Your Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter dressing, you can substitute plain yogurt or mayonnaise for the Miracle Whip.
- Make-Ahead Option: This salad can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good stir before serving.
With its vibrant colors and refreshing taste, this Pineapple-Macaroni Salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply craving a taste of the tropics, this easy-to-make salad is the perfect choice for any occasion. Enjoy every spoonful of this delightful dish and savor the flavors of paradise! 🌴🥗