When it comes to quick, delectable, and versatile salads, this Spiral Macaroni Salad stands out as a timeless favorite. Originally featured in Southern Living, this recipe, brought to our office by a delightful lady named Dee around 40 years ago, has remained a beloved dish. With its vibrant mix of fresh garden veggies and creamy dressing, it’s an ideal addition to any meal or gathering. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or preparing a simple family dinner, this salad will undoubtedly shine as a refreshing and satisfying choice. 🌟
Ingredients:
- 1 cup spiral-shaped pasta 🌈
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 🍅
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, diced 🧀
- 1 cup cucumber, chopped 🥒
- 2 green peppers, diced 🌶️
- 2 stalks celery, chopped 🌿
- 2 green onions, sliced 🌱
- 1 cup mayonnaise 🥄
- 1/4 cup prepared mustard 🍯
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed 🌿
Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the spiral pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked to al dente, drain the pasta thoroughly. 🍝
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Rinse and Cool: Rinse the drained pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and to cool it down. Drain well again. ❄️
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Mix the Veggies and Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with cherry tomatoes, diced cheddar cheese, chopped cucumber, green peppers, celery, and green onions. Toss gently to ensure an even distribution of ingredients. 🥗
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Prepare the Dressing: In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, prepared mustard, and celery seed until well combined. This creamy dressing will add a rich flavor to your salad. 🥄
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Combine and Chill: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld together. 🕒
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Serve: Before serving, give the salad a final gentle toss. This recipe yields approximately 6 servings, making it perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a light meal. 🥳
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 272.4 kcal
- Fat: 10.2 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.6 g
- Cholesterol: 22.3 mg
- Sodium: 218.1 mg
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 3.5 g
- Protein: 10.4 g
With its simple preparation and delightful taste, this Spiral Macaroni Salad is a quintessential crowd-pleaser that combines freshness with creamy richness. Enjoy the nostalgia and flavors of a classic Southern recipe with every bite! 🌟🥗