Fresh ‘n’ Tasty Macaroni Salad 🥗
Description: Classic summertime BBQ food! But I can imagine this easily at other times of the year as an alternative to cole slaw, and as a nice side for deli sandwiches!
Recipe Category: Lunch/Snacks 🥪

Keywords: Kid Friendly, Potluck, Summer, < 30 Mins, Refrigerator, Stove Top, Easy, Inexpensive 💰
Aggregated Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Cook Time: 10 minutes ⏰
Prep Time: 20 minutes ⏰
Total Time: 30 minutes ⏰
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 184.5
- Fat Content: 1.3g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.2g
- Cholesterol Content: 2.1mg
- Sodium Content: 306.8mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 38.3g
- Fiber Content: 4.6g
- Sugar Content: 3.2g
- Protein Content: 8g
Ingredients:
Ingredients | Quantity |
---|---|
Celery | 2 1/2 |
Onion | 2 |
Bell Pepper | 1/2 |
Fresh Tomato | 1/2 |
Paprika | 1/4 |
Fat-Free Mayonnaise | 1/3 |
Salt | 1/4 |
Instructions:
-
Preparation:
- Wash and chop all the vegetables: celery, onion, bell pepper, and fresh tomato.
-
Cook the Macaroni:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the macaroni and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
-
Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, chopped celery, onion, bell pepper, and fresh tomato.
- Sprinkle paprika over the mixture for a pop of color and flavor.
-
Add Dressing:
- Gently fold in the fat-free mayonnaise until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Season with salt to taste. Be cautious not to oversalt as the mayonnaise already contains some salt.
-
Chill:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and chill the macaroni salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the taste.
-
Serve:
- Once chilled, give the macaroni salad a final stir and transfer it to a serving dish.
- Serve alongside your favorite BBQ dishes, sandwiches, or as a standalone snack at potlucks, picnics, or any gathering.
-
Enjoy:
- Delight in the freshness and crunch of this vibrant macaroni salad, perfect for any occasion!
Whether it’s a sunny summer BBQ, a cozy indoor gathering, or a quick weekday meal, this Fresh ‘n’ Tasty Macaroni Salad is sure to please everyone at the table. With its colorful array of vegetables and creamy dressing, it’s a delightful addition to any menu. So, gather your ingredients and whip up a batch of this delicious salad today! 🌞🍽️