Sarasota's Basic Macaroni Salad
Recipe: #5340
May 06, 2012
Categories: Salads, Side Dishes, Brunch, Fathers Day, Game/Sports Day, July 4th Labor Day, Mothers Day, Picnic, Potluck, Sunday Dinner, Vegetarian, Macaroni, more
"This is my version of the classic Macaroni Salad. But, you can really change it up if you want. I've added ham, hard boiled eggs, capers, and artichokes; I've even added shrimp or chicken - or use black olives vs green, or add peas for a little sweetness and color. And, if you like a creamier salad, feel free to add a bit more mayo; I tend to go a bit lighter, as I don't like it too creamy. Note: If you are not a fan of mayonnaise, try adding half mayonnaise and half sour cream. It lightens up the dish, but still has great flavor. Greek yogurt can also be used."
Ingredients
- DRESSING
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Nutritional
- Serving Size: 1 (275.7 g)
- Calories 461.5
- Total Fat - 13.1 g
- Saturated Fat - 1.8 g
- Cholesterol - 15.5 mg
- Sodium - 1461.4 mg
- Total Carbohydrate - 60.7 g
- Dietary Fiber - 7.1 g
- Sugars - 3.6 g
- Protein - 29.3 g
- Calcium - 112 mg
- Iron - 5.1 mg
- Vitamin C - 17.3 mg
- Thiamin - 0.4 mg
Step by Step Method
Step 1
Pasta ... Cook the pasta according to package directions, drain and transfer to a bowl to cool.
Step 2
Vegetables ... Add all the vegetables, olives, and parsley and toss well.
Step 3
Dressing ... Mix the mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper to a small bowl or measuring cup and mix well. Add most of the dressing to the salad and toss to combine. Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving. NOTE: I like to add most of the dressing, but save a little because after the salad rests, it tends to soak up most of the dressing and you may need to add a bit more. As I said, if you like it creamier, you can add a bit more mayonnaise. I start with 3/4 cup for my taste. The same with the sugar, you can always add a bit more if you want. And, try using 1/2 mayonnaise and 1/2 sour cream or yogurt, if you like a bit lighter tasting dressing. Both work very well.
Step 4
Serve ... I like to garnish with a few chopped olives and a sprig of parsley. ENJOY! And, as mentioned, add some chicken or shrimp to make it a main deal. Or serve over a bed a greens for a lighter main salad dish.
Tips
No special items needed.