Macaroni salad is a classic summer dish that is a staple at any Southern gathering. Creamy, tangy, and bursting with flavor, this dish is beloved by many. But with so many variations out there, it can be hard to find the perfect recipe. Look no further than this Southern at Heart macaroni salad recipe, which takes the classic dish to the next level with a few special ingredients and techniques. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or just looking for a delicious side dish, this macaroni salad is sure to impress.
Main Ingredients: Macaroni, Shrimp, Celery, Sliced Green Onions, Pepper
This refreshing and flavorful salad is perfect for warm summer days. The combination of tender shrimp, al dente macaroni, and crisp vegetables tossed in a zesty dressing is a match made in heaven. For an extra kick, add some diced jalapenos or a splash of hot sauce. This dish is a crowd-pleaser and is sure to become a staple in your summer picnic or barbecue spread.
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Goat Cheese and Asparagus Macaroni Salad
Main Ingredients: Goat Cheese, Lemon, Ground Black Pepper, Asparagus
If you're looking for a unique and delicious macaroni salad recipe, look no further. This goat cheese and asparagus macaroni salad is a delightful twist on the traditional version. The tangy goat cheese pairs perfectly with the fresh asparagus and tender macaroni. Tossed in a light lemon vinaigrette, this salad is a winner for any occasion.
Goat cheese, asparagus, macaroni, tangy, lemon vinaigrette, winner, occasion
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Grilled Corn Pesto Macaroni Salad
Main Ingredients: Corn, Scallions, Pine Nuts, Parmesan Cheese
This macaroni salad is packed with flavor and texture. Grilled corn adds a smoky and sweet element, while pesto adds a burst of herbaceousness. Tossed with al dente macaroni, fresh tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella, this salad is a perfect side dish for any summer barbecue or potluck. It's also great as a main dish for vegetarians.
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Southern Macaroni Salad
Main Ingredients: Macaroni, Hard Boiled Eggs, Celery Stalks, Red Bell
This classic Southern macaroni salad is a staple at any cookout or family gathering. The combination of tangy mayo, crunch celery and onions, and a touch of sweetness from pickle relish make this recipe a tried-and-true favorite. It's simple to make and can be easily doubled or tripled for larger groups.
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Best Macaroni Salad
Main Ingredients: Macaroni, Celery, Onion, Dill Pickle, Mayonnaise
If you're on the hunt for the ultimate macaroni salad recipe, look no further. This recipe truly lives up to its name and is a crowd-pleaser every time. The secret? A combination of tangy mayo, Dijon mustard, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. These ingredients give the salad a tangy and slightly sweet flavor that is hard to resist.
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Homestyle Macaroni Salad
Main Ingredients: Macaroni, Red Bell Pepper, Celery, Red Onion
This homestyle macaroni salad is like a hug in a bowl. The creamy and tangy dressing, combined with tender macaroni and crunchy vegetables, is reminiscent of childhood picnics and backyard barbecues. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized with your favorite mix-ins, such as diced ham, hard-boiled eggs, or olives.
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Old Fashioned Macaroni Salad
Main Ingredients: Macaroni, Mayonnaise, Celery, Green Onions, Mustard
For a taste of nostalgia, try this old fashioned macaroni salad. It's a simple recipe that has stood the test of time. The combination of mayo, mustard, and vinegar gives the dressing a tangy and slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the macaroni and vegetables. This salad is a great option for potlucks and picnics.
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This classic Southern macaroni salad is a must-have for any summer gathering. The combination of tangy mayo, mustard, and pickle relish gives this salad its signature flavor. The addition of hard-boiled eggs and diced ham adds protein and makes it a hearty side dish. This recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
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Easy & Creamy Macaroni Salad
Main Ingredients: Macaroni, Mayonnaise, Onion, Celery, Bell Peppers
This easy and creamy macaroni salad is perfect for those hot summer days when you don't want to spend too much time in the kitchen. The dressing is a simple combination of mayo, Dijon mustard, and vinegar, and the addition of diced bacon gives the salad a smoky and savory flavor. Serve it as a side dish or add some grilled chicken for a complete meal.
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Authentic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Main Ingredients: Macaroni, Apple Cider Vinegar, Carrots, Onion
If you've ever been to a traditional Hawaiian luau, you've probably tried their famous macaroni salad. This recipe is the real deal and will transport you to the beautiful beaches of Hawaii with every bite. The dressing is a combination of tangy mayo, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of sweetness from sugar. Add some diced ham or pineapple for a tropical twist.
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All-American Macaroni Salad
Main Ingredients: Macaroni, Miracle Whip, Salt, Pepper, Evaporated Milk
This All-American macaroni salad is a classic and never goes out of style. The combination of mayo, mustard, and vinegar gives the dressing a tangy and slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the macaroni and vegetables. This recipe is perfect for a Fourth of July barbecue or any summer gathering.
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Summer Macaroni Salad
Main Ingredients: Macaroni, Vinegar, Mayo, White Sugar, Mustard, Salt
This light and refreshing macaroni salad is perfect for hot summer days. The dressing is a combination of tangy mayo, lemon juice, and a touch of honey, giving it a slightly sweet and zesty flavor. Tossed with al dente macaroni and crisp vegetables, this salad is a crowd-pleaser and is sure to be a hit at any summer gathering.
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Easy Tuna Macaroni Salad
Main Ingredients: Macaroni, Tuna, Chopped Onion, Dill, Pickle Relish
This easy tuna macaroni salad is a quick and delicious meal that can be thrown together in minutes. The combination of canned tuna, mayo, and Dijon mustard gives this salad a protein boost, making it a filling and satisfying lunch or dinner option. Add some diced celery and onions for extra crunch and flavor.
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Best Ever Macaroni Salad
Main Ingredients: Macaroni, Cider Vinegar, Mayo, Sour Cream, Onion
This truly is the best ever macaroni salad recipe. The dressing is a combination of tangy mayo, Dijon mustard, and a splash of apple cider vinegar, giving this salad a unique and delicious flavor. Tossed with al dente macaroni and crunchy vegetables, this salad is a winner for any occasion.
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Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad
Main Ingredients: Macaroni, Ditalini, Mayonnaise, Sour Cream, Mustard
This deviled egg macaroni salad combines two classic dishes into one delicious and unique recipe. The tangy and creamy dressing is reminiscent of deviled eggs, and the addition of hard-boiled eggs and diced pickles gives it an extra punch of flavor. This salad is perfect for any potluck or picnic.
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Mom's Macaroni Salad
Main Ingredients: Macaroni, Mayonnaise, Chicken Stock, Green Pepper
This recipe for Mom's macaroni salad is a family favorite and is sure to become one of yours too. The creamy and tangy dressing, combined with tender macaroni and crunchy vegetables, is a winning combination that everyone will love. This salad is perfect for any occasion and can be easily doubled or tripled for larger gatherings.
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Macaroni Salad
Main Ingredients: Macaroni, Celery, Bell Pepper, Carrots, Diced Red
This classic macaroni salad recipe is a staple in many households. The simple dressing is a combination of mayo, mustard, and vinegar, and the addition of diced ham and hard-boiled eggs makes it a hearty side dish. This salad is perfect for any occasion and can be easily customized with your favorite mix-ins.
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Classic Macaroni Salad
Main Ingredients: Macaroni, Large Carrots, Onion, Green Pepper
This classic macaroni salad is a tried-and-true recipe that is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. The combination of tangy mayo, mustard, and a touch of sugar gives the dressing a unique and delicious flavor. Tossed with al dente macaroni and crisp vegetables, this salad is perfect for any summer gathering or barbecue.
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Retro Tuna Macaroni Salad
Main Ingredients: Macaroni, Hard Boiled Eggs, Green Onions, Celery, Dill
This retro tuna macaroni salad is a blast from the past and is just as delicious today as it was back then. The combination of canned tuna, mayo, and Dijon mustard gives this salad a protein boost, making it a filling and satisfying meal. Add some diced celery and pickles for extra crunch and flavor.
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MACARONI SALAD
Main Ingredients: Macaroni, Tuna, Tomato, Olives, Iceberg Lettuce, Eggs
This simple and delicious macaroni salad is perfect for any occasion. The dressing is a combination of mayo, mustard, and vinegar, giving it a tangy and slightly sweet flavor. Tossed with al dente macaroni and crunchy vegetables, this salad is sure to become a go-to recipe in your household.
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Ingredients
The Perfect Pasta
The key to a great macaroni salad is, of course, the pasta. It's important to choose the right shape and cook it perfectly to achieve the ideal texture. In this recipe, we recommend using elbow macaroni as it has the perfect ratio of surface area to absorb the dressing. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, but be sure to slightly undercook it. This will prevent the pasta from becoming mushy when mixed with the dressing.
The Secret Ingredient
While traditional macaroni salad recipes call for mayonnaise, this recipe takes a slightly different approach. Buttermilk is the secret ingredient that adds a tangy and creamy element to the dressing. It also helps to balance out the richness of the mayonnaise. If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make your own by combining 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
Crunchy Additions
To add some texture and crunch to the macaroni salad, we recommend adding diced celery and red onion. They not only provide a nice crunch but also add a fresh and slightly spicy flavor to the salad. You can also add in some sweet pickles for an extra pop of flavor. Just be sure to chop them into small pieces so they are evenly distributed throughout the salad.
Seasoning
To make sure the flavors in the macaroni salad are well balanced, it's important to season it properly. In addition to the usual suspects like salt and pepper, this recipe also calls for garlic powder and paprika. These two spices add a depth of flavor and a bit of heat to the salad. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
Instructions
1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions, but slightly undercook it.
2. Drain and rinse the pasta with cold water to stop it from cooking further.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, mustard, vinegar, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the cooked and cooled pasta to the dressing and mix well.
5. Stir in the diced celery, red onion, and sweet pickles.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Before serving, give the salad a good stir and adjust the seasoning if needed.
8. Serve chilled and enjoy your delicious Southern at Heart macaroni salad!
Final Thoughts
This Southern at Heart macaroni salad recipe is a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and crunchy, making it a crowd-pleasing dish for any occasion. With the added touch of buttermilk and a few special seasonings, this classic summer dish will become a staple in your recipe collection. So next time you're in charge of bringing a side dish, impress your friends and family with this irresistible macaroni salad.
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