Welcome back to Paulina Cocina! This time, we're bringing you a super-easy and practical recipe that takes just a few minutes to make and always has a meal ready: Macaroni Salad .
Noodle salads are super rich and colorful, and we love them because while they have a base of ingredients, you can add a ton of options that we like and we can customize them every time we prepare them.
In this article, we'll share some ideas for adding to your elbow macaroni salad, adding ingredients that include vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options , some tips for preparing it (although it's incredibly easy), and, of course, a simple recipe to make at home.
Content table
About the elbow macaroni salad
Elbow macaroni salad is a classic and versatile dish enjoyed in many parts of the world. Its combination of pasta, vegetables, and dressing makes it a refreshing and delicious option, perfect for any occasion, especially on warm days.
Elbow macaroni salad is a very popular dish in gastronomy, especially in countries like Mexico, the United States, and Spain. It's often served as a side dish at barbecues, cookouts, and family gatherings.
Any short pasta salad , like elbow macaroni salad, is an easy way to create a fresh meal with ingredients you have on hand at home, as you can try different combinations.
7 combinations for the cold elbow macaroni salad recipe
- Elbow macaroni salad with ham: For lovers of smoky flavors, adding a few pieces of ham to the salad is an irresistible option.
- For a vegetarian version, you can add vegetable proteins such as chickpeas or black beans.
- Traditional mayonnaise can be replaced with unflavored yogurt with a touch of lemon and curry .
- You can also add diced marinated tofu to add protein and texture to the salad.
- Additional vegetables like cherry tomatoes and olives add a fresh and flavorful touch.
- For a vegan alternative, you can substitute traditional mayonnaise with vegan mayonnaise or other plant-based dressings, such as a mix of avocado, lemon, and cilantro.
- Gluten-free option: Traditional macaroni can be replaced with rice noodles or legume noodles for those with gluten intolerance.
5 tips for making this salad
- Cook the pasta al dente so that it has a firm texture and does not become mushy when mixed with the other ingredients.
- Use a good variety of fresh vegetables to add color and texture to the salad.
- Add the dressing gradually and mix well, making sure the salad doesn't become too soggy.
- To prevent the elbow macaroni salad from drying out , add a little more dressing just before serving.
- Refrigerate for about 1 hour to allow the salad to cool and the flavors to blend.
When to eat elbow macaroni salad with mayonnaise
- As a main dish: Elbow macaroni salad can be served as a single dish in a light meal. Pair it with a portion of protein, such as grilled chicken, salmon, or tofu, for nutritional balance.
- At barbecues and grills: Elbow macaroni salad is a accompaniment to barbecues and grills. It pairs well with grilled meats or hamburgers. It's a fresh option to counteract the intense flavors of meats.
- At family gatherings and picnics: It's easy to transport and can be enjoyed cold. Plus, it's a popular choice for everyone, from children to adults.
- For meals on the go: You can make a big bowl of elbow macaroni salad and take it to work, a picnic, or anywhere you need a convenient and tasty . Just keep it refrigerated until ready to eat.
- As a side dish: Elbow macaroni salad can also be served as a side dish with main dishes, such as fried chicken , meat, or fish. It provides a creamy and refreshing texture that complements other flavors and textures very well.
Macaroni salad recipe with simple mayonnaise
Yields: 4 to 6 servings,
Preparation time : 30 minutes (not including refrigeration time before serving)
Ingredients
- 250 g of elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (homemade is better)
- 1 tablespoon of mustard
- 1 carrot, cooked and diced
- 1 chopped red pepper
- 1 diced cucumber
- Chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Extras to customize the elbow macaroni salad
- Cherry tomatoes
- Peas
- Roasted peppers
- Chopped celery
- Sundried tomatoes
- Pieces of Gouda cheese
- Ham
- Bacon
- Shredded chicken breast
- Tuna
- Smoked salmon
- Toasted bread croutons
- Mix of toasted seeds (sesame, sunflower)
- Nuts: walnuts, chopped almonds or peanuts
- Sliced mushrooms
- Olives
- Capers
- Cooked lentils
How to make a vegetarian elbow macaroni salad with mayonnaise
- Cook the macaroni in salted water until al dente. Then, drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked elbow macaroni, carrot, red pepper, and cucumber.
- Mix the mayonnaise with the tablespoon of mustard and add to the salad. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about an hour to allow the flavors to blend.
- Serve cold with chopped parsley on top.
