Stuffed Macaroni Salad is a classic mid-century American dish known for its creamy texture and tangy flavor. Popular at potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings, this recipe combines elbow macaroni with vibrant vegetables like celery, green pepper, and tomatoes, then tosses them in a savory mayonnaise dressing accented with Worcestershire sauce and vinegar. The addition of stuffed green olives adds a distinctive briny note that balances the creaminess. This dish showcases the postwar American love for convenient, cold pasta salads that could be prepared ahead of time and served effortlessly at social meals.
Ingredients
- 4 cups elbow macaroni (cooked )
- 2 cups tomatoes (diced )
- 1 cup green pepper (finely chopped )
- ⅓ cup celery (finely chopped )
- 2 tbsp stuffed green olives (finely chopped )
- 2 tbsp parsley (chopped)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic (crushed)
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
- Finely chop the tomatoes, green pepper, celery, olives, and parsley. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Macaroni
- Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions until tender. Drain and cool completely.
Step 3: Combine Base Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled macaroni, chopped vegetables, and parsley. Cover and chill.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, wine vinegar, crushed garlic, and salt until smooth.
Step 5: Mix and Chill
- Add the dressing to the chilled macaroni mixture. Toss gently until evenly coated. Chill for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve on lettuce-lined salad plates.
Tips
- Use small shells or ditalini if elbow macaroni isn’t available.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for part of the mayonnaise for a lighter version.
- Add diced ham, turkey, or chicken to turn it into a main-dish salad.
- Stir in hard-boiled eggs for added protein and richness.
- Chill the salad at least 1 hour for best flavor melding.
- Rinse pasta in cold water to stop cooking and keep salad from getting gummy.
- Swap stuffed green olives for black olives if preferred.
- Add a pinch of black pepper or paprika to enhance depth of flavor.
- For extra crunch, mix in radishes or cucumber at serving time.
- If preparing ahead, add dressing just before serving to avoid absorption and dryness.
Nutrition
Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 7gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 430mgPotassium: 310mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 1.2mg
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