Handwritten recipe for Macaroni Salad
by: salvagedrecipes

Creamy Macaroni Salad with Veggies and Pepper-Jack Cheese

Macaroni Salad
This zesty macaroni salad is a colorful, tangy, and refreshing dish that's perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or casual lunches. It combines tender elbow macaroni with crisp vegetables like celery, carrots, and bell peppers, then ties it all together with a creamy dressing made from light mayo, ketchup, and sweet pickle relish. The hot sauce adds a subtle kick, while black pepper and salt balance the flavors. Its playful texture and vibrant colors make it both visually appealing and delicious. This recipe is attributed to Bruce Howell and stands out for its thoughtful balance of creaminess and crunch.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Course Main Course, Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 211 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • ½ cup light mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
  • ½ tsp hot sauce
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes (halved)
  • 3 stalks celery (trimmed and sliced)
  • 2 carrots (large, peeled, trimmed, and sliced)
  • 4 oz pepper jack cheese (cut into 1/4-inch pieces)
  • ½ sweet green pepper (seeded and chopped, about 2/3 cup)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  • Boil macaroni in salted water according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

  • In a small bowl, mix together light mayo, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, hot sauce, black pepper, and salt.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

  • Place cooked macaroni in a large serving bowl. Add tomatoes, celery, carrots, pepper jack cheese, and green pepper.

Step 4: Mix and Chill

  • Pour the dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat all ingredients. Refrigerate at least 1 hour.
  • Stir before serving.

Tips

  • Add hard-boiled eggs for extra protein and richness.
  • Swap pepper-jack cheese for cheddar if you prefer less heat.
  • Add chopped dill pickles for a tangier flavor.
  • Replace half the mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
  • Include diced red onion for extra crunch and sharpness.
  • Stir in cooked peas for added sweetness and color.
  • Add crumbled bacon for a smoky variation.
  • Use tri-color macaroni for a more festive look.
  • If preparing ahead, reserve a little dressing to stir in just before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 211kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 8gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 287mgPotassium: 237mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 2959IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 127mgIron: 1mg
Keyword cheesy, comfort food, cornbread, easy baking, peppers, side dish, southern cooking, vintage recipe
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