Handwritten recipe for Macaroni Salad
by: salvagedrecipes

Classic Creamy Macaroni Salad from Alice Dorschner

Macaroni Salad from Alice Dorschner
This classic macaroni salad blends tender ring macaroni with crisp, fresh vegetables like celery, cucumber, and grated carrots. A creamy, tangy dressing enhanced with a hint of nutmeg adds a unique twist to the familiar side dish. Perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or weeknight meals, this version stands out for its texture and sweet-savory balance. The handwritten recipe reflects mid-century Americana home cooking, emphasizing ease, pantry staples, and crowd-pleasing flavor.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 290 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 7 oz ring macaroni (cooked)
  • ½ cup onion (finely chopped)
  • 1 cup celery (chopped, about 1 small stalk)
  • 1 cup cucumber (unpeeled, diced)
  • 1 cup carrots (grated)

For the Dressing:

  • ¾ cup salad dressing (e.g., Miracle Whip or mayo)
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • ¼ cup vinegar
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cook Macaroni

  • Boil ring macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Let cool.

Step 2: Prepare Vegetables

  • Finely chop onion and celery. Dice the unpeeled cucumber and grate the carrots.

Step 3: Make Dressing

  • In a bowl, mix salad dressing, sugar, vinegar, salt, and nutmeg until smooth and combined.

Step 4: Combine

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled macaroni with the chopped vegetables. Pour dressing over the mixture.

Step 5: Chill & Serve

  • Mix thoroughly. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor. Serve cold.

Tips

  • Chill the salad for at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor
  • Add diced bell peppers for extra crunch and color
  • Substitute apple cider vinegar for a slightly tangier dressing
  • Use sweet onion if you prefer a milder onion flavor
  • Add a pinch of paprika or celery seed for classic retro flair
  • Stir gently to avoid breaking the macaroni
  • Adjust sugar to taste depending on preferred sweetness
  • Peel the cucumber if you want a smoother texture
  • Double the dressing if serving the next day (pasta absorbs moisture)

Nutrition

Calories: 290kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 5gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 420mgPotassium: 260mgFiber: 2.5gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 2400IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1.3mg
Keyword creamy salad, picnic classic, potluck favorite, retro recipe, summer side dish, vintage
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