This classic macaroni salad recipe combines tender pasta with a medley of fresh vegetables, creamy avocados, hard-cooked eggs, and your choice of chicken, ham, or turkey. Brightened with herbs like parsley, chives, and dill, the salad is finished with a tangy homemade dressing made from oil, lemon juice, mustard, and seasonings. A perfect side dish for summer picnics, potlucks, or family gatherings, this recipe delivers both vibrant flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Salad:
- 3 cups elbow macaroni (cooked and cooled)
- 1 cup cooked chicken (ham, or turkey, diced)
- 1 cup celery (chopped)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 tbsp fresh chives (chopped)
- 1 tsp fresh dill (chopped)
- 2 hard-cooked eggs (chopped)
- ½ cup onion (finely minced)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 avocado (diced)
- 1 cup green peas (cooked or thawed if frozen)
- 1 cup carrots (shredded or finely diced)
- 1 cup green or red bell peppers (diced)
Dressing:
- ½ cup olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tsp Dijon or yellow mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 3: Chop and Prep Ingredients
- Dice the chicken, ham, or turkey. Chop all vegetables, herbs, and hard-cooked eggs. Mince the garlic and onion.
Step 4: Combine the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine macaroni, meat, vegetables, avocado, eggs, and herbs.
Step 5: Toss with Dressing
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Tips
- Use chicken, ham, or turkey depending on leftovers or preference
- Add more herbs like dill, parsley, or chives for extra freshness
- Substitute Greek yogurt for some mayonnaise if you prefer a lighter dressing
- Add sweet pickle relish for classic deli-style macaroni salad flavor
- Chill at least 1 hour before serving for best taste and texture
- Add shredded cheese for a heartier version
- Replace peas with corn if preferred
- Use multicolor bell peppers for color contrast
- Stir in a spoonful of mustard to boost classic tang
- Serve on lettuce leaves or with crackers for presentation
Nutrition
Calories: 310kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 10gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 240mgPotassium: 460mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 2100IUVitamin C: 35mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 2mg
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