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Macaroni Cheese Salad
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.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 310 kcal

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
Keyword classic macaroni salad, cold pasta salad, creamy salad, hard boiled eggs, macaroni salad, picnic salad, potluck favorite, turkey or ham salad, vintage recipe
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