Description
Creamy Pioneer Woman Macaroni Salad delivers classic American picnic comfort with a zesty twist. Cool pasta mixed with tangy mayo, crisp vegetables, and a hint of sweet relish promises refreshing flavor in each delightful bite you’ll savor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups (946 ml) elbow macaroni
- 3 whole roasted red peppers, diced
- 6 sweet/spicy pickle slices, diced
- 3 green onions, sliced
Dairy and Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
- ¼ cup (60 ml) milk
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) red wine or distilled vinegar
Seasoning and Additional Ingredients:
- 3 teaspoons (15 ml) sugar
- ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) salt
- Black pepper
- ½ cup (120 ml) black olives, finely chopped
- Splash of pickle juice
Instructions
- Boil macaroni in generously salted water according to package directions, ensuring al dente texture. Thoroughly drain and rinse under cold running water to halt cooking process and prevent sticking. Allow pasta to cool completely to room temperature.
- Create a creamy dressing by whisking together mayonnaise, white vinegar, granulated sugar, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a medium mixing bowl. Gradually incorporate whole milk to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. Introduce a splash of pickle brine for an unexpected tangy dimension, adjusting to personal preference.
- Transfer cooled macaroni to a spacious mixing vessel. Gently fold approximately 75% of the prepared dressing into the pasta, ensuring even coating. Additional dressing can be incorporated if a more saturated texture is desired.
- Carefully fold in diced red pimentos, sliced green olives, chopped dill pickles, and thinly sliced green onions. For enhanced flavor complexity, consider a final drizzle of pickle juice to elevate the overall taste profile.
- Cover the macaroni salad and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, allowing flavors to meld and develop. Before serving, garnish with additional sliced green onions for a fresh, vibrant presentation.
Notes
- Customize your pasta salad by adding diced ham or hard-boiled eggs for a protein boost.
- Rinse pasta under cold water to halt cooking and maintain a perfect al dente texture.
- Pickle juice delivers a surprising tangy kick that transforms the entire salad’s flavor profile.
- Refrigerate the salad overnight to allow ingredients to blend and intensify their delicious taste.
- Green onions sprinkled on top provide a fresh, zesty garnish that brings the dish to life.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg