Colored Macaroni Salad Recipes

ITALIAN CHICKEN PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to package directions, drain, place in a large bowl, and set aside.
• To a medium bowl or large measuring cup, add 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice (zest the lemon before juicing it), apple cider vinegar, honey, Italian seasoning, lemon lest, salt, pepper, and whisk to combine; set sauce aside.
• To a large skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil, add chicken and season with salt and pepper to taste, and cook over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, flipping intermittently so all sides cook evenly. Cooking time will vary based on thickness of chicken breasts and sizes of pieces. Chicken should be about 90% cooked through.
• Add the sauce and allow it to bubble at a medium-fast boil for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until sauce has reduced some and chicken is cooked through. Stir sauce and flip chicken intermittently throughout. Add chicken and any cooking liquid to the pasta bowl.
• Add the tomatoes, basil, cucumber, cheese, and toss gently to combine. Taste and check for seasoning balance, making any necessary adjustments (more Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, pinch of cayenne, splash of lemon juice, etc.) before serving.

COLORFUL SPIRAL PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• In a Dutch oven, cook pasta according to package directions, adding the broccoli during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and rinse in cold water., Transfer to a large bowl. Add the tomatoes, olives, salt and pepper. Drizzle with salad dressing; toss to coat. Chill until serving.

GRANDMA'S MACARONI SALAD

Steps:

• In a large bowl, mix in the macaroni, celery, bell pepper, and onion.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper until combined. Pour the mixture into the macaroni and vegetables. Mix well until everything is thoroughly coated in the dressing.
• Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving. Preferably overnight.
• Stir before serving.

TRI COLOR ITALIAN PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Prepare your pasta as directed on box. Drain and place pasta in a big serving bowl.
• Add salad dressing, celery, tomatoes, olives, basil and oregano. Stir to fully combine. Add mozzarella cheese on top and mix again.
• Cover bowl with lid or plastic wrap and place in refrigerator to chill (at least an hour, can be overnight).
• Remove from refrigerator and stir to freshen up. If salad looks a little dry (especially if you let it sit overnight), add a tablespoon (or 2) of salad dressing and stir. Serve and enjoy!

RANCH PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to package instructions. Remember to salt the pasta water so the noodles have some flavor. I use about 1 teaspoon salt. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water so pasta can cool.
• In a mixing bowl combine the cooled pasta, broccoli, cucumber, tomatoes, and parmesan cheese. Stir. Add ranch and stir again to coat the noodles and veggies in the ranch.
• Serve right away or let it refrigerate for 1-2 hours before serving. Pasta salad tends to dry out in the fridge so don't leave it in there too long before serving. If needed, add some additional dressing and give it a good stir to moisten it back up.
• ** If you are making the homemade ranch dressing, I would suggest making it before you make the salad so it has plenty of time to refrigerate and get cold. Combine all the ranch dressing ingredients into a small bowl and stir with a wire whisk. It makes just enough for the salad. For leftovers, I just use store-bought ranch dressing to moisten it back up.

TRI-COLOR PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
• Toss cooled pasta with cheese, broccoli and Italian-style dressing to taste. Serve immediately.

EASY PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Measure oil, vinegar, water, honey, lemon juice, 3 tablespoons Parmesan, garlic salt, parsley, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, and black pepper into a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake vigorously until well-blended and emulsified. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more salt and pepper if desired.
• Cook pasta in well-salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain pasta and transfer to a large bowl. Add the pimentos, green and black diced olives, remaining Parmesan, and about 2/3 of the dressing. Gently mix all of the ingredients with a large spoon until well combined. Refrigerate for several hours to allow the flavors to blend. Just before serving, shake and then stir in the remainder of the dressing and garnish with additional Parmesan, if desired.

SPIRAL MACARONI SALAD

Steps:

• Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain.
• Rinse macaroni with cold water; drain.
• Combine macaroni and next 7 ingredients; toss gently.
• Combine remaining ingredients, and mix well.
• Pour over salad; toss gently.
• Cover and chill at least an hour.
• Yield: 6 servings.

COLORED MACARONI SALAD

Steps:

• 1. Cook pasta; drain. Cool.
• 2. Mix dressing together and pour over pasta. Blend well.
• 3. Set overnight.