Pioneer Woman’s Best Macaroni Salad Ever
A tangy, creamy mix that shines at potlucks and brings vibrant flavors to any table.
This macaroni salad, crafted by Ree Drummond, is a timeless favorite perfect for summer gatherings. It combines the richness of mayonnaise with the tanginess of vinegar and the crunch of roasted red peppers and black olives. Below, we’ll explore the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and a brief insight into the magic behind this recipe.
Key Ingredients
- 4 cups elbow macaroni
- 3 whole roasted red peppers, chopped
- ½ cup sweet and spicy pickle, diced
- ½ cup black olives, finely chopped
- 3 green onions, sliced
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon red wine or distilled vinegar
- 3 teaspoons sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Plenty of black pepper
- ¼ cup milk
- Splash of pickle juice
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cooking the Macaroni – Start by cooking the macaroni in lightly salted water according to the package instructions. Once done, drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.
Step 2: Preparing the Dressing – In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Add the milk and mix well. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 3: Assembling the Salad – Place the cooled macaroni in a large bowl. Add about ¾ of the dressing and mix well. Then, add the chopped red peppers, pickles, black olives, and green onions. If needed, add more of the dressing to achieve the desired level of creaminess.
Step 4: Final Touches – Finish off the salad by adding a splash of pickle juice. This will enhance the flavor and provide a bit of tanginess. Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours before serving. The dressing will thicken during this time, ensuring a creamy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use different types of vinegar?
A: Yes, you can use red wine vinegar or distilled vinegar, depending on your preference. Both provide a nice acidity to balance the richness of the mayonnaise.
Q: How long can I store the macaroni salad?
A: You can store the salad in the refrigerator for up to three days. It’s best to consume it within 24 hours for optimal flavor and texture.
Q: Can I customize the ingredients?
A: Absolutely Feel free to add other ingredients like diced ham, chopped hard-boiled eggs, or diced bell peppers to suit your taste preferences.
Other Delightful Macaroni Salad Variations
Mexican Macaroni Salad
For a more vibrant twist, try Ree’s Mexican Macaroni Salad. This recipe incorporates elements like grilled corn, black beans, chopped tomatoes, and a dressing made with salsa and sour cream.
- Ingredients for Mexican Salad
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 2 ears of corn
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup finely chopped black olives
- 6 Roma tomatoes, chopped
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- ½ red onion, finely diced
- 1 cup jarred salsa
- 1 cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
What others are reading
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
This version features a sweet and tangy dressing, paired with grated carrot and onion, making it a delightful addition to any Hawaiian-themed meal.
- Ingredients for Hawaiian Salad
- 8 oz. elbow macaroni
- 1¼ cups mayonnaise
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp. sugar
- 1 tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. black pepper
- 1 large carrot, shredded
- ½ cup chopped celery
- ⅓ cup chopped green onion
- ¼ cup grated yellow onion
Conclusion
Ree Drummond’s macaroni salad recipes are a testament to her ability to create simple yet satisfying dishes that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you stick to the classic version or explore variations like the Mexican or Hawaiian, you’re sure to impress your friends and family with these delicious and easy-to-make salads.
Experiment with different ingredients and dressings to find your favorite combination, and don’t hesitate to share these recipes at your next BBQ or potluck!
References
- https://www.food.com/recipe/pioneer-womans-best-macaroni-salad-ever-481341
- https://highlandsranchfoodie.com/pioneer-womans-best-macaroni-salad-ever-2/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MP_ZWmOyTuk
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a39994342/hawaiian-macaroni-salad-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a10675/the-best-macaroni-salad-ever/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11803/mexican-macaroni-salad/
Similar Articles
Read full bio of Sneha Tete
