Sweet Macaroni Salad

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Sweet Macaroni Salad is like a little burst of sunshine on your plate! Creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of sweetness, this dish has everything you need for a crowd-pleasing side that’ll steal the spotlight. It’s the perfect blend of tender macaroni, crisp veggies, and a luscious dressing that ties it all together. Trust me, this is one of those recipes that will have your guests coming back for seconds—and asking for the recipe before they leave!

Why You’ll Love Sweet Macaroni Salad

Versatile: Perfect for BBQs, picnics, potlucks, or even as a quick lunchbox filler. It’s that dish you’ll want to make all year round.
Budget-Friendly: Simple pantry staples come together to make something truly special. No need for fancy ingredients here.
Quick and Easy: Ready in a flash! Plus, it tastes even better after chilling, so you can prep it ahead of time.
Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, add extra veggies, or toss in some proteins like ham or shredded chicken to make it your own.
Crowd-Pleasing: Who doesn’t love a creamy, sweet, and tangy salad? Kids and adults alike will be singing its praises.

Ingredients

Elbow Macaroni: The base of our salad, these little guys hold the dressing perfectly in every bite.
Mayonnaise: The creamy star of the show, bringing that rich, smooth texture we all love.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: The secret ingredient that adds that irresistible sweetness.
White Vinegar: Balances the sweetness with a tangy kick.
Sugar: Just a pinch more sweetness for the perfect flavor balance.
Mustard: A hint of tang and color to brighten up the dressing.
Celery: Adds a crisp, refreshing crunch in every bite.
Carrots: Shredded for a pop of color and natural sweetness.
Bell Peppers: Choose red or green for crunch and vibrant flavor.
Onion: Finely chopped for a subtle savory touch.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

Boil elbow macaroni in salted water until tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking.

Prepare the Dressing

In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweetened condensed milk, vinegar, sugar, and mustard until smooth and well combined.

Add the Veggies

Toss in the celery, carrots, bell peppers, and onion. Stir to coat them in the dressing.

Combine Everything

Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl and mix until every piece is coated in the creamy dressing.

Chill and Serve

Cover the salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve cold and enjoy!

How to Serve Sweet Macaroni Salad

At a BBQ: Pair it with grilled meats or burgers for the ultimate summer spread.
As a Side Dish: Serve alongside fried chicken, sandwiches, or roasted veggies.
On Its Own: Enjoy it as a light lunch or snack—it’s satisfying enough to stand alone!

Additional Tips

Prep Ahead: Make this salad a day ahead for the best flavor. Just give it a good stir before serving.
Storage: Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Add-Ins: Diced ham, shredded cheese, or even pineapple chunks can elevate this salad to a whole new level.
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer it less sweet, reduce the sugar or sweetened condensed milk slightly.
Gluten-Free: Swap out the pasta for a gluten-free version, and you’re good to go!

FAQ

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Small shapes like shells or ditalini work just as well.
Q2: Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the sweetened condensed milk for a dairy-free version or coconut cream with a touch of sugar.
Q3: How long does it last in the fridge?
It’s best enjoyed within 3 days for maximum freshness.
Q4: Can I add protein to this salad?
Definitely! Cubed ham, shredded chicken, or even boiled eggs are great additions.
Q5: What veggies can I substitute?
Feel free to use cucumbers, peas, or even corn for a twist.
Q6: Can I freeze Sweet Macaroni Salad?
Unfortunately, freezing changes the texture of the dressing and pasta, so it’s not recommended.
Q7: How can I make it healthier?
Use low-fat mayo, reduce the sugar, and load up on extra veggies.
Q8: Can I make it less sweet?
Of course! Simply cut back on the sweetened condensed milk and sugar to your taste.
Q9: What kind of onion works best?
A sweet onion or red onion adds the best flavor without overpowering the salad.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just make sure you have a big enough bowl to mix everything together!

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Sweet Macaroni Salad

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This Sweet Macaroni Salad is a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet side dish that’s perfect for potlucks, barbecues, and picnics. Loaded with crunchy vegetables and tossed in a luscious dressing, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time!

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 16 servings 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: No-Cook (Assembly Only)
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  1. For the Salad:
    • 1 package (16 ounces) elbow macaroni
    • 4 medium carrots, shredded
    • 1 large green pepper, chopped
    • 1 medium red onion, chopped
  2. For the Dressing:
    • 2 cups mayonnaise
    • 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
    • 1 cup cider vinegar
    • 1/2 cup sugar
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  • Cook the Macaroni:
    Boil elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool it down. Ensure pasta is well-drained.
  • Prepare the Vegetables:
    In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked macaroni, shredded carrots, chopped green pepper, and chopped red onion.
  • Make the Dressing:
    In another bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweetened condensed milk, cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until sugar is fully dissolved and dressing is smooth.
  • Combine and Chill:
    Pour the dressing over the macaroni and vegetables. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to let the flavors meld.

Notes

  • Customize the vegetables by adding diced celery or sweet corn for extra crunch.
  • Ensure the macaroni is well-drained to prevent the salad from becoming watery.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: ~1 cup
  • Calories: 290 kcal
  • Sugar: 16 g
  • Sodium: 280 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 8 mg

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