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–+ servings
Creamy Italian Macaroni Salad

Creamy Italian Macaroni Salad That'll Brighten Your Summer

A delightful Creamy Italian Macaroni Salad that's perfect for summer picnics, combining crispy vegetables and a tangy dressing.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Snacks
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 2 cups Elbow Macaroni Cooked until al dente
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved
  • 1 cup Cucumber Diced
  • 1/2 cup Red Onion Diced
  • 1/2 cup Black Olives Sliced
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Chopped
  • 1 cup Chopped Salami Optional
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Can substitute with Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup Italian Dressing Any variety
  • 2 tablespoons White Vinegar Can substitute with lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard Can substitute with regular mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar Omit for sugar-free version
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper Freshly ground preferred
For the Topping
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Can substitute with nutritional yeast

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (8-10 minutes), drain, and rinse with cold water to cool.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Italian dressing, white vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
  3. Combine the cooled macaroni with the dressing, tossing until well-coated.
  4. Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, and parsley. Mix gently until well combined.
  5. If using, fold in the chopped salami until evenly distributed.
  6. Top with Parmesan cheese, lightly toss, cover, and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.
  7. Taste and adjust seasonings before serving chilled.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 620mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For best results, chill the salad to allow flavors to meld. Fresh ingredients enhance the taste and texture.

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