old fashioned macaroni salad with tomatoes and cucumbers

You can use classic, commercial mayo, but I also link to a simple vegan mayo I like to use here instead, it brings the spirit of a mayo-based salad with a fraction of the calories, fat, and it's vegan. I've tried to offer up a few alternative ideas here, ways you can maintain all the things you love about macaroni salad, and make it more healthful as well. The mayo: Most classic macaroni salads are not-very-good-for-you mayo bombs. I'll note tweaks down below and in the recipe headnotes! Or, let's say you have a gluten-free friend, you can make a quick swap using chickpea pasta elbows, no problem. For example, there's no reason you can't whip up a vegan version if needed. I'll also offer up some variations to explore depending on who you might be sharing your salad with. I've had my dad's macaroni salad twice in the last ten days, and I'm sharing my take on the classic here, along with a couple of tricks I keep up my sleeve. The one he uses is medium-sized, and makes its appearance with plastic wrap across the top, secured with a rubber band.

The bowl is what I notice first, ceramic with a flower detail on the inside rim, it's part of a set of three my grandma left when she died a few years back.

He'll wheel it around in a cooler and when the time is right, he'll flip the top and pull a cornflower blue bowl from the ice. If you invite him to a picnic, barbecue, housewarming, or block party this time of year, odds are good he'll show up with a macaroni salad. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.This is a fresh take on classic macaroni salad, inspired by my dad. Place all dressing ingredients in a medium mixing bowl and whisk until smooth. Mix so everything is evenly incorporated.ġ cup sour cream (not low fat, and not yogurt)Ĥ Tablespoons dill pickle juice OR white vinegarġ/2 cup freshly grated OR powdered Parmesan cheese Slice cucumber halves into 1/2 inch thick pieces. Peel cucumbers, split them in half horizontally and remove all the seeds. Drain well a second time and transfer pasta to a large mixing bowl or food container with a tight fitting lid. Drain well and rinse under cold water until pasta is cold. Prepare macaroni according to package directions for al dente or firm pasta. You’re going to love the simple, minimal ingredients and how well it goes with all of your favorite picnic foods and grilled fare!ġ lb. This creamy, dreamy macaroni salad is a combination of the classic, simple macaroni salad and fresh cucumber salad! This is one of those salads you can almost always find at our family gatherings in the summertime.

Old fashioned macaroni salad with tomatoes and cucumbers