Oh my goodness, I can hardly contain my excitement about sharing this Chicken Macaroni Salad recipe with you! It’s one of those dishes that brings back such sweet memories of summer picnics and family gatherings. I remember my aunt making it for our backyard barbecues, and it always disappeared faster than you could say “pass the salad!” It’s creamy, crunchy, and oh-so-satisfying, making it a perfect dish for potlucks, picnics, or even just a cozy dinner at home. What I love most about this recipe is how adaptable it is—you can throw in whatever veggies you have lying around, and it always tastes fantastic!
Plus, let’s be honest here, who doesn’t love a dish that can be made ahead of time and tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a while? So grab your apron, and let’s dive into this delicious Chicken Macaroni Salad!
What’s in Chicken Macaroni Salad?
Elbow Macaroni: The classic pasta shape! It’s perfect for holding onto the creamy dressing and the other ingredients. I always go for whole wheat pasta for a bit of added fiber, but regular works just as well!
Cooked Chicken: Shredded chicken is the star of the show here. Whether you use leftovers from dinner, a rotisserie chicken from the store, or even boiled chicken breast, it adds heartiness and protein to the salad.
Celery: Diced celery adds a lovely crunch and fresh flavor. It’s also a low-calorie addition packed with vitamins!
Red Bell Pepper: For a burst of color and sweetness! The vibrant red bell pepper makes the salad pop visually and taste-wise.
Red Onion: A little bite and tang come from red onion—finely chopped so it doesn’t overpower the other flavors.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the dressing. I always opt for a lighter mayo or a vegan alternative, but use what you enjoy!
Dijon Mustard: Just a touch of tanginess—it elevates the flavor profile and adds depth to the dressing.
Apple Cider Vinegar: A must for a hint of acidity that balances the creaminess of the mayo.
Garlic Powder: Because who could resist that hint of garlicky goodness? It adds so much flavor without any hassle.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors together—don’t skip this step!
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of parsley on top not only makes it look pretty but also adds a touch of freshness!
Is Chicken Macaroni Salad Good for You?
Absolutely! This Chicken Macaroni Salad is not only delicious but can also be a nutritious option if you make a few mindful choices.
Elbow Macaroni: Though it’s a carb source, you can amp up the nutrition by opting for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.
Cooked Chicken: A fantastic source of lean protein, helping you feel full and satisfied.
Celery and Red Bell Pepper: These veggies are low in calories and provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber—perfect for a healthy gut!
Note that if you’re watching your calorie intake, portion control is key, especially with the dressing. If you want to cut down on calories a bit, you could use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter twist.
Ingredients
– 2 cups elbow macaroni
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
– 1 cup celery, diced
– 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
– 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
*Serves: Approximately 6-8*
How to Make Chicken Macaroni Salad?
1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Make sure not to overcook it because nobody likes mushy pasta! Drain and rinse under cold water to cool and stop the cooking process.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled macaroni, shredded chicken, diced celery, red bell pepper, and red onion. Look at all those colors!
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Pour that delicious dressing over the macaroni mixture and toss everything together until all the ingredients are well-coated.
5. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step is crucial—it allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
6. Before serving, give the salad a good stir and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Now it’s time to dig in!
Yummy Tips to Make it Your Own!
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few fun suggestions to spice up your Chicken Macaroni Salad:
– **Add some crunch:** Toss in some chopped cucumbers or pickles for an added crunch.
– **Go cheesy:** A bit of shredded cheese—like sharp cheddar or crumbled feta—can add another layer of flavor.
– **Herb it up:** Fresh herbs such as dill or thyme would bring a whole new dimension.
This Chicken Macaroni Salad is not just a side dish; it’s a delightful standout that you’ll want to make again and again. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe out! So what are you waiting for? Get in the kitchen, whip this up, and let me know how it turns out—I just know you and your family will love it! Happy cooking!
