How to Make Healthier Classic Macaroni Salad - A Step-by-Step Guide

Classic macaroni salad is a staple at picnics, barbecues, and potlucks. It's creamy, comforting, and perfect for serving a crowd. However, traditional macaroni salad is often loaded with mayonnaise, making it high in fat and calories. This healthier version of the classic recipe cuts back on the mayonnaise and incorporates plenty of fresh, flavorful ingredients to make a dish that's just as delicious but with a lighter, more nutritious twist.

This Healthier Classic Macaroni Salad reci...

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Ingredients

  • 4 cups whole wheat elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • ⅓ cup white sugar
  • ¼ cup distilled white vinegar
  • 2 ½ tablespoons prepared yellow mustard
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • ¼ cup grated carrot
  • 2 tablespoons chopped pimento peppers (Optional)

Information

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 10 mins
  • Additional Time: 4 hrs
  • Total Time: 4 hrs 30 mins
  • Servings: 10

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  • Mix together mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, mustard, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Stir in macaroni, onion, bell peppers, celery, carrot, and pimento peppers until well combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
  • Nutrition

    281 cal.

    • Total Fat: 18g
    • Saturated Fat: 3g
    • Cholesterol: 8mg
    • Sodium: 530mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 28g
    • Dietary Fiber: 3g
    • Total Sugars: 9g
    • Protein: 4g
    • Vitamin C: 28mg
    • Calcium: 24mg
    • Iron: 1mg
    • Potassium: 162mg