Macaroni Salad was always a constant in our dinner, lunch or even brunch menus on parties back home. It is one of my most vivid memories from childhood, the cool crunch of apples and lettuce and the delicious potatoes and cubed chicken just reminds me of times I wish I could get back. It went by too fast.
This Salad is also a constant in my party menus. The leftovers make for a great meal also. I have to tell you, it’s not low in calories but it is delicious for sure and it is ok to indulge once in a while and then indulge again with the leftovers and then some. I always make extra, like my Mom used to.
Ingredients for Salad:
3 cups Pasta (boiled and drained)*
1 cup boiled Carrots and Peas( I just boiled frozen one for 5 minutes)
2 small to medium potatoes(boiled and cubed into small pieces)
Quarter of a lettuce head ( cut into small pieces, you can buy store bought pre-cut one)
1 large Apple cut into small pieces
1 cup grapes( cut lengthwise, I didn't have them so I haven't used them but I usually do)
1 cup Boiled Chicken( cubed into small pieces , you can use leftover Rotisserie Chicken or skip it)
1 cup Pecans or Walnuts( chopped into small pieces, My Mom didn't use nuts but they're great in here)
Ingredients For Dressing:
1 1/2 cup Mayonnaise( you can use half Mayo and half Sour Cream)
2 to 3 cups heavy cream
Salt and Pepper to taste
Note:
I like my Pasta to be just Al dente, it stands up to the dressing well, so don't over boil it.( I cook it for 11 minutes once the water is boiled).I have also used Elbow Pasta but you can use Rotini or Shells or even Bows
, they are all equally good.
If I am preparing this salad ahead of time, I have all my vegetables boiled, and chicken and fruit cut up.The Salad tends to absorb the dressing a lot so if you if mix that it, you may need to add more cream later to make it creamier again.
Directions:
In a large Mixing Bowl , put everything in .
Make the dressing in a smaller bowl by mixing in all the ingredients listed above.
Now Pour over your Salad and Mix, Adjust Salt and Pepper to taste!And Chill in Refrigerator for a couple of hours before serving!
Enjoy! Feedback is always loved.