Summer’s here, and you KNOW what that means: potlucks galore! And let me tell you, no potluck is complete without a killer pasta salad. But not just *any* pasta salad. We’re talking the king of all pasta salads: creamy, dreamy, totally addictive Chicken Macaroni Salad. It’s a classic for a reason, and trust me, this recipe? It’s the one you’ve been searching for.
I remember one Fourth of July, my Aunt Carol brought her famous Chicken Macaroni Salad. I swear, it was gone in like, five minutes! Everyone was raving. I finally cornered her and begged for the recipe. She just winked and said, “It’s all about the love, honey!” Which was *not* helpful. So, I spent years perfecting my own version. And guess what? It’s even BETTER than Aunt Carol’s (don’t tell her I said that!).
This Chicken Macaroni Salad recipe is super easy, uses ingredients you probably already have, and is always a crowd-pleaser. So, ditch the store-bought stuff and get ready to make the best Chicken Macaroni Salad you’ve ever tasted! I’ve been making this for family gatherings for over 20 years, and it’s always the first dish to disappear. That’s how you know it’s good!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Macaroni Salad
Quick and Easy Chicken Macaroni Salad
Seriously, this isn’t one of those recipes that takes all day. You just boil some macaroni, chop a few veggies, and mix it all together. Boom! Done. It’s perfect when you need something fast and delicious. I mean, who has time to spend hours in the kitchen?
Flavorful and Customizable Chicken Macaroni Salad
Okay, so the base recipe is amazing, but the best part? You can totally make it your own! Don’t like celery? Leave it out! Want more mustard? Go for it! That’s the beauty of this Chicken Macaroni Salad – it’s your blank canvas to create the flavor explosion you crave.
Perfect for Sharing: The Ultimate Chicken Macaroni Salad
Need a dish for that upcoming BBQ? Or maybe a potluck at work? This Chicken Macaroni Salad is your answer. It feeds a crowd, travels well, and everyone always loves it. Trust me, you’ll be the star of the party! It’s a total crowd-pleaser, every single time.
Ingredients for Chicken Macaroni Salad
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! The beauty of this Chicken Macaroni Salad is that it uses basic stuff. Here’s what you’ll need – and trust me, using good quality stuff makes all the difference! I always try to buy local when I can, but hey, no pressure!
- 1 pound elbow macaroni – the classic choice, you know?
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced – leftover rotisserie chicken works GREAT here.
- 1 cup mayonnaise – Okay, listen up! I use full-fat mayo. Don’t even try to sneak light mayo in there! It just doesn’t taste the same.
- 1/2 cup celery, diced – for that crunch!
- 1/4 cup onion, diced – I like yellow onion, but red works too if you’re feeling wild!
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish – this is key for that sweet and tangy flavor!
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard – plain ol’ yellow mustard is perfect!
- 1 teaspoon salt –
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground is always best, but pre-ground is fine in a pinch.
How to Prepare Chicken Macaroni Salad: Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, now for the fun part! Let’s get down to actually making this amazing Chicken Macaroni Salad. Don’t worry, it’s super easy, I promise! Just follow these steps, and you’ll be chowing down in no time. The most important thing is to take your time and enjoy the process! It’s like a little bit of summer love in every bite!
Cooking the Macaroni for Chicken Macaroni Salad
First things first: the macaroni! Cook it according to the package directions, but here’s a little secret: cook it *al dente*. Nobody likes mushy macaroni salad! And don’t forget to add a pinch of salt to the boiling water. Once it’s cooked, drain it immediately and rinse it with cold water. This stops the cooking process and gets rid of extra starch – plus it helps prevent the macaroni from sticking together. Nobody wants a big, gloppy mess!
Combining the Chicken Macaroni Salad Ingredients
Okay, grab a big bowl – the biggest one you’ve got! Add the cooked and cooled macaroni, diced chicken, celery, onion, and sweet pickle relish. Give it a little toss to get everything acquainted. It should look colorful and yummy already! If you’re feeling fancy, you could even use a wooden spoon. But hey, a regular spoon works just fine too!
Making the Dressing for the Chicken Macaroni Salad
In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk it good, until it’s nice and smooth and creamy. This is the magic potion that brings everything together! Taste it and adjust the seasonings if needed – maybe you want a little extra mustard kick? Go for it!
Chilling the Chicken Macaroni Salad
This is crucial, folks! Once you’ve poured the dressing over the macaroni mixture and stirred it all together, cover that bowl TIGHTLY and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. Seriously, don’t skip this step! Chilling lets all those flavors meld together and become best friends. The longer it chills, the better it tastes! I often make it the night before a potluck for maximum flavor.
Tips for the Best Chicken Macaroni Salad
Wanna take your Chicken Macaroni Salad from “meh” to “WOW”? Of course, you do! Here are my tried-and-true tips for making it absolutely perfect. Trust me, these little things make a HUGE difference!
First, and I can’t stress this enough: don’t overcook the macaroni! Mushy macaroni is the enemy! Aim for al dente, like I mentioned before. Also, try to dice all your veggies around the same size. It just looks nicer, and it makes every bite more balanced. Finally – and this is important – taste as you go! Add more salt, pepper, or mustard to your liking. It’s YOUR Chicken Macaroni Salad, so make it perfect for YOU!
Chicken Macaroni Salad Variations
Okay, so you’ve mastered the basic Chicken Macaroni Salad. Awesome! But why stop there? Let’s get creative! The possibilities are endless, seriously. This is where you can really let your personality shine through! I mean, who doesn’t love a little twist on a classic?
How about adding some chopped hard-boiled eggs? They add extra protein and a creamy texture. Or maybe try some different herbs? Fresh dill or parsley would be delicious! A pinch of paprika can also add a nice smoky flavor. Veggie-wise, you could throw in some chopped bell peppers, shredded carrots, or even some peas! Just don’t go overboard, okay? We still want it to be Chicken Macaroni Salad, not a veggie medley! My favorite part is experimenting with different spice combinations until it tastes *just right*.
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Macaroni Salad
Alright, you’ve got your amazing Chicken Macaroni Salad. Now what? Well, it’s pretty awesome on its own, but it’s even better when paired with the right stuff! Think summer BBQs, picnics, and all things sunshine-y! I swear, this stuff goes with just about anything.
Grilled burgers or hot dogs are a classic pairing. Or how about some BBQ chicken or ribs? YUM! Chicken Macaroni Salad also makes a great side for sandwiches or wraps. And if you’re serving a bunch of salads, it’s the perfect addition to a spread that includes potato salad or coleslaw. Basically, just pile it on your plate and enjoy! It’s the perfect side for any summer meal, trust me!
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Macaroni Salad
Got questions about my famous Chicken Macaroni Salad? I get it! It’s a classic, but sometimes you need a little extra guidance. So, I’ve rounded up some of the most common questions I get asked. Hopefully, this will help you make the *perfect* Chicken Macaroni Salad every single time! And if you have any other questions, just ask in the comments!
How long does Chicken Macaroni Salad last?
Okay, safety first! Chicken Macaroni Salad is best eaten within 3-4 days. Keep it refrigerated in an airtight container, okay? Don’t leave it sitting out at room temperature for more than a couple of hours, especially on a hot day. Nobody wants a tummy ache!
Can I freeze Chicken Macaroni Salad?
Hmm, this is a tricky one. Technically, you *can* freeze it, but I don’t really recommend it. The mayonnaise tends to separate when it thaws, which can make the salad kind of watery and the texture just isn’t the same. But if you absolutely *have* to, try adding a little extra mayo when you thaw it to help bind everything back together.
What are some good substitutions for Chicken in Chicken Macaroni Salad?
Not a chicken fan? No problem! You can totally swap it out for something else. How about some diced ham? Or maybe some tuna? Even chickpeas would work for a vegetarian version! Just make sure whatever you use is cooked and diced into small pieces. Get creative and make it your own!
Estimated Nutritional Information for Chicken Macaroni Salad
Okay, so you’re probably wondering about the nutritional info, right? Here’s the thing: it’s hard to give exact numbers since it depends on the brands you use and how much of each ingredient you add. But roughly, you’re looking at around 400 calories per serving. Remember, this is just an estimate, so don’t take it as gospel!
Enjoy Your Chicken Macaroni Salad!
There you have it! My famous Chicken Macaroni Salad recipe. I really hope you love it as much as my family does! Now, go forth and make some deliciousness! And hey, if you try it, be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think! I’d love to hear your feedback. Oh, and don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it with your friends on social media!
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Devastatingly Delicious Chicken Macaroni Salad in 2 Hours
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Classic Chicken Macaroni Salad is a creamy, flavorful dish perfect for potlucks and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/4 cup onion, diced
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked macaroni, chicken, celery, onion, and sweet pickle relish.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over macaroni mixture and stir until well combined.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Adjust mayonnaise to your desired consistency.
- Add hard-boiled eggs for extra protein.
- For a sweeter salad, add a pinch of sugar.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
