Aromatic Apple Macaroni Salad
This delightful Apple Macaroni Salad has been a cherished family tradition for generations, bringing both sweetness and spice to our holiday table. Originating from a friendly rivalry between my grandmothers—each claiming the recipe as their own—this dish has evolved into a crowd-favorite that I proudly serve throughout the year. With the crunchy freshness of apples and veggies combined with a creamy dressing, it stands out as my signature side dish for Thanksgiving, perfectly complementing my Puerto Rican Apple BBQ Turkey. No matter the occasion, this salad is sure to bring smiles and happy memories to your gathering!
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
elbow macaroni
1 lb (cooked until al dente)
green bell pepper
1 medium (chopped)
onion
1 medium (chopped)
roasted red peppers
1 (4 ounce) can (well drained and chopped)
sugar
1 cup (none)
mayonnaise
1 cup (none)
Red Delicious apples
3-4 medium (cored, chopped, and tossed with lemon juice to prevent browning)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, chopped green bell pepper, chopped onion, well-drained roasted red peppers, sugar, and mayonnaise.
3
Chop the Red Delicious apples and toss them with a little lemon juice to keep them from browning. Add the apples to the mixing bowl and stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
4
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more sugar or mayonnaise according to your preference. It's best to err on the side of less mayonnaise, as the salad will sit in the refrigerator.
5
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the mixture to an airtight container, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours (or overnight) to allow the flavors to meld.
6
Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish at your next family gathering or holiday feast.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aromatic Apple Macaroni Salad?
Aromatic Apple Macaroni Salad is a traditional family recipe that combines elbow macaroni with crunchy apples, vegetables, and a creamy, sweet dressing.
What type of pasta is best for this salad?
The recipe calls for one pound of elbow macaroni cooked until al dente.
How should the macaroni be prepared?
Boil the macaroni in salted water until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Which type of apples should I use?
The recipe specifically uses 3 to 4 medium Red Delicious apples for their sweetness and texture.
How do I keep the apples from turning brown?
Toss the chopped apples with a little bit of lemon juice before adding them to the salad to prevent oxidation.
What vegetables are included in the salad?
The salad includes chopped green bell pepper, chopped onion, and well-drained roasted red peppers.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 10 servings, making it ideal for large gatherings.
How much mayonnaise is required?
The recipe uses 1 cup of mayonnaise, though you can adjust the amount based on your preference for creaminess.
Is this macaroni salad sweet or savory?
It is a unique blend of both, featuring savory elements like onions and peppers along with a full cup of sugar and sweet apples.
How long should the salad refrigerate before serving?
It should be refrigerated for at least 3 hours, but overnight is recommended to allow the flavors to fully meld.
Can I adjust the sugar in this recipe?
Yes, you can taste the mixture and add more or less sugar depending on your personal preference.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This dish originated from a friendly rivalry between the creator's grandmothers and has become a cherished family tradition.
What main dish does this salad pair well with?
It is a signature side dish for Thanksgiving and pairs perfectly with Puerto Rican Apple BBQ Turkey.
Should the roasted red peppers be prepared in a specific way?
Yes, they should be well-drained from their 4-ounce can and then chopped before being added to the mix.
Is this salad served warm or cold?
This salad is served chilled as a refreshing side dish.
What size should the vegetables be chopped?
The green bell pepper and onion should be medium-chopped to ensure they blend well with the macaroni.
Do I need to peel the apples?
The recipe instructions mention coring and chopping the apples; peeling is optional but keeping the skin on can add color.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, making it a day in advance is actually better as it gives the flavors more time to develop in the refrigerator.
What should I do if the salad is too dry?
You can stir in a small amount of additional mayonnaise just before serving to refresh the creamy texture.
Is there a specific way to store leftovers?
Keep any remaining salad in an airtight container or cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator.
Can I use red bell peppers instead of green?
While the recipe specifies green bell peppers for flavor, red bell peppers can be used for a slightly sweeter taste.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe contains only pasta, fruits, vegetables, and condiments, making it suitable for vegetarians.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: macaroni, green pepper, onion, roasted red peppers, sugar, mayonnaise, and apples.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
While elbow macaroni is traditional, you could substitute with other small shapes like shells or rotini if needed.
What is the role of the sugar in this recipe?
The sugar provides a sweet contrast to the savory onion and mayo, creating the 'aromatic' flavor profile the salad is known for.
Does this recipe contain any spices?
The recipe relies on the natural flavors of the ingredients and sugar; however, you can add salt to the pasta water for seasoning.
Is this recipe easy to scale up for larger parties?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to accommodate more guests as it is a crowd-favorite dish.
Can I use light mayonnaise?
Yes, light mayonnaise can be substituted, though it may slightly alter the richness of the final salad.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, standard elbow macaroni contains wheat, but you can make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free pasta alternative.
Why should I rinse the pasta with cold water?
Rinsing removes excess starch and cools the pasta immediately, which prevents the macaroni from clumping and keeps the salad texture light.