Colorful Macaroni Veggie Salad
This vibrant and refreshing macaroni salad is perfect for large gatherings and can be prepared a few hours in advance. The colorful blend of vegetables and pasta creates a delightful visual presentation, while the creamy Miracle Whip and tangy French dressing ensure that each bite bursts with flavor without the pasta soaking up too much moisture. To enhance the taste, chop the vegetables the night before and let them marinate in the refrigerator. This dish is not only easy to make but also a crowd-pleaser that appeals to both kids and adults alike, making it an ideal addition to any picnic, barbecue, or potluck.
100
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Colored spiral shaped pasta
1 (cooked and drained)
Macaroni
5 (cooked and drained)
Celery
1 head (chopped)
Onions
3 (chopped)
Tomatoes
4 (chopped)
English cucumber
1 (chopped)
Miracle Whip
4 cups (dress the salad)
French dressing
3 cups (dress the salad)
Sugar
1/2 cup (add to dressing)
Vinegar
1/2 cup (add to dressing)
Salt and pepper
to taste (season salad)
Instructions
1
Begin by prepping the vegetables: chop the celery, onions, tomatoes, and cucumber. Combine them in a large bowl and refrigerate for several hours or overnight to enhance flavors.
2
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add a small amount of cooking oil. Cook the colored spiral pasta and macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
3
Once cooked, drain the pasta well and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain again to remove excess water.
4
Transfer the drained pasta into a massive mixing bowl.
5
In a separate bowl, mix together the Miracle Whip, French dressing, sugar, vinegar, along with salt and pepper to taste until well combined.
6
Stir the chilled vegetables into the large bowl of pasta. Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables, then gently mix until everything is evenly coated.
7
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least an hour to allow all the flavors to meld together.
8
Before serving, give the salad a good stir to redistribute the dressing. Serve chilled, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Colorful Macaroni Veggie Salad?
Colorful Macaroni Veggie Salad is a vibrant and refreshing pasta salad featuring a blend of vegetables, macaroni, and spiral pasta, dressed in a tangy and creamy sauce.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve 100 people, making it ideal for large gatherings.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be prepared a few hours in advance, and the vegetables can be chopped and marinated the night before.
What types of pasta are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for colored spiral shaped pasta and traditional macaroni.
What vegetables are included in the salad?
The salad includes chopped celery, onions, tomatoes, and English cucumber.
What makes the dressing for this salad?
The dressing is a mixture of Miracle Whip, French dressing, sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
How is the pasta prepared?
The pasta should be cooked until al dente in salted water with a little oil, then drained and rinsed under cold water.
Why is oil added to the pasta water?
A small amount of cooking oil is added to the boiling water to help prevent the pasta from sticking together.
How long should the salad chill before serving?
The salad should be refrigerated for at least one hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly pasta salad recipe.
How much Miracle Whip is needed?
The recipe requires 4 cups of Miracle Whip for the dressing.
How much French dressing is used?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of French dressing.
What is the purpose of rinsing the pasta in cold water?
Rinsing the pasta stops the cooking process and removes excess starch, which helps keep the salad's texture ideal.
How many onions are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 chopped onions.
How many tomatoes are needed?
You will need 4 chopped tomatoes for this salad.
What kind of cucumber is recommended?
An English cucumber is recommended for its flavor and texture.
How much sugar is in the dressing?
The dressing includes 1/2 cup of sugar.
How much vinegar is added to the dressing?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of vinegar.
What is the recommended prep for the celery?
One full head of celery should be chopped for the recipe.
Is this a good recipe for a potluck?
Yes, it is specifically noted as an ideal dish for potlucks, barbecues, and picnics.
Does the pasta soak up all the moisture?
The combination of Miracle Whip and French dressing ensures the pasta stays flavorful without soaking up too much moisture.
Can kids enjoy this salad?
Yes, the recipe is described as a crowd-pleaser that appeals to both kids and adults.
What is the first step in preparing the vegetables?
The first step is to chop the celery, onions, tomatoes, and cucumber and refrigerate them together.
How much macaroni is required?
The recipe calls for 5 units of macaroni, cooked and drained.
How much spiral pasta is required?
The recipe calls for 1 unit of colored spiral shaped pasta.
Should the salad be stirred before serving?
Yes, give the salad a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing evenly.
What is the texture of the vegetables in the salad?
The vegetables should be chopped, providing a refreshing crunch against the soft pasta.
Is there salt and pepper in this recipe?
Yes, salt and pepper are added to taste to season the salad.
What kind of mixing bowl is needed?
A massive mixing bowl is required due to the large volume of the 100-serving recipe.
What is the primary flavor profile of the salad?
The flavor is a balance of creamy Miracle Whip and tangy French dressing with a hint of sweetness from sugar and vinegar.