Colorful Spam & Macaroni Summer Medley
This delightful summer salad combines the nostalgic flavors of Spam with vibrant elbow macaroni and fresh vegetables. Inspired by a classic magazine recipe and perfect for sunny days, this dish is a colorful, satisfying addition to picnics, barbecues, or casual gatherings. Featuring bursts of flavor from seasoned vegetables and creamy dressing, it's a fun twist on a traditional pasta salad that’s equally appealing to both kids and adults. Enjoy the crunch of celery and the sweetness of peas paired with hearty Spam and cheese, all brought together in a light vinaigrette for a refreshing treat this summer!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
elbow macaroni
7 ounces (dry)
salad oil
2 tablespoons (none)
vinegar
2 tablespoons (none)
onion
1 tablespoon (minced)
seasoning salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
seasoned pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
cheddar cheese
1 cup (diced in chunks)
Spam
1 (12 ounce) can (cubed)
mayonnaise
1/2 cup (or salad dressing)
celery
1 cup (diced)
frozen sweet peas
10 ounces (thawed, or 17 ounces if using canned)
Instructions
1
Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and do not rinse; allow it to remain warm.
2
While the macaroni is still warm, drizzle it with salad oil and vinegar, tossing to combine evenly.
3
Add the minced onion, seasoning salt, seasoned pepper, and diced cheddar cheese to the warm macaroni and stir until well mixed.
4
Gently fold in the cubed Spam, diced celery, and sweet peas, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
5
Add the mayonnaise (or salad dressing) and mix until everything is well coated.
6
Cover the salad and chill thoroughly in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld.
7
Serve the salad on a bed of fresh salad greens for an elegant presentation, if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Colorful Spam & Macaroni Summer Medley?
It is a vibrant summer salad that combines Spam with elbow macaroni, fresh vegetables, and a creamy dressing.
What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for elbow macaroni cooked to an al dente texture.
Can I use canned peas instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use 17 ounces of canned peas if you do not have 10 ounces of frozen sweet peas available.
How should the Spam be prepared?
The Spam should be cubed before being folded gently into the macaroni mixture.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
The recipe recommends using one cup of cheddar cheese diced into chunks.
Why shouldn't I rinse the macaroni after cooking?
Keeping the macaroni warm after draining allows it to better absorb the oil, vinegar, and seasonings.
Can I substitute mayonnaise with something else?
Yes, you can use your preferred salad dressing in place of mayonnaise.
How long does the salad need to chill?
The salad should be covered and chilled in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving.
What is the purpose of the chilling time?
Chilling allows the various flavors of the ingredients and seasonings to meld together properly.
How should I serve this salad for a better presentation?
For an elegant look, you can serve the finished salad on a bed of fresh salad greens.
What seasonings are used in this recipe?
The salad is seasoned with seasoning salt, seasoned pepper, and minced onion.
Does the cheese go into the warm or cold macaroni?
The diced cheddar cheese should be added while the macaroni is still warm.
Is this recipe suitable for a picnic?
Yes, it is described as a satisfying addition to picnics, barbecues, and casual gatherings.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 11 ingredients required to make this medley.
What provides the crunch in this salad?
Diced celery provides a fresh crunch that contrasts with the soft macaroni and Spam.
What type of oil is best to use?
Any standard salad oil works well for drizzling over the warm macaroni.
Do I need to cook the peas?
Frozen peas should be thawed before use, while canned peas simply need to be drained.
Can I use a different type of onion?
While the recipe calls for minced onion, you could use green onions or red onions for extra color.
How much macaroni do I need?
You will need 7 ounces of dry elbow macaroni.
What is the dressing made of?
The dressing is a combination of salad oil, vinegar, and mayonnaise (or salad dressing).
Is this a kid-friendly recipe?
Yes, with its familiar flavors of macaroni, cheese, and Spam, it is appealing to both kids and adults.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, this is a versatile medley that can be customized with other seasonal vegetables if desired.
What size should the celery be cut into?
The celery should be diced to ensure it distributes evenly throughout the salad.
Can I use a different vinegar?
The recipe calls for vinegar; white vinegar or apple cider vinegar are common choices that work well.
Is this a main dish or a side dish?
It can serve as either a hearty side dish or a light main course for a summer lunch.
How much Spam is in one recipe?
The recipe uses one standard 12-ounce can of Spam.
What texture should the macaroni have?
The macaroni should be cooked until al dente, meaning it is firm to the bite.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, making it at least an hour ahead is recommended, and it can be stored in the fridge longer if needed.
What inspired this recipe?
It was inspired by a classic magazine recipe and is designed to be a nostalgic comfort food.
Is the salad served hot or cold?
The salad is served chilled after being refrigerated for at least one hour.