Creamy Roasted Pepper Macaroni Salad
This delightful Creamy Roasted Pepper Macaroni Salad is a culinary gem inspired by the Pioneer Woman, perfect for potlucks and summer gatherings. The combination of macaroni pasta with roasted red peppers, sweet and spicy pickles, crunchy black olives, and fresh green onions creates a savory and satisfying side dish that everyone will love. Adjust the flavor profile to your liking by varying the sugar, salt, and pepper in the creamy dressing. Feel free to toss in extra olives, onions, or even canned pimentos for added flair! After a bit of chilling time in the refrigerator, the flavors meld beautifully, making this salad a must-try for your next family gathering or picnic.
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
macaroni
4 cups (cooked until al dente)
roasted red peppers
3 whole (chopped)
sweet and spicy pickle
1/2 cup (diced)
black olives
1/2 cup (chopped fine)
green onions
3 whole (sliced)
mayonnaise
1/2 cup (none)
red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon (or distilled vinegar)
sugar
3 teaspoons (none)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
milk
1/4 cup (none)
pickle juice
to taste (splash)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the macaroni in a pot of lightly salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse the macaroni with cold water to cool it down. Set aside to ensure it is completely cool.
2
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, vinegar (either red wine or distilled), sugar, salt, freshly ground black pepper, milk, and a splash of pickle juice. Whisk until smooth and well-combined.
3
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled macaroni. Pour about three-quarters of the dressing over the macaroni and stir gently to coat.
4
Next, incorporate the chopped roasted red peppers, diced sweet and spicy pickles, chopped black olives, and sliced green onions into the macaroni mixture. If you prefer a creamier texture, add the remaining dressing as desired.
5
Finish off by adding a splash of pickle juice to enhance the flavors. Remember that the dressing will thicken as the salad sits in the refrigerator.
6
Cover the salad with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours before serving, allowing the flavors to fully develop and combine.
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
19g
Carbs
2.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Roasted Pepper Macaroni Salad?
It is a savory side dish inspired by the Pioneer Woman that combines macaroni pasta with roasted red peppers, pickles, olives, and green onions in a creamy dressing.
How many calories are in a serving of this macaroni salad?
There are 200 calories per serving of this recipe.
Is this macaroni salad recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is categorized as a vegetarian side dish.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 12 ingredients in total.
What type of pasta should I use?
You should use 4 cups of macaroni pasta, cooked until al dente.
What kind of peppers are used in the salad?
The recipe calls for three whole roasted red peppers, chopped.
What type of pickles are recommended?
The recipe suggests using 1/2 cup of diced sweet and spicy pickles.
How much fat is in this macaroni salad?
There is 12g of fat per serving.
How much protein does this salad provide?
Each serving contains 2.5g of protein.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 19g of carbohydrates in each serving.
How long should the macaroni salad chill before serving?
The salad should be chilled in the refrigerator for at least two hours to allow the flavors to fully develop.
What type of vinegar can I use for the dressing?
You can use either red wine vinegar or distilled vinegar.
Is there milk in the dressing?
Yes, the dressing includes 1/4 cup of milk to help achieve a creamy texture.
Can I add extra items to the salad?
Yes, you can add extra olives, onions, or even canned pimentos for additional flavor and flair.
How should the macaroni be prepared?
Cook the macaroni in lightly salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water until completely cool.
What makes the dressing creamy?
The creaminess comes from a mixture of mayonnaise, milk, and pickle juice.
What kind of olives are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of finely chopped black olives.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the dressing?
Yes, you can vary the amount of sugar in the creamy dressing to suit your taste preference.
What should I do if the salad seems dry after chilling?
The dressing naturally thickens as it sits; you can add a bit more of the reserved dressing or a splash of pickle juice if needed.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 teaspoons of sugar.
How many green onions should I add?
The recipe calls for three whole green onions, sliced.
Is the black pepper specifically measured?
No, the black pepper should be freshly ground and added to taste.
Does this recipe include salt?
Yes, it includes 1/4 teaspoon of salt in the dressing, plus salt for the pasta water.
Is this a good dish for a potluck?
Yes, it is described as a perfect recipe for potlucks, summer gatherings, and picnics.
What is the inspiration for this salad?
This recipe is a culinary gem inspired by the Pioneer Woman.
Can I use distilled vinegar instead of red wine vinegar?
Yes, the recipe explicitly states that distilled vinegar is an acceptable substitute.
How much pickle juice should be added?
A splash of pickle juice is added to the dressing and more can be added at the end to enhance the flavors.
How should the salad be stored?
Cover the salad with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container before placing it in the refrigerator.
Should the pasta be warm when mixing with the dressing?
No, the macaroni should be rinsed with cold water and be completely cool before you add the dressing.
Are there any suggested variations?
You can vary the amount of salt, pepper, and sugar, or add ingredients like extra pickles or pimentos.