Creamy Sweet Vegetable Macaroni Salad
Indulge in the delightful combination of flavors with this Creamy Sweet Vegetable Macaroni Salad, a recipe inspired by Taste of Home. This refreshing salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or family gatherings. The dish features tender elbow macaroni tossed with a vibrant mix of shredded carrots, crunchy green pepper, and sweet red onion, all enveloped in a creamy yet light dressing made from fat-free mayonnaise and sweetened condensed milk. This version incorporates lower fat ingredients while still delivering delicious taste, making it a guilt-free option that everyone will love. Just remember to prepare it the night before for the best flavor, as the ingredients meld beautifully overnight. Prepare to impress your guests with this generous portion – it serves a crowd and is sure to become a favorite!
N/A
Servings
357
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
elbow macaroni
16 ounces (cooked according to package directions, drained, and rinsed)
medium carrots
4 (shredded)
large green pepper
1 (chopped)
medium red onion
1 (chopped)
fat-free mayonnaise
2 cups (none)
fat-free sweetened condensed milk
14 ounces (none)
sugar
1 cup (none)
cider vinegar
1 cup (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and rinse the macaroni under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
2
In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled macaroni with the shredded carrots, chopped green pepper, and chopped red onion, stirring gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
3
In a separate small bowl, create the dressing by whisking together the fat-free mayonnaise, fat-free sweetened condensed milk, sugar, cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4
Pour the dressing over the macaroni and vegetable mixture, then gently toss everything together until all ingredients are well-coated with the dressing.
5
Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and enhances the overall taste.
6
When ready to serve, give the salad a quick stir, taste for seasoning adjustments, and serve cold.
Nutrition Information
2.14g
Fat
57g
Carbs
5.71g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Sweet Vegetable Macaroni Salad?
It is a refreshing salad made with elbow macaroni, shredded carrots, green pepper, and red onion, all tossed in a sweet and light dressing.
What pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 16 ounces of elbow macaroni.
How many calories are in one serving of this salad?
Each serving contains approximately 357 calories.
How much fat is in this macaroni salad?
This version is a lower-fat option with only 2.14g of fat per serving.
What is the protein content of the salad?
Each serving provides about 5.71g of protein.
What vegetables are included in the recipe?
The salad includes 4 shredded medium carrots, 1 chopped large green pepper, and 1 chopped medium red onion.
How should the carrots be prepared?
The carrots should be shredded before being added to the macaroni.
What type of onion is used in this salad?
The recipe uses one medium red onion that has been chopped.
What are the main components of the dressing?
The dressing is made from fat-free mayonnaise, fat-free sweetened condensed milk, sugar, and cider vinegar.
Is this macaroni salad sweet or savory?
It is a sweet salad, flavored with sugar and fat-free sweetened condensed milk.
How much sugar is used in the dressing?
The recipe requires 1 cup of sugar.
What kind of vinegar is needed?
You will need 1 cup of cider vinegar for the dressing.
Can I serve this salad immediately after mixing?
It is best to refrigerate the salad overnight to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for large gatherings?
Yes, it makes a generous portion and is ideal for picnics, potlucks, or family gatherings.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 10 ingredients required for this salad.
How should I prepare the macaroni?
Cook the macaroni according to the package directions until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water.
Why should I rinse the macaroni in cold water?
Rinsing stops the cooking process and cools the pasta down for immediate assembly.
How much salt is included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt.
How much pepper should I add?
The recipe specifies 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 57g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by a version from Taste of Home.
Should the dressing be mixed separately?
Yes, whisk the dressing ingredients in a separate small bowl until smooth before adding them to the macaroni.
Can I use regular mayonnaise?
While the recipe specifies fat-free mayonnaise to keep it light, you can use regular mayonnaise if you prefer.
What should I do right before serving the salad?
Give the salad a quick stir and taste for any seasoning adjustments.
How should the green pepper be chopped?
The green pepper should be chopped into small pieces before mixing.
How do I ensure the dressing is smooth?
Whisk the mayonnaise, condensed milk, sugar, and vinegar together until the mixture is completely smooth.
Is there fiber in this salad?
The specific fiber content is not provided, though it contains vegetables like carrots and peppers.
Can I use different types of bell peppers?
The recipe calls for a large green pepper, but you could substitute other colors if desired.
What size of red onion should I use?
A medium-sized red onion is sufficient for this recipe.
Should this salad be served hot or cold?
This is a cold pasta salad and should be served chilled.