Delicious Chicken & Veggie Macaroni Salad
This refreshing Chicken & Veggie Macaroni Salad is a perfect blend of flavors and textures that make it an ideal dish for picnics, potlucks, or quick weeknight dinners. Featuring tender chunks of cooked chicken or smoked turkey, vibrant red bell peppers, crunchy celery, and sweet peas, every bite bursts with freshness. Creamy colby cheese adds richness, while Kraft's Creamy Cucumber Ranch Salad Dressing enhances it with a zesty kick. Chilled for a few hours, this salad melds the flavors beautifully, making it a favorite for gatherings. It’s not just a meal; it’s a crowd-pleaser that even your in-laws will rave about!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cooked chicken or smoked turkey
2-3 cups (chopped into bite-sized pieces)
Macaroni
2 cups (cooked and drained)
Red bell pepper
3/4 cup (chopped)
Celery
2/3 cup (thinly sliced)
Onion
2-3 tablespoons (finely chopped)
Frozen peas
8 ounces (thawed)
Colby cheese
8 ounces (cubed)
Salad dressing
1 cup (regular salad dressing)
Kraft creamy cucumber ranch salad dressing
1 1/2 cups (used as a dressing)
Salt
to taste
Black pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a very large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken or turkey, red bell pepper, celery, onions, thawed peas, and colby cheese.
2
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the salad dressing and Kraft's Creamy Cucumber Ranch Salad Dressing until smooth.
3
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss until all ingredients are well coated.
4
Season the salad with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
5
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate for several hours, ideally overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
6
Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and adjust seasoning if necessary. Enjoy this delicious dish chilled!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Delicious Chicken & Veggie Macaroni Salad?
It is a refreshing pasta salad featuring chicken or turkey, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy cucumber ranch dressing, perfect for picnics and potlucks.
What meat can I use in this macaroni salad?
You can use 2 to 3 cups of chopped cooked chicken or smoked turkey.
What kind of pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 2 cups of macaroni, cooked and drained.
Which vegetables are included in the salad?
The salad includes chopped red bell pepper, thinly sliced celery, finely chopped onion, and thawed frozen peas.
What type of cheese is used?
8 ounces of cubed colby cheese are added for a rich and creamy flavor.
What specific dressing is recommended?
The recipe uses a mix of regular salad dressing and Kraft Creamy Cucumber Ranch Salad Dressing.
How much dressing is needed in total?
You will need 1 cup of regular salad dressing and 1.5 cups of the Kraft Creamy Cucumber Ranch dressing.
Do I need to cook the peas?
No, you simply need to thaw 8 ounces of frozen peas before adding them to the salad.
How should the celery be prepared?
The celery should be thinly sliced to provide a nice crunch in every bite.
How much onion should I add?
Use 2 to 3 tablespoons of finely chopped onion.
What is the first step in making the salad?
In a very large mixing bowl, combine the pasta, meat, red bell pepper, celery, onions, peas, and cheese.
How do I prepare the dressing?
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the two types of salad dressing until the mixture is smooth.
How do I combine the dressing with the salad?
Pour the whisked dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss until everything is well coated.
What seasonings are added?
The salad is seasoned with salt and black pepper to taste.
How long should the salad be refrigerated?
It should be refrigerated for several hours, but ideally overnight for the best flavor.
Why is overnight refrigeration recommended?
Chilling it overnight allows the various flavors to meld together beautifully.
Should the bowl be covered while in the fridge?
Yes, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid before placing it in the refrigerator.
What should I do right before serving?
Give the salad a gentle stir and adjust the salt or pepper if necessary.
Is this recipe suitable for large groups?
Yes, it is described as a crowd-pleaser and is perfect for potlucks and gatherings.
Can I use this as a main course?
Yes, because it contains protein, pasta, and vegetables, it works well as a quick weeknight dinner.
Is this a cold or hot dish?
This is a cold salad and should be enjoyed chilled.
How many ingredients are in the recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total, including the seasonings.
What size should the chicken pieces be?
The chicken or turkey should be chopped into bite-sized pieces.
How should the red bell pepper be prepared?
You need about 3/4 cup of chopped red bell pepper.
What kind of mixing bowl is recommended?
A very large mixing bowl is recommended to ensure all ingredients can be tossed easily.
Is the salad dressing whisked or just poured?
The dressings should be whisked together in a separate bowl before being poured over the salad.
What makes this salad zesty?
The Kraft Creamy Cucumber Ranch Salad Dressing provides a zesty kick to the dish.
Can I substitute the colby cheese?
While the recipe calls for colby, you could likely use a similar mild cheese, though colby is preferred for richness.
Is this an easy recipe to follow?
Yes, it is categorized as an easy recipe with straightforward assembly steps.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include macaroni salad, chicken salad, turkey salad, pasta salad, cold salad, and picnic food.