Deluxe Macaroni Salad for a Crowd
This hearty and flavorful Deluxe Macaroni Salad serves 50 and is the perfect dish for your next potluck, picnic, or family gathering. Loaded with tender macaroni, savory ham, a colorful mix of vegetables, and a creamy dressing, this salad is sure to satisfy a large crowd. With the great balance of textures and flavors, it’s not just a side dish but a highlight that everyone will love.
N/A
Servings
82
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cooked Ham
3 lbs (cubed)
Macaroni
3 lbs (cooked and drained)
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
4 cups (none)
Frozen Peas
1 (8 ounce) bag (thawed)
Chopped Celery
6 cups (none)
Chopped Onion
1 large (none)
Sliced Ripe Olives
1 (5 3/4 ounce) can (pitted and sliced)
Mayonnaise
1 quart (none)
Western Brand Salad Dressing
4 ounces (none)
Vinegar
1/8 cup (none)
Sugar
1/8 cup (none)
Light Cream
1/2 cup (none)
Onion Salt
1 teaspoon (none)
Garlic Salt
1 teaspoon (none)
Salt
1 teaspoon (none)
Pepper
1 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, prepare the dressing by combining the mayonnaise, western brand salad dressing, vinegar, sugar, light cream, onion salt, garlic salt, plain salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and fully combined.
2
In an extra-large bowl or container, add the cooked and drained macaroni, cubed ham, shredded cheddar cheese, thawed peas, chopped celery, chopped onion, and sliced olives. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
3
Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and gently fold it until everything is evenly coated.
4
Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld. For best results, let it chill overnight.
5
Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and adjust seasonings to taste, if necessary. Enjoy your delicious macaroni salad!
Nutrition Information
6g
Fat
5g
Carbs
3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people does the Deluxe Macaroni Salad for a Crowd serve?
This recipe is specifically designed to serve a large crowd of 50 people.
How much cooked ham is required for this recipe?
You will need 3 pounds of cooked ham, which should be cubed for the salad.
What quantity of macaroni is used?
The recipe calls for 3 pounds of macaroni, measured before being cooked and drained.
What type of cheese is included in the salad?
The salad includes 4 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
How should the frozen peas be prepared?
Use one 8-ounce bag of frozen peas and ensure they are fully thawed before adding them to the mixture.
How much celery is needed for the crunch?
The recipe requires 6 cups of chopped celery.
What size onion should I use?
One large onion, chopped, is sufficient for this recipe.
What kind of olives are added to the salad?
One 5 3/4 ounce can of sliced ripe olives, pitted and sliced, is used.
What is the base of the creamy dressing?
The base of the dressing consists of 1 quart of mayonnaise and 4 ounces of Western Brand salad dressing.
How much sugar and vinegar go into the dressing?
The recipe uses 1/8 cup of sugar and 1/8 cup of vinegar to balance the flavors.
What is the purpose of adding light cream?
1/2 cup of light cream is added to the dressing to enhance its creamy texture.
What specific seasonings are used for the dressing?
The seasoning mix includes 1 teaspoon each of onion salt, garlic salt, plain salt, and pepper.
What is the first step in preparing the salad?
The first step is whisking together the mayonnaise, Western dressing, vinegar, sugar, light cream, and salts until smooth.
How should the ingredients be mixed?
In an extra-large bowl, combine the macaroni, ham, cheese, peas, celery, onion, and olives, then gently fold in the dressing.
How long should the macaroni salad be refrigerated?
It should be chilled for at least 2 hours, though letting it sit overnight provides the best results for flavor melding.
What should I do right before serving?
Give the salad a gentle stir and adjust the seasonings to taste if necessary.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 82 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 6 grams of fat per serving in this macaroni salad.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
Each serving contains 5 grams of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 3 grams of protein in each serving.
Is there any fiber in this recipe?
Based on the nutritional data provided, there is no significant fiber content.
How many total ingredients are used in this recipe?
There are 16 ingredients used to create this deluxe salad.
What are some common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include macaroni salad, pasta salad, potluck recipe, picnic food, and ham salad.
Can this recipe be served at a picnic?
Yes, it is tagged as an ideal picnic food and cold salad, perfect for outdoor gatherings.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is categorized as an easy salad that simply involves mixing and chilling.
What brand of salad dressing is recommended?
The recipe specifically mentions using Western Brand salad dressing for its unique flavor profile.
Is the ham cooked before adding it to the salad?
Yes, the recipe requires pre-cooked ham that is then cubed.
Should the macaroni be hot when mixed with the dressing?
The macaroni should be cooked and drained before mixing; usually, cooling it slightly prevents the dressing from melting.
What makes this 'deluxe'?
It is considered deluxe because it features a rich variety of ingredients like ham, cheese, olives, and a multi-component creamy dressing.
Does the recipe contain any sodium information?
While specific sodium milligrams aren't listed, the recipe contains onion salt, garlic salt, and plain salt.