Hearty Baked Bean Macaroni Salad
Elevate your potluck game with this Hearty Baked Bean Macaroni Salad, which blends the comfort of classic macaroni salad with the rich, savory flavors of barbecue baked beans. Perfectly balanced with crunchy vegetables like celery, bell peppers, and the zing of red onions, this dish transforms into a satisfying main course that will leave your guests asking for seconds. Ideal for picnics, family gatherings, or barbecues, this salad is not just a side—it's a crowd-pleaser that brings everyone together around the table!
8
Servings
225
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Elbow macaroni
6 ounces (uncooked)
Baked beans
1 can (28 ounces) (preferably barbecue-seasoned, undrained)
Celery
1 1/2 cups (sliced)
Red onions
1 1/2 cups (chopped)
Yellow or green bell peppers
1 1/2 cups (chopped)
Herb vinaigrette
1/2 cup (prepared)
Fresh basil or parsley
1/3 cup (chopped)
Basil or parsley sprig
for garnish (as needed)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the macaroni well and rinse with cold water to cool down.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled macaroni and the undrained baked beans, making sure they are well mixed.
3
Add the sliced celery, chopped onions, and diced bell peppers to the mixture, tossing gently to combine all the ingredients.
4
Pour in the prepared herb vinaigrette and add the chopped fresh basil (or parsley), then toss lightly until everything is evenly coated.
5
Let the salad sit for at least 15 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld, or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 4 hours for a chilled option.
6
Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and garnish with additional sprigs of basil or parsley for an attractive presentation.
Nutrition Information
4
Fat
36
Carbs
7
Protein
2.5
Fiber
3
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Baked Bean Macaroni Salad?
It is a unique twist on classic macaroni salad that incorporates savory barbecue baked beans and crunchy vegetables for a satisfying side or main dish.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What type of pasta should I use for this salad?
The recipe calls for 6 ounces of uncooked elbow macaroni.
Do I need to drain the baked beans before adding them?
No, you should use the baked beans undrained to maintain the flavor and consistency.
What flavor of baked beans works best?
Barbecue-seasoned baked beans are recommended for the best flavor profile.
Which vegetables are included in the salad?
The salad includes sliced celery, chopped red onions, and diced yellow or green bell peppers.
How long should I cook the elbow macaroni?
Cook the macaroni according to the specific instructions on the package until it is tender.
Should I rinse the pasta after cooking?
Yes, drain the macaroni well and rinse it with cold water to cool it down before mixing.
What kind of dressing is used for this salad?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of prepared herb vinaigrette.
Can I use different herbs for seasoning?
Yes, you can use either chopped fresh basil or parsley depending on your preference.
How long does the salad need to sit before serving?
Let the salad sit for at least 15 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld.
Can this salad be served chilled?
Yes, you can cover and refrigerate the salad for up to 4 hours if you prefer a chilled option.
Is Hearty Baked Bean Macaroni Salad a good potluck dish?
Absolutely, its unique flavor and satisfying ingredients make it a crowd-pleasing potluck choice.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 225 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 4 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
Each serving has 36 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this salad provide?
This salad provides 7 grams of protein per serving.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, there are 2.5 grams of fiber in each serving.
What is the sugar content per serving?
There are 3 grams of sugar per serving.
How much celery is needed?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of sliced celery.
How many bell peppers should I use?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of chopped yellow or green bell peppers.
Can I substitute the red onions?
While red onions provide a specific zing, you can substitute with other onion varieties if necessary.
How do I garnish the salad for presentation?
Garnish the salad with additional sprigs of fresh basil or parsley before serving.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 8 ingredients required for this recipe.
Is this salad considered a main course or a side dish?
It can be served as both; it is hearty enough to be a main course but also works as a side.
What makes this macaroni salad 'hearty'?
The addition of baked beans adds protein and substance, making it more filling than traditional pasta salads.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, it can be prepared up to 4 hours in advance and kept in the refrigerator.
Do I need to add extra salt?
The recipe does not specify additional salt, as the baked beans and vinaigrette usually provide sufficient seasoning.
How should I stir the salad before serving?
Give it a gentle stir to redistribute the dressing and ingredients before plating.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.