Refreshing Summer Macaroni Salad
As the days get warmer and the sun shines brighter, there's nothing quite like a vibrant, crowd-pleasing macaroni salad to elevate your summer gatherings! This Refreshing Summer Macaroni Salad is not only delightful and satisfying but also mindful of your health at just 3 Weight Watchers points per serving. This dish combines perfectly cooked elbow macaroni with a creamy, tangy dressing and a medley of crisp vegetables, making it a great side for barbecues, picnics, or potluck dinners. Enjoy it served warm or chilled, and feel free to customize with your favorite veggies for an even more flavorful experience. Let's make your summer delicious and guilt-free!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
elbow macaroni
8 ounces (raw)
reduced-calorie mayonnaise
1/2 cup (N/A)
red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon (N/A)
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
celery
1 cup (chopped)
red onion
1/3 cup (finely chopped)
fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
table salt
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (freshly ground to taste)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water, then transfer to a large mixing bowl.
2
In a separate medium bowl, combine the reduced-calorie mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
3
Pour the dressing over the cooked macaroni and gently toss to coat every piece evenly.
4
Add the chopped celery, finely diced red onion, and fresh parsley to the bowl. Fold the vegetables into the macaroni mixture until evenly distributed.
5
Season the salad with table salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss until well incorporated.
6
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving, or enjoy it warm right away. This dish can be made a day in advance for flavors to meld beautifully!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Refreshing Summer Macaroni Salad?
It is a vibrant, crowd-pleasing side dish that combines elbow macaroni with a creamy, tangy dressing and crisp vegetables.
How many Weight Watchers points is this recipe?
This recipe is mindful of your health at just 3 Weight Watchers points per serving.
What type of pasta should I use?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of elbow macaroni cooked until al dente.
Can I serve this salad warm?
Yes, this dish can be enjoyed served warm or chilled depending on your preference.
How long should I chill the salad before serving?
For the best results, chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for a BBQ?
Absolutely! It is a great side dish for barbecues, picnics, or potluck dinners.
What ingredients are in the creamy dressing?
The dressing is made from reduced-calorie mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder.
Can I make this macaroni salad in advance?
Yes, this dish can be made a day in advance which allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What vegetables are included in this recipe?
The recipe includes 1 cup of chopped celery and 1/3 cup of finely diced red onion.
How do I prepare the macaroni?
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, cook the macaroni according to package directions, then drain and rinse under cold water.
What kind of vinegar is best for this salad?
The recipe specifies using 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar for a tangy flavor.
Is this macaroni salad low in cholesterol?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as a low cholesterol healthy side option.
How much mayonnaise do I need?
You will need 1/2 cup of reduced-calorie mayonnaise.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley along with salt and black pepper.
Can I customize the vegetables?
Yes, feel free to customize with your favorite veggies for an even more flavorful experience.
How much garlic powder should I add?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
While the exact serving size is not specified, it is designed as a crowd-pleasing side dish.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 10 ingredients required to make this salad.
Is the red onion diced or sliced?
The red onion should be finely diced for this recipe.
How do I ensure the dressing is smooth?
Whisk the mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, and garlic powder in a separate bowl until smooth before adding to the pasta.
Can I use regular mayonnaise?
You can, but it will increase the calorie count and Weight Watchers points from the original healthy version.
What type of mustard is used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
Is this salad considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a mindful, healthy side dish with low Weight Watchers points.
Should I rinse the pasta after cooking?
Yes, rinsing under cold water stops the cooking process and helps prevent the pasta from sticking.
How much salt and pepper should I use?
The recipe suggests starting with 1/8 teaspoon each of table salt and black pepper, adjusted to taste.
Does this salad contain sugar?
No, there is no added sugar in this specific recipe.
What equipment do I need?
You will need a large pot for boiling water, a colander for draining, and mixing bowls.
Can I add extra protein to this?
While not in the original recipe, you can customize it with protein like hard-boiled eggs or tuna if desired.
Is it better chilled or warm?
While it can be served warm, many prefer it chilled for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
How do I fold in the vegetables?
Gently fold the chopped celery, red onion, and parsley into the macaroni mixture until they are evenly distributed.