Macaroni Salad with Tomatoes
When the weather starts to warm up, you can find me outside, taking advantage of the sunshine. I especially love a good outdoor summer BBQ, and this creamy Macaroni Salad with Tomatoes is perfect for the occasion. It’s my go-to all summer long! Some other delicious pasta salads that you should try are this Summer Macaroni Salad with Tomatoes and Zucchini, BLT Macaroni Salad, and Mayo-less Tuna Macaroni Salad.
This easy macaroni salad recipe is excellent for parties. You can make it the day before to save time the day of your event. All you have to do is cook the pasta and then stir everything together. I usually mix the summer tomatoes in with the other ingredients in a bowl while the pasta cooks. The tomatoes release their juice and make the sauce creamy and saucy.
Ingredients
Pasta: Uncooked elbow macaroni, wheat or gluten-free Vegetables: Ripe tomatoes such as plum, vine-ripe or campari tomatoes, sliced black olives and chopped red onion. Herbs and spices: garlic powder, dried oregano, salt (or adobo seasoning salt) and black pepper Salad Dressing: mayonnaise and white vinegar (optional, add a few dashes of Franks Hot Sauce)
How To Make The Best Macaroni Salad
The combination of these flavors just work! You can see my suggestions below, but I honestly wouldn’t change a thing. Here’s how to make it:
Variations
Add cucumbers, red bell peppers or celery for more vegetables and crunch You can use whole wheat macaroni for more protein and fiber or gluten-free macaroni for a gluten-free macaroni salad. Use apple cider vinegar instead of white
What to Serve with Macaroni Salad
Burgers – Turkey Burgers or Salmon Burgers are perfect with elbow pasta salad. Chicken Breast – Juicy, flavorful Grilled Chicken Breast or Air Fryer Chicken Breast. Chicken Thighs – Juicier and more flavorful than chicken breast, these Grilled Chicken Thighs are a winner in my house. If you have an air fryer, make these Air Fryer Chicken Thighs. Steak – Grilled steaks or Air Fryer Steak More Side Dishes: Round out your summer potluck with Creamy Cucumber Salad, Greek Pasta Salad, Red Potato Salad or Grilled Corn.
Should you rinse pasta before making macaroni salad?
Yes, it’s best to rinse hot pasta with cold water before making macaroni salad. Typically, if you’re eating your pasta cold, like in a pasta salad, you’ll want to rinse it with cold water right after it’s done cooking. The cold water stops the cooking process, cools off the pasta, and helps prevent the noodles from clumping together.
More Pasta Salad Recipes You’ll Love:
Greek Pasta Salad Chilled Italian Shrimp Tortellini Pasta Salad Summer Pasta Salad with Baby Greens Warm Pasta Salad with Corn and Zucchini Lemon Asparagus Couscous Salad with Tomatoes
