Description
Sweet Macaroni Salad is a creamy, refreshing side dish made with tender elbow macaroni, vibrant veggies, and a sweet, tangy dressing. Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or a simple family meal, this salad delivers a burst of flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked and cooled
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup canned pineapple tidbits, drained
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled elbow macaroni with red bell pepper, green bell pepper, celery, red onion, and pineapple tidbits.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweetened condensed milk, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the macaroni mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in raisins or dried cranberries if using.
- Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors blend.
Notes
- For extra crunch, add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans.
- This salad tastes even better the next day after chilling overnight.
- Use full-fat mayo for a creamier texture, or light mayo for a healthier option.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for part of the mayo for a tangy twist.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
Keywords: sweet macaroni salad, creamy pasta salad, picnic side dish, summer salad, potluck recipe, pineapple macaroni salad, easy macaroni salad