Pioneer Woman’s Favorite Macaroni Salad Ever
Pioneer Woman’s Favorite Macaroni Salad Ever is the ultimate summer side dish that brings a burst of flavor and color to any gathering. This creamy salad combines tender elbow macaroni with vibrant roasted red peppers, sweet pickles, and sliced black olives for a delightful twist on the classic recipe. Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or family gatherings, this salad can be made in just 30 minutes and is best served chilled. Its make-ahead nature allows it to taste even better after sitting in the fridge, making it a convenient choice for hosting friends and family.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 10 people 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups elbow macaroni
- 3 whole roasted red peppers (chopped)
- 1/2 cup sweet onion (diced)
- 1/2 cup black olives (sliced)
- 1/2 cup sweet and spicy pickles (diced)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon red apple vinegar
- 3 teaspoons sugar
- Fresh ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup half-and-half or milk
- 2 teaspoons pickle juice
Instructions
- Cook elbow macaroni in lightly salted water until tender; drain and let cool.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red apple vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, milk, and pickle juice until smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled macaroni with three-quarters of the dressing; stir gently.
- Add chopped roasted red peppers, diced pickles, sliced olives, and onions; mix well.
- Adjust consistency with more dressing if needed and add a splash of pickle juice.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg