Macaroni Salad Recipe

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This macaroni salad recipe is great warm weather pasta salad and a nice addition to any menu. Four ingredients and quick preparation, make it a meal you can have on the table in minutes.

With just a few ingredients, it's a quick salad recipe that is especially good when you are short on time and need something fast, easy and full of flavor.

See the menu planner and ingredient exchanges below. They will give you some simple and quick meal ideas and easy changes to make this macaroni salad recipe a little different every time.

2 servings

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4 Ingredients:

macaroni - 3 cups cooked

celery - 1 cup sliced thinly

green or black olives - 3/4 cup diced

**mayonnaise - 3/4 cup or to desired moistness

**(optional) lemon zest - as desired

salt and pepper to taste

**Another dressing idea for this pasta salad is mayonnaise walnut dressing.

Make Ahead:
- Prepare macaroni according to package directions

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You can prepare the pasta ahead of time if you like, otherwise, start the pasta first.

1. Bring the water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions.

2. While pasta is cooking, prepare the celery and olives and put into a large mixing bowl.

3. When pasta is finished cooking, drain and add three cups to the mixing bowl along with the mayonnaise and, if you are using it, the lemon zest to taste.

4. Toss the salad to mix all ingredients evenly. Salt and pepper to taste.

5. Put salad in refrigerator to chill for at least an hour before serving.

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Quick Meals - Menu Planner:

Light Meal Ideas (for lunch or a light dinner):

** Serve this quick pasta salad scooped inside quartered tomatoes with carrot and jicama sticks on the side.

** For an extra layer of richness, try serving this easy macaroni salad recipe over thin slices of avocado with a side of asparagus and mushrooms drizzled with fresh squeezed lemon juice and salt and pepper.

Main Meal Ideas:

** Serve this creamy pasta salad on a bed of spinach or assorted salad greens with broiled tomato slices with melted cheese on top and warm crusty bread.

** This quick salad recipe is even more delicious when served with grilled tuna steaks.

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Ingredient Exchanges:

Instead of Celery:
*Chayote Squash - 1 cup diced or
*Cucumber - 1 cup diced into chunks or
*Water Chestnuts - 1 cup diced

Instead of Olives:
*Baked Tofu - 3/4 cup diced into cubes or
*Roasted Red Peppers - 3/4 cup cut into pieces or
*Red Onion - 3/4 cup small dice

Instead of Mayonnaise:
*Mustard and Mayonnaise - 1/2 cup each (adjust to your taste) or
*Greek Style Yogurt - 3/4 cup or to desired moistness or
*Olive Oil Vinaigrette - 3/4 cup or to desired moistness

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Additions:

*Fresh Basil is a nice addition to this salad. Add 1/4 cup chopped or to taste.

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Related Links:
Pasta with Red Peppers and Spinach | More Quick and Easy Pasta Recipes

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