This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
This Warm Macaroni Salad is a savory, comforting, and delicious side dish. It is packed with vegetables and easy to make using a few simple ingredients. Make a bowl to share with the family today.
This is a delicious and super simple side dish to make when you need something in a flash.
The recipe can be made in a matter of minutes from start to finish. The only part that requires real work is chopping up the vegetables and cooking the elbow macaroni. Even with that minimal amount of required work for this recipe, it is worth it because the end result is a filling and comforting macaroni salad that is loaded with fresh vegetables and flavor.
The vegetables included in this macaroni salad provide a nice crunch in combination with the tender cooked elbow macaroni pasta. The vegetables are freshly chopped carrot, celery, and onion. The dressing for the salad is made with the blend of sweet pickle relish and tangy creamy mayonnaise. Add in a little salt and ground black pepper for the perfect balance of seasoning and you are all set.
This recipe is basically a boil, chop, stir, and serve. Try it!
Why is it called warm macaroni salad?
This recipe is called warm macaroni salad because it is served immediately after the pasta salad has been made. The macaroni pasta will still be slightly warm from boiling in the water when the rest of the ingredients are added together to stir. If you prefer to have cold macaroni salad, simply allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator prior to serving.
Is it safe to have warm mayonnaise in this side dish?
The mayonnaise in this recipe will actually cool the cooked elbow pasta and help to bind together the rest of the ingredients. This dish will not be hot, but it will be slightly warm. The warmth of the cooked pasta will not heat up the mayonnaise to an unsafe temperature. Be sure to store any leftovers of this side dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator and do not reheat to serve. Serve any leftovers cold.
What ingredients are needed to make this macaroni salad recipe?
- Elbow macaroni pasta
- Carrot
- Onion
- Celery
- Pickle relish
- Mayonnaise
- Salt
- Ground black pepper
How to make the best macaroni salad:
Begin this recipe by chopping/grating up the fresh onion, carrots, and celery into small pieces. Cook the elbow macaroni pasta according to the package instructions and drain off all the water once finished.
Using a large bowl while the pasta is still warm, gently stir in the carrot, onion, celery, pickle relish, and mayonnaise.
Add salt and black pepper to taste and stir to thoroughly distribute.
Serve the macaroni salad immediately while it is still warm. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
Tips to make the best warm macaroni salad:
- Be sure not to overcook the elbow macaroni pasta, it should be cooked to al dente.
- May use any mayonnaise that you prefer, including vegan mayonnaise to make this a vegan side dish.
- This macaroni salad can be served cold. Simply prepare in advance and store in the refrigerator before serving.
- Season with salt and ground black pepper to your level of preference.
Warm Macaroni Salad
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni pasta
- ½ cup grated carrot
- 3 tablespoons onion, chopped
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- 3 tablespoons pickle relish
- ⅔ cup vegan or regular mayonnaise
- salt and ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni pasta according to the package instructions and drain it of all the water once finished.
- Gently stir in grated/chopped fresh ½ cup carrot, 3 tablespoons onion, 1 stalk of celery, 3 tablespoons pickle relish, and ⅔ cups mayonnaise. Add salt and ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately while still warm. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 4 days.
Notes
- Be sure not to overcook the elbow macaroni pasta, it should be cooked to al dente.
- May use any mayonnaise that you prefer, including vegan mayonnaise to make this a vegan side dish.
- This macaroni salad can be served cold. Simply prepare in advance and store in the refrigerator before serving.
- Season with salt and ground black pepper to your level of preference.
Nutrition
*All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods and portion sizes per household.
Want more simple salad ideas? Try these:
Have any comments, questions, or other delicious ideas for this Warm Macaroni Salad Recipe? Please share them in the comments below!
Leave a Reply