Macaroni Salads Are an Ideal Food for Summer Picnics and BBQs

Macaroni salad is an ideal summer food. It is easy to fix, travels well, and goes with all types of picnic and BBQ foods.

Macaroni salad is easy to prepare and is a perfect complement to a summertime picnic or barbeque. It’s typical for someone to bring a macaroni salad to any summer gathering. It might be Great Grandma’s recipe or even a takeout from the deli, and it is always eaten.


With macaroni salad, there is an endless supply of ingredients that can be added. Tuna and macaroni salad recipes are part of almost every North American picnic or BBQ menu and are a great addition to a pot luck table. You can also add shrimp, ham, or other favorite meat. Vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or red or green peppers make a colorful addition.


• Tips:
• Add more fiber by using whole wheat macaroni. You may want to cook it just a bit longer than the package states if you are not used to whole wheat pasta.
• Add a variety of vegetables to the basic macaroni salad to add nutrients. Shredded carrots or very finely chopped broccoli work well. Try a few and see what your family likes.
• Got kids? Try using a variety of pasta shapes instead of the traditional macaroni. Wagon wheels or other fun shapes may make the kids give it a try.
• Again for kids, try chopping the vegetables into very fine pieces if your kids are not veggie eaters.
• A variety of pasta shapes works for adults too. Don't feel you have to stick to the same old macaroni shape.
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Classic Macaroni Salad 

INGREDIENTS:
• 2 cups cooked macaroni, drained, rinsed, cooled
• 2 hard-cooked eggs, chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/3 to 1/2 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon prepared mustard
• pepper, to taste