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Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins with Streusel Topping

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Recipesmeal typeSides

Classic Macaroni Salad

Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Servings 6

Classic macaroni salad is the perfect side for gatherings, BBQs, holidays, and pitch ins. It’s the ultimate summer side dish that will disappear quickly on the table. With elbow macaroni and a delicious tangy dressing on top, what’s not to love?! Stop grabbing for the container at the grocery store and make this easy dish…

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Recipesmeal typeSides

Classic Macaroni Salad

Looking for the ultimate summer side dish? Classic macaroni salad is the answer! It’s the perfect side for BBQs, family gatherings, and holidays, and it’s sure to disappear fast. This macaroni salad features elbow macaroni, crisp veggies, and a tangy, creamy dressing. It’s a tried-and-true dish that everyone will love! Skip the store-bought containers and make this delicious, homemade macaroni salad recipe that’s full of flavor and easy to prepare.

Classic macaroni salad with elbow macaroni, diced vegetables, and a creamy dressing, perfect for summer BBQs and gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe:

This classic macaroni salad is one of those dishes that brings people together. Whether you’re serving it at a summer BBQ, a picnic, or a holiday feast, it’s always a hit. The combination of crunchy veggies like red bell pepper, celery, and carrots, along with creamy mayo, tangy mustard, and a hint of sweetness, creates a perfect balance of flavors. The addition of hard-boiled eggs adds richness, making it even more satisfying.

Classic macaroni salad with elbow macaroni, diced vegetables, and a creamy dressing, perfect for summer BBQs and gatherings.

FAQs

Can I make this macaroni salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can easily prepare this macaroni salad ahead of time, and it stores beautifully in the refrigerator, making it the perfect dish to prep before a gathering. Plus, it tastes just as delicious the next day, making it an excellent make-ahead option! Be sure to store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. If you notice the macaroni has absorbed some of the dressing and the salad feels a little dry, simply stir in a bit more mayo to bring it back to its creamy texture. Properly stored, this macaroni salad will stay fresh for about 3-5 days.

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Classic macaroni salad with elbow macaroni, diced vegetables, and a creamy dressing, perfect for summer BBQs and gatherings.

Classic Macaroni Salad

Classic macaroni salad made with elbow macaroni, crunchy veggies, and a creamy, tangy dressing. Perfect for BBQs, picnics, and holidays, this easy-to-make side dish is a crowd favorite!
Print Pin
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Servings 6

Ingredients  

  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni cooked according to package directions
  • 1/2 cup cup red bell pepper diced
  • 1/2 cup celery diced
  • 1/2 cup carrots shredded
  • 1/4 cup onion diced
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs diced
  • 1 cup mayo
  • 2 tbsp vinegar
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground pepper

Method 

  • Cook the elbow macaroni in salted water according to the package instructions. Drain and combine all ingredients in a large bowl, stirring until well mixed. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

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Crispy Chicken Salad with Shallot Vinaigrette 🥗 Crispy Chicken Salad with Shallot Vinaigrette 🥗🍓🫐 It’s simple but so delicious.  I love how it comes together so fast, and honestly? You could leave out the chicken and it still totally holds up as a side dish

INGREDIENTS:

CRISPY CHICKEN
1¼ lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
1 tsp salt
¾ tsp pepper
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp Green Goddess seasoning (I use Trader Joe’s)
½ cup flour
¾ cup avocado oil

SALAD
4–5 cups spring mix salad blend
¼ red onion, thinly sliced
3 strawberries, sliced
⅓ cup blueberries
⅓ cup candied pecans
⅓ cup goat cheese crumbles

VINAIGRETTE
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
2 tsp shallot, finely minced
½ tsp mayo
½ tsp Dijon mustard
Dash of salt and pepper
3 tbsp avocado oil or EVOO

DIRECTIONS:
Slice the chicken breasts horizontally into thirds if you’re using 2 large ones. If using 3 smaller breasts, slice them in half horizontally. Using a mallet, pound each cutlet until it’s thin and evenly flat.

Massage the seasonings into the chicken, then coat each piece in flour.

Add oil to a heavy-bottomed skillet. Once the oil reaches 350°F, add a single layer of chicken. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Set aside and let the chicken rest.

In a salad bowl or on a platter, layer the spring mix, red onion, strawberries, blueberries, candied pecans, and goat cheese. Slice the chicken and arrange it on top.

To make the vinaigrette, add the red wine vinegar, minced shallot, mayo, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to a small bowl. Whisk together, then slowly drizzle in the oil while whisking until fully emulsified.

Drizzle over salad or serve dressing on the side!

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INGREDIENTS:
2 cups pineapple juice (chilled)
1 (750 ml) bottle blood orange Italian soda
2 (12 oz) cans lime sparkling water
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1 (10 oz) bag frozen raspberries
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INSTRUCTIONS:
Make frozen citrus roses the night before (see my blog for written out instructions or watch reel for the how-to!)

In a large punch bowl, stir together the pineapple juice, blood orange soda, Poppi, and sparkling water

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Serve over ice!

✨ Want to spike it? Add 1–2 cups vodka or a bottle of prosecco
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#drinkrecipe #partypunch #mocktail #punch #partydrink #mothersday #mothersdaymenu
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2 cups Limoncello, chilled
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Ice
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INSTRUCTIONS:
In a large pitcher, combine chilled Prosecco, Limoncello, and sparkling water.

Add ice and lemon slices.

Pour into glasses over ice and garnish with another lemon slice and fresh mint if you like.

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