Delia'S Macaroni Salad
A creamy, tangy macaroni salad with crisp celery, sweet apple, olives, and pimento, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or casual gatherings with a refreshing flavor profile.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked elbow macaroni ⓘ
- 1 cup minced celery ⓘ
- juice of 1 small onion ⓘ
- 1 ripe apple, pared, cored and sliced ⓘ
- 12 sliced olives ⓘ
- 1 chopped pimento (small can) ⓘ
- 1/4 cup salad oil ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons vinegar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- few grains pepper ⓘ
- 1 cup mayonnaise dressing
- 2 tablespoons tomato catsup ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix the cooked elbow macaroni, minced celery, and juice of 1 small onion in a large bowl.
- Add the sliced apple, sliced olives, and chopped pimento to the mixture.
- In a small bowl, whisk together salad oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, mayonnaise dressing, and tomato catsup.
- Pour the dressing over the macaroni mixture and toss to combine.
- Chill in the icebox until ready to serve.
- Serve the salad on a bed of crisp lettuce.
Tips & Substitutions
For added crunch, consider substituting the celery with diced bell peppers or adding toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans. If you prefer a lighter dressing, try using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. You can also experiment with different types of olives or add a handful of fresh herbs like parsley or dill for extra flavor. This salad can be made a day in advance to enhance the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Delia's Macaroni Salad on a bed of crisp lettuce for a refreshing presentation. This dish pairs beautifully with grilled meats or as part of a picnic spread alongside sandwiches. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a side of Marinated Vegetable Soup or Stuffed Apple Salad for a balanced and flavorful experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad can become a bit soggy over time, so if you're planning to keep it longer, consider storing the dressing separately and combining it just before serving. To refresh the salad, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and toss gently.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Delia'S Macaroni Salad contains roughly 2134 calories, with 2g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 219g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (107% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this macaroni salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this macaroni salad a day in advance. Chilling it overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be aware that the dressing may soak into the pasta, so you might want to reserve a bit of dressing to add just before serving for extra creaminess.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise in this recipe?
If you're looking for a healthier or vegan alternative, you can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a vegan mayonnaise. This will still provide creaminess while reducing calories and fat. You can also create a vinaigrette using olive oil, vinegar, and mustard for a lighter option.
Is it possible to add protein to this salad?
Absolutely! You can easily add cooked chicken, tuna, or chickpeas for a protein boost. This not only makes the salad more filling but also transforms it into a hearty meal. Just ensure that any added ingredients are well-mixed to maintain the salad's flavor profile.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).