Macaroni - Cheese Toss
A creamy, flavorful macaroni salad with sharp cheddar, eggs, peas, and fresh vegetables, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or casual family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. small shell macaroni ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. clear French dressing ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. sharp Cheddar cheese, cubed ⓘ
- 3 hard-cooked eggs, cubed ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/3 c. mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. prepared horseradish
- dash of salt ⓘ
- seasoned pepper ⓘ
- 1 c. drained cooked/canned peas ⓘ
- 1/2 c. sliced green onions ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. prepared mustard ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook macaroni in boiling salted water until tender. Drain and cool.
- Pour French dressing over macaroni and set aside.
- Combine cheese, eggs, and vegetables in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, blend mayonnaise, horseradish, mustard, salt, and seasoned pepper.
- Pour the mayonnaise mixture over the cheese and vegetable mixture.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the mixture and toss to combine.
- Chill before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit more mayonnaise or a splash of milk to the dressing mix. If you want to lighten up the dish, try using low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt as a substitute. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can enhance the flavor, and feel free to swap in different cheeses based on your preference. This dish can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Macaroni - Cheese Toss as a refreshing side dish at summer barbecues or picnics. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own as a light lunch. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Homemade Bread Sticks or a crisp garden salad for a balanced plate.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or water to prevent the macaroni from drying out. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally for even warming.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Macaroni - Cheese Toss contains roughly 338 calories, with 11g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (50% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value), and calcium (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1539mg per serving (67% 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 recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, this dish is best when chilled for a few hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld. Just prepare it as directed, cover it, and refrigerate until you're ready to serve.
What can I substitute for sharp Cheddar cheese?
You can substitute sharp Cheddar with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a blend of cheeses for a unique flavor. Just keep in mind that the taste of the dish may change slightly with different cheese choices.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is easily adaptable to be vegetarian. Simply omit the hard-cooked eggs or replace them with diced tofu or chickpeas for added protein. The dish remains flavorful and satisfying without any meat ingredients.
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).