Macaroni Salad Tivoli
A creamy, crunchy macaroni salad with chicken, vegetables, and tangy dressing, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or casual family meals with fresh, savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked macaroni ⓘ
- 2 (5 oz.) cans Swanson chunk white chicken ⓘ
- 1/2 cup diced Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 cup coarsely chopped cucumber ⓘ
- 1/2 cup thin sliced radishes ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sliced green onion ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped green pepper
- 1 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1/2 cup bottled Italian dressing ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine cooked macaroni, chicken, cheese, cucumber, radishes, green onion, and green pepper.
- Add mayonnaise, Italian dressing, salt, and pepper.
- Toss lightly to mix all ingredients evenly.
- Chill for 6 hours or more before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a little extra mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute half the mayonnaise with plain yogurt. You can also swap the chicken for canned tuna or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can enhance the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Macaroni Salad Tivoli makes a perfect side dish for barbecues, picnics, or potlucks. It pairs beautifully with Honey Baked Chicken (Low-Fat Recipe) or stuffed into a sandwich for a quick lunch. For added crunch, serve with a side of fresh veggies or chips.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover macaroni salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain texture, avoid freezing, as it may alter the consistency of the ingredients. For serving, just give it a good stir before enjoying it again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Macaroni Salad Tivoli contains roughly 686 calories, with 10g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1762mg per serving (77% 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 a day ahead?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a day ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure to cover it well and refrigerate. If it seems a little dry when serving, add a splash of Italian dressing or mayonnaise to freshen it up.
What can I add to enhance the flavor?
Consider adding diced bell peppers, olives, or even a sprinkle of paprika for a smoky flavor. Fresh herbs like dill or basil can also brighten the dish. Experiment with your favorite ingredients to find the perfect balance for your palate.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, Macaroni Salad Tivoli is great for meal prep! You can portion it into containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Just remember to store it in the fridge and consume within three days for the best quality.
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).