Seaton Salad
A creamy, fresh macaroni salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or church buffets, offering a tangy and satisfying flavor combination.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook and drain the macaroni.
- Finely chop the onion and add to the cooked macaroni.
- Peel and slice the cucumbers into circles and add half to the macaroni.
- Cut the tomatoes and remove the insides.
- Dice the tomatoes and add to the macaroni.
- Chop the celery into thin slices.
- Add Miracle Whip to the mixture.
- Add salt and pepper.
- Stir all ingredients thoroughly.
- Chill the salad before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit more Miracle Whip or a dollop of sour cream. If you're looking for a healthier option, swap out elbow macaroni for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. You can also substitute the cucumbers with bell peppers for a crunchier bite. To enhance the flavor, add fresh herbs like dill or parsley.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is perfect for potlucks or picnics and pairs beautifully with Cajun Cucumbers for a refreshing contrast. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or as a hearty side for burgers. For a complete meal, consider adding protein like diced ham or chickpeas for extra substance.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Seaton Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the pasta from becoming soggy, it's best to keep the dressing separate if you plan to store it for a longer period. When ready to serve, simply mix in the dressing and enjoy cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Seaton Salad contains roughly 72 calories, with 1g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 754mg per serving (33% 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 Seaton Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a day in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator and mix in any additional ingredients, like the dressing, right before serving to keep everything fresh.
Is there a vegan alternative for this recipe?
Yes, you can easily make a vegan version of Seaton Salad! Substitute the elbow macaroni with a vegan pasta option and replace Miracle Whip with a vegan mayonnaise or a cashew cream for a creamy texture.
What can I add to make it more filling?
To make the salad more filling, consider adding protein such as diced chicken, chickpeas, or even shredded cheese. You could also include nuts or seeds for an extra crunch and nutrition boost.
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).