Ugly Salad
A tangy, sweet, and savory salad featuring macaroni, cucumbers, and onions, dressed in a vinegar and oil mixture, perfect for potlucks and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook 1 pound of curly macaroni until al dente, then drain and let cool.
- Combine vinegar, oil, sugar, optional Accent, garlic powder, parsley flakes, minced onion, salt, and pepper in a large bowl to create the dressing.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the dressing and mix well. Let stand overnight to allow flavors to meld.
- Garnish with sliced onion and sliced cucumbers before serving, then enjoy!
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier dressing, consider adding a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream. If you want to reduce sugar, substitute with honey or agave syrup. Fresh herbs can be swapped for dried, and you can replace curly macaroni with any pasta shape you prefer. This ugly salad is versatile, making it a great choice for potlucks alongside dishes like Summer Fruit Salad For A Crowd.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this ugly salad chilled as a refreshing side at barbecues or picnics. It pairs well with grilled meats such as chicken or burgers, and it can also complement heavier dishes like Baked Chicken Batter. Consider adding fresh vegetables like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for extra crunch and color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits, so it's often even better the next day. To enjoy it cold, simply give it a good stir before serving. Avoid reheating as pasta salads are best served chilled.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ugly Salad contains roughly 491 calories, with 2g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (19% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this salad vegan by omitting the optional Accent and ensuring that all ingredients, such as the vinegar and oil, are plant-based. The dressing is already vegan-friendly, making it a perfect choice for those following vegan recipes.
How long should I let the salad sit before serving?
For the best flavor, let the salad sit overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the macaroni to absorb the dressing and the flavors to meld beautifully. If you're short on time, a minimum of 4 hours can still be effective.
Can I add proteins to this salad?
Absolutely! You can enhance this salad by adding cooked chicken, tuna, or chickpeas for a protein boost. These additions can make it a more filling main dish, perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
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).