Because every cook needs a foolproof macaroni salad recipe in their arsenal, and this one, inspired by the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, is guaranteed to be a hit at every summer potluck, barbecue, and gathering you attend.
And if you’re in the mood for a heartier pasta salad that can serve as a main course, don’t miss our Chicken Macaroni Salad.
Pioneer Woman Macaroni Salad Recipe: A creamy and delicious pasta salad with elbow macaroni, red peppers, pickles, and olives, perfect for summer BBQs and potlucks.
Discovering the Perfect Macaroni Salad, Pioneer Woman Style
As the weather warms up and summer approaches, thoughts turn to classic side dishes that perfectly complement grilled favorites and outdoor feasts. Among these, macaroni salad stands out as a quintessential choice. Inspired by Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, known for her approachable and delicious recipes, this macaroni salad recipe aims for perfection.
This recipe was initially tested during the colder months as a preview of the summer grilling season to come. It proved to be an exceptional side dish alongside hearty meals like Crockpot Country Style Ribs. Its versatility makes it an ideal accompaniment to almost any main course you can imagine for your summer gatherings.
Think summer food, and a vibrant array of dishes comes to mind: juicy burgers, ripe tomatoes, grilled steaks, crisp cucumbers, flavorful chicken kabobs, and sweet corn. What could make this summer spread even better? Perhaps a refreshing cold beer to wash it all down!
This Pioneer Woman inspired macaroni salad recipe joins the ranks of beloved celebrity chef summer side dishes, standing alongside classics like Ina Garten’s Mac and Cheese with Tomatoes. Be sure to explore that recipe as well for another fantastic side dish option.
Pioneer Woman’s Best Macaroni Salad: A Recipe Worth Sharing
Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman herself, doesn’t take macaroni salad lightly. Her passion for this dish is evident in her own words:
“I love, love, love, adore, and love macaroni salad. I’m also picky, picky, picky, particular, and picky about macaroni salad. No joke. Macaroni salad is a religion to me.”
If Ree Drummond’s enthusiasm isn’t enough to convince you to try this pasta salad recipe, consider its crowd-pleasing nature.
Potlucks and backyard BBQs are the ultimate testing grounds for any recipe. This macaroni salad has been a hit at neighborhood gatherings, proving so popular that doubling the recipe is highly recommended.
The requests for the recipe speak volumes. This Pioneer Woman inspired macaroni salad strikes the perfect balance of ingredients, creating a harmonious and delicious flavor profile that appeals to everyone.
Its portability and make-ahead convenience make it an ideal choice for potlucks. A make-ahead macaroni salad that travels well is a true potluck champion.
Key Ingredients That Make This Macaroni Salad Stand Out
- Elbow Macaroni: For a truly classic macaroni salad, elbow macaroni is the quintessential choice. American Beauty brand is a recommended option, known for its quality and use of American-grown wheat. Supporting American farmers is an added bonus.
- Roasted Red Bell Peppers: While roasting your own fresh bell peppers is an option, high-quality jarred roasted red peppers offer a convenient shortcut without compromising flavor. For an even more robust taste, consider sourcing them from the olive bar at your grocery store.
- Sweet Spicy Pickles: Pickles are a crucial component in this macaroni salad, adding a delightful tang and sweetness. For the best results, opt for quality sweet and spicy pickles. Famous Dave’s spicy pickles are a readily available and flavorful choice. Alternatively, homemade spicy pickles made from store-bought dill pickles can elevate the flavor even further, offering a sweet and intensely flavorful addition.
- Sliced Black Olives: Canned pre-sliced black olives offer ease and convenience, making preparation a breeze.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Red wine vinegar brings a unique fruity and robust flavor profile to the salad dressing. Its vibrant punchiness enhances the overall taste, setting it apart from salads made with standard white vinegar.
- Sweet Onion: Sweet onions, milder than white or red onions, are preferred for their subtle sweetness. Vidalia onions are an excellent choice when available. Green onions can also be used for a milder onion flavor.
- Mayonnaise: Using high-quality mayonnaise is essential for a creamy and flavorful salad. Reliable brands like Best Foods, Hellman’s, or Dukes are recommended.
- Milk or Half and Half: For the ultimate creamy texture, half and half is the recommended choice. Its richness contributes to a more decadent macaroni salad.
- Sugar: Sugar plays a vital role in balancing the tangy red wine vinegar, creating a harmonious sweet and savory flavor profile. Don’t omit it.
The Flavor Symphony of This Macaroni Salad
What makes this Pioneer Woman Macaroni Salad so irresistible?
- Perfectly Balanced Mayo: The recipe avoids being overly heavy on mayonnaise, ensuring a light yet creamy texture.
- Just the Right Tang: The red wine vinegar adds a balanced tanginess that isn’t overpowering.
- Sweet, Tangy, and Spicy Harmony: It achieves a perfect trifecta of flavors – sweet, tangy, and spicy – creating a complex and satisfying taste.
- Black Olive Depth: The inclusion of black olives adds a subtle briny depth and umami richness.
- Pickle Perfection: Pickles contribute both sweetness and a pleasant sourness, enhancing the overall flavor complexity.
- Classic Elbow Macaroni: Elbow macaroni provides the perfect summer comfort pasta base, its shape holding the creamy dressing beautifully.
Recipe Note: The original recipe was slightly tweaked, substituting green onions with Vidalia onions, and adjusting the vinegar to personal preference, highlighting the flexibility of the recipe.
Pioneer Woman’s Best Macaroni Salad Recipe
This simple macaroni salad recipe is incredibly creamy, packed with flavor, and utterly delicious. The use of red wine vinegar creates a uniquely robust flavor that elevates this dish to another level.
Prepare to fall in love with every bite, and watch as it becomes a favorite at all your summer gatherings.
Give this Pioneer Woman’s Macaroni Salad recipe a try and let us know your thoughts by leaving a star rating and comment below. We’d love to hear about your experience with the recipe!
If you have your own cherished summer macaroni salad recipe, feel free to share it in the comments – we’re always eager to explore new variations.
More Summer Macaroni and Pasta Salad Inspiration
Related Recipes: Summer potluck potato salad recipes are always a hit:
Looking for even more side dish inspiration for your picnics and cookouts? Explore this collection of Summer cook-out sides. You’re sure to discover new favorites!
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Pioneer Woman’s Best Macaroni Salad Ever
Pioneer Woman’s Best Macaroni Salad. Because we all need a perfect macaroni salad recipe! This one will get you through every Summer pot luck and BBQ thrown your way.
4.95 from 17 votes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
Servings: 10
Calories: 318kcal
Author: Lea Ann Brown
Ingredients
- 4 cups elbow macaroni
- 3 whole roasted red peppers chopped
- ½ cup sweet and spicy pickle diced
- ½ cup black olives sliced
- ½ cup sweet onion diced
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar adding more to taste, up to 3 tablespoons
- 3 teaspoons sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- plenty fresh ground black pepper
- ¼ cup half and half or milk
- 2 teaspoons pickle juice
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Instructions
- Cook macaroni in lightly salted water till done. Drain in a colander. Set aside.
- Mix mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, milk and pickle juice in medium sized bowl.
- In large bowl place cooked macaroni. Add about ¾’s of the mayonnaise mixture to the macaroni.
- Next add the peppers, pickles, olives and onions. If needed, add the remaining dressing.
- Add a splash of pickle juice to the salad. The salad dressing will thicken up after refrigeration.
- Refrigerate for at least two hours before serving.
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Nutrition
Calories: 318kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 443mg | Potassium: 166mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 170IU | Vitamin C: 5.5mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 0.9mg
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Pioneer Woman’s Best Macaroni Salad Ever …It’s what’s for a Perfect Summer Side.
Lea Ann Brown
Why Trust My Recipes? I am a Culinary School Graduate and believe that everyone should try to cook as often as they can. I’ve been cooking for 50 years, and my recipes are tried and true tested and tested and then tested again before published. To read more take a look at my About Page.
