Macaroni salad is a quintessential side dish for summer gatherings, potlucks, and BBQs. If you’re on the hunt for a recipe that will be the star of your next event, look no further than the Pioneer Woman’s pasta salad. This isn’t just any macaroni salad; it’s a meticulously crafted blend of flavors and textures that Ree Drummond herself declares “the best macaroni salad ever.” Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is guaranteed to become your go-to for summer side dishes. And if you’re looking to turn pasta salad into a main course, be sure to check out our Chicken Macaroni Salad recipe for a heartier meal.
Close-up of Pioneer Woman's Macaroni Salad in a bowl
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
With summer temperatures rising, the desire for refreshing and flavorful side dishes is at its peak. This Pioneer Woman macaroni salad recipe perfectly fits the bill. Inspired by Ree Drummond’s own beloved version, this recipe has been slightly tweaked to enhance the flavors that make it truly outstanding. Having first tested this recipe during the winter months in anticipation of grilling season, it quickly proved itself as the ideal companion to hearty main courses like Crockpot Country Style Ribs. Its versatility extends to countless summer meals, pairing seamlessly with everything from burgers and steaks to chicken kabobs and, of course, a cold beer on a hot day.
This recipe joins the ranks of top celebrity summer side dishes, standing proudly alongside Ina Garten’s Mac and Cheese with Tomatoes. It’s a testament to the fact that sometimes, the simplest dishes, when made with care and quality ingredients, are the most memorable.
Ree Drummond’s Macaroni Salad Philosophy
Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman herself, doesn’t take macaroni salad lightly. Her famous quote perfectly encapsulates her passion:
“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.”
This quote alone should inspire confidence that this recipe is something special. Drummond’s dedication to macaroni salad ensures that every ingredient and step is considered for optimal flavor and texture.
The true test of any potluck recipe is its popularity at gatherings. This Pioneer Woman macaroni salad has been a hit at neighborhood parties, with guests repeatedly asking for the recipe. Its universal appeal stems from the perfect balance of ingredients, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that everyone enjoys.
Beyond its delicious taste, this macaroni salad is also incredibly practical for potlucks and BBQs. It’s a fantastic make-ahead dish that travels well, freeing you up to focus on other aspects of your event. The ability to prepare it in advance is a significant advantage for any host.
Key Ingredients for Pioneer Woman’s Macaroni Salad Success
The magic of this Pioneer Woman pasta salad lies in its carefully selected ingredients, each contributing to the overall flavor profile:
- Elbow Macaroni: Classic elbow macaroni provides the perfect texture to hold the creamy dressing and flavorful mix-ins. Using a quality brand like American Beauty, known for its American-grown wheat, ensures a superior pasta base.
- Roasted Red Bell Peppers: Roasted red peppers add a touch of sweetness and smoky depth. While roasting your own is an option, using jarred roasted red peppers or those from an olive bar offers convenience without compromising flavor. Olive bar peppers often boast a more robust taste.
- Sweet and Spicy Pickles: Pickles are crucial for macaroni salad, providing a tangy and slightly sweet counterpoint to the creamy dressing. High-quality sweet and spicy pickles, such as Famous Dave’s, are recommended. Alternatively, homemade spicy pickles, especially those made from store-bought dill pickles, offer an even more intense flavor boost.
- Sliced Black Olives: Canned sliced black olives contribute a briny and savory element that complements the other ingredients. Their mild flavor blends seamlessly into the salad.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Red wine vinegar is the secret weapon in this recipe. Its fruity notes and robust flavor profile add a unique tanginess that elevates this macaroni salad above the rest.
- Sweet Onion: Sweet onions, like Vidalia onions, offer a milder and sweeter onion flavor compared to white or red onions. They provide a subtle sharpness without being overpowering. Green onions are also a suitable alternative.
- Mayonnaise: A high-quality mayonnaise is essential for the creamy base of the dressing. Reliable brands like Best Foods, Hellman’s, or Duke’s will ensure consistent flavor and texture.
- Half and Half: Half and half (or milk) adds richness and creaminess to the dressing, creating a luscious texture that coats the macaroni and other ingredients perfectly. Half and half is preferred for an extra creamy result.
- Sugar: Sugar is a critical ingredient for balancing the tangy vinegar and savory elements. It shouldn’t be skipped as it rounds out the flavor profile and prevents the salad from being too acidic.
Flavor Symphony: Tangy, Sweet, and Perfectly Balanced
What Makes This Macaroni Salad Stand Out?
- Light on Mayo: The dressing is expertly balanced, ensuring it’s creamy without being overly heavy or greasy.
- Just the Right Tang: The red wine vinegar provides a perfect level of tanginess that cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise and adds complexity.
- Sweet and Spicy Harmony: The combination of sweet pickles and a hint of spice creates a delightful flavor contrast that keeps you coming back for more.
- Olive and Pickle Power: The inclusion of black olives and pickles adds layers of savory and tangy flavors, contributing to the overall depth and deliciousness.
- Elbow Macaroni Magic: Elbow macaroni is the ideal pasta shape for summer macaroni salad, offering a comforting and familiar texture.
Slight adjustments to Ree Drummond’s original recipe include using Vidalia onions instead of green onions, slightly reducing the vinegar and then adding it back to taste, ensuring the perfect flavor balance.
Pioneer Woman’s Best Macaroni Salad Recipe
This recipe is straightforward and delivers exceptional results. The red wine vinegar is a game-changer, adding a robust and unique flavor that sets it apart from typical macaroni salads. Prepare to be amazed by how delicious and crowd-pleasing this simple salad can be. Your BBQ and potluck guests will rave about it!
If you try this Pioneer Woman Macaroni Salad recipe, please leave a star rating and comment below to share your experience. And if you have your own favorite summer macaroni salad recipe, we’d love to hear about it!
Explore More Summer Salad Recipes
Related Summer Side Dish Inspiration:
For more fantastic side dish ideas perfect for summer cookouts, check out this collection of Summer cook-out sides. You’re sure to find even more recipes to love!
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Pioneer Woman’s Best Macaroni Salad Ever
Pioneer Woman’s Best Macaroni Salad. The perfect macaroni salad recipe for all your summer potlucks and BBQs!
4.95 from 17 votes
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Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 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 (add more to taste, up to 3 tablespoons)
- 3 teaspoons sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup half and half or milk
- 2 teaspoons pickle juice
Instructions
- Cook macaroni in lightly salted water until al dente. Drain in a colander and set aside to cool.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, milk, and pickle juice.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked macaroni and about ¾ of the mayonnaise mixture.
- Add roasted red peppers, pickles, olives, and onions to the macaroni mixture. Add remaining dressing if needed to reach desired creaminess.
- Add a splash of pickle juice for extra tang. The salad dressing will thicken as it refrigerates.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Video
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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 the 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.
