Summer picnics, family gatherings, or a simple weeknight dinner – no matter the occasion, a vibrant and refreshing salad is always a crowd-pleaser. One delightful option is the Macaroni Coleslaw Salad, a perfect fusion of creamy pasta and crunchy vegetables. This unique combination not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides a burst of colors and textures, making it an attractive addition to any table. Let’s dive into the recipe that brings together the best of both worlds in a single, delicious dish.
Ingredients
Scale:
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For the Salad:
- Approximately 3/4 of a box of small pasta, such as ditalini or macaroni (300 g)
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1 cup shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded and chopped carrot
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (any colors you prefer)
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup chopped scallions
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley, or fresh herbs of choice
For the Coleslaw Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise (vegan mayo can be used)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard (or more, to taste)
- 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon celery seed
- Salt and black pepper to taste (approximately 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, prepare your vegetables. Shred the purple and green cabbages, chop the carrots, dice the bell peppers and celery, and finely dice the red onion. Chop the scallions and parsley or any fresh herbs you prefer.
3. Make the Dressing: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, pure maple syrup, granulated garlic, celery seed, salt, and black pepper. Blend thoroughly to combine the ingredients and make a smooth, creamy texture.
4. Combine Ingredients: Mix the cooked and cooled pasta with all the chopped vegetables in a large salad bowl. Drizzle vinaigrette over the mixture and toss until evenly coated.
5. Chill and Serve: Keep the salad covered and chill for a minimum of one hour to enable the various flavors to combine. Before serving, toss one last time and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Conclusion
The Macaroni Coleslaw Salad is a delightful twist on the classic coleslaw, offering a perfect balance of creamy and crunchy elements. It’s an excellent side dish for barbecues, potlucks, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests with something both delicious and visually appealing. This salad is not only easy to prepare but also highly customizable, allowing you to tweak the ingredients and dressing to suit your taste. Enjoy this refreshing and satisfying salad that’s sure to become a favorite at any occasion!