Need a "different" type of macaroni/pasta salad recipe

[TimeforMe]

to bring to a picnic on Monday. I was trying to stay away from a mayo based recipe, but I'm not ruling it out either. Wanted to try to make something a little different so people will actually eat it. Any ideas?

 

[TheGottis]

We do a macaroni salad with an Italian twist to it.

Use tri-color pasta (1 lb box), vinegar and oil dressing (1 bottle - you won't need it all), salt & pepper, carrots, olives, onion (grated), celery, bits of salami or pepperoni and some parmesan (or any grated cheese) tossed on top. It's basically slice, dice and mix. I don't have any exact measurements, as I cook the 'old school way' my mom taught me... by sight and tasting as you go. I usually make it in the morning and stir occasionally so the flavor has time to soak in. Bring the dressing with you to use at the picnic.

Hope it helps some...

 

[JudithM]

Originally posted by TheGottis
We do a macaroni salad with an Italian twist to it.
It's basically slice, dice and mix. I don't have any exact measurements, as I cook the 'old school way' my mom taught me... by sight and tasting as you go. I usually make it in the morning and stir occasionally so the flavor has time to soak in.

I love making this pasta salad! I also throw in different colored peppers. Sometimes I even fry the onions & peppers, so they aren't so crunchy. I also like to fry the salami & then crumble it up in the pasta salad.

I cook the same way - some of this & some of that ... my husband calls it a "some-er" meal!

 

[piratesmate]

I used to do that salad too. When it was first given to me it included a bag of frozen veggies (broccoli, cauliflower & carrots). That way you get some crunch, but not too much.

We've morphed that one to using balsamic vinaigrette. (much better than plain Italian ) We like to toss in chick peas, 3 bean salad & marinated artichoke hearts, too.

Recently I had the best macaroni salad at my DIL's parents - but it does have a mayo base. It was so good & different that I'd be willing to find a way to pack it in ice if it was hot.

Hearty Macaroni Salad

2 c cooked chicken, cubed (or shredded)
2 c cooked ham, cubed
2 c salad shrimp
7 – 8 oz macaroni shells
½ c celery, diced
¼ c sweet red pepper, diced
¼ c green pepper, diced
¼ c onion
1 tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
½ tsp sugar
½ c mayo
1 tsp dill weed, dry or
1 Tbl fresh dill weed
½ c sour cream
2 Tbl vinegar

Cook pasta according to package directions & drain. Toss pasta, veggies, meat, salt & pepper together. Mix sugar, mayo, dill, sour cream & vinegar. Pour over salad & chill.

[NOTES: This worked just as well with low/no fat mayo & plain yogurt. Do not use leftover baked ham, esp if you stud it with cloves. It becomes overpowering. Try using a slice of ham steak & the Perdue shortcuts work if you don’t do chicken ahead. I always have cooked, shredded chicken in the freezer, so I used that.]

 

[TimeforMe]

Yum--that sounds great--I think I'll try that one.