Delicious Salmon Macaroni Salad for Perfect Picnics

When you think of summer picnics and family gatherings, nothing quite captures the essence of those moments like a bowl of salmon macaroni salad. Picture creamy pasta mingling with tender chunks of salmon, bright vegetables dancing in a symphony of color, and a tangy dressing that pulls it all together. refreshing cucumber salad This dish is not just food; it’s a celebration waiting to happen.

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Remember the last time you made a dish that brought everyone to the table? That’s the magic of salmon macaroni salad—it has this uncanny ability to make taste buds sing and hearts happy. cheesy broccoli rounds Whether it’s a sunny afternoon barbecue or a cozy indoor gathering during chilly months, this recipe will surely become your go-to crowd-pleaser. cottage cheese wraps.

I still remember the first time I whipped up this beauty; my friends devoured it and declared me a culinary genius!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Elbow Macaroni: Use about 8 ounces for a perfect base that holds onto all that creamy goodness.
• Cooked Salmon: Fresh or canned, either works well; just ensure it’s flaked into bite-sized pieces.
• Mayonnaise: Use the good stuff—creamy and rich—for that dreamy texture we crave in salads.
• Dijon Mustard: A spoonful adds zing; don’t skip it unless you want your salad to be boring!
• Celery Stalks: Chop finely for crunch; their refreshing bite balances the creaminess perfectly. spicy shrimp sushi stacks.
• Green Onions: Slice them thinly; they add a pop of flavor and beautiful color to our creation.
• Baby Spinach Leaves: Toss in some greens for extra nutrition—you’ll feel less guilty about devouring this salad!
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is best; it brightens up everything like sunshine on your plate.
• Salt and Pepper: Season generously until everything tastes just right—trust your palate!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Start by cooking the pasta: Boil water in a large pot, adding salt once it bubbles vigorously. Pour in 8 ounces of elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool them down quickly.

Prepare the salmon: If you’re using fresh salmon, bake or grill it until cooked through, about 15-20 minutes at 350°F (175°C). For canned salmon, simply drain well and flake into small pieces using a fork.

Mix up the dressing: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of mayonnaise with 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard and juice from one lemon. Stir until smooth; taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Combine everything: Add the cooled macaroni to the dressing along with flaked salmon, chopped celery, sliced green onions, and baby spinach leaves. Toss gently to combine without breaking apart the salmon too much.

Chill before serving: Cover your mixing bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows flavors to meld beautifully—trust me; patience pays off here.

Serve chilled: Once ready, give your salad another gentle stir before serving. Garnish with extra green onions or lemon wedges if desired—it adds flair!

This salmon macaroni salad is not just food but an experience filled with joy at every gathering! For more inspiration, check out this Green Chile Macaroni Delight recipe.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling the pasta until al dente while mixing the dressing. Then, fold in your veggies and salmon for optimal flavor infusion.

Add Your Touch

Don’t hesitate to swap canned salmon for grilled fresh salmon or add capers for an extra zing. Customize according to your taste buds!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover salmon macaroni salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Serve chilled directly from the fridge.

Sharing this dish brings back memories of family gatherings where everyone fought over the last serving of my creamy salmon macaroni salad. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Seafood Delight recipe.

FAQ

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, frozen salmon works well; just ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking.

What can I substitute for mayonnaise?

Greek yogurt is a fantastic alternative to mayo, adding creaminess with fewer calories.

How long will the salad stay fresh?

The salad remains fresh in the fridge for up to three days if stored properly.

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📖 Recipe Card

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Salmon Macaroni Salad

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• Author: deleciouscorner
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Salmon macaroni salad is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, ideal for summer picnics and family gatherings. This vibrant dish features creamy elbow macaroni mingling with tender salmon and fresh vegetables, all enveloped in a tangy dressing. It’s not just a meal; it’s an invitation to savor moments together. Easy to prepare and customizable, this recipe guarantees smiles around the table!

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Ingredients

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• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 cup cooked salmon, flaked (fresh or canned)
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced
• 2 cups baby spinach leaves
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Boil a large pot of salted water; cook elbow macaroni until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. If using fresh salmon, bake or grill at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until cooked through. Flake into small pieces if using canned salmon.
3. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Combine cooled macaroni, salmon, celery, green onions, and spinach in the dressing; toss gently.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (230g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 40mg