If you’re hunting for a macaroni salad that hits the spot every time, the San Giorgio macaroni salad recipe is a straightforward winner. It blends fresh veggies, ham, and cheese with elbow macaroni and Italian dressing to create a crunchy, colorful dish that’s perfect for any picnic or barbecue đ´.

This macaroni salad combines simple ingredients like 16 oz elbow macaroni, 1 1/2 cups cooked ham, 2 cups broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms, zucchini, yellow squash, cherry tomatoes, diced cheddar cheese, and green onionsâall tossed in 1 1/2 cups of Italian dressing for a fresh, tasty kick. It’s a no-fail recipe that’s easy to whip up and always a crowd-pleaser.
The mix of texturesâfrom the crisp veggies to the creamy dressingâmakes it refreshingly different from your average macaroni side dish. Whether served cold for a family dinner or packed for a weekend cookout, this salad delivers on flavor without fuss đ đĽđ§.
Ingredients List & Step-By-Step Instructions For San Giorgio Macaroni Salad Recipe
This recipe needs elbow macaroni, a touch of salt and black pepper for seasoning, crisp celery for crunch, and creamy mayonnaise to tie it all together. Each step flows smoothly, from prepping and cooking the pasta to mixing and serving a fresh, tasty salad.
Step 1: Prepare The Ingredients
Start with 8 oz of San Giorgio elbow macaroniâthe star of the show. Boil it in salted water until just tender but still holding its shape. Drain and run it under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down.
Chop 1 cup of celery finely for that signature crisp bite. Measure out 1 cup of mayonnaiseâthis will keep the salad creamy without overwhelming the other flavors. Finally, set aside 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper; they’ll elevate the whole dish.
Step 2: Mix The Salad
In a large bowl, combine the cooled macaroni, chopped celery, and mayo. Stir gently but thoroughly, so every elbow has a glossy coat. Season with salt and black pepperâalways taste and adjust because nobody likes a bland pasta salad.
If you want to jazz it up, a sprinkle of paprika or a dash of mustard can work wonders here. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together like old friends catching up at a picnic.
Step 3: Serve And Enjoy
Once chilled, give it one last toss and serve it straight from the bowl or on a bed of fresh greens. Perfect for summer BBQs or anytime you crave that classic, creamy macaroni bite. It’s easy, forgiving, and always hits the spot.
Bonus tip: If leftovers survive, they taste even better the next day. đ´đ
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| San Giorgio elbow macaroni | 8 oz |
| Celery (finely chopped) | 1 cup |
| Mayonnaise | 1 cup |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
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