Trader Joe’s Macaroni Salad Recipe: A Creamy Classic You’ll Love

Trader Joe’s Macaroni Salad is a light and refreshing dish that is perfect for a picnic lunch or as a side. Quick and easy, it can be made in advance so it is ready when needed.

With ingredients like celery, eggs, and mayonnaise, it is a tasty classic that is perfect for lunch or as a side dish. Macaroni salad is a great dish that can be enjoyed any day of the week, not just in the summer.

It has become a popular summer food all over the United States, and it has become so popular by now that you can buy macaroni salad on all kinds of grocery store shelves.

Trader Joe’s Macaroni Salad Recipe

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Yield: 4 servings of 5 cups each, totaling 20 cups of macaroni salad

Ingredients

  • 7 ounces elbow macaroni,
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour,
  • 1 teaspoon salt,
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper,
  • 1 cup mayonnaise,
  • 2/3 cup orange juice,
  • 2/3 cup milk (or buttermilk),
  • 1 tablespoon white distilled vinegar,
  • 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar.

Step By Step Instructions

Stet-1: Boil the macaroni in lightly salted water until just al dente.

Step-2: While the macaroni is cooking, combine the flour and salt in a bowl.

Step-3: Combine the mayo, juice, milk, and vinegar in a bowl. Whisk to combine well.

Step-4: Drain the macaroni and transfer it to another large mixing bowl. Toss with half of the mayonnaise mixture to coat.

Step-5: Add half of your seasoned flour mixture, then toss again to coat.

Step-6: Repeat with the remaining seasoning and mayonnaise mixture. Add more salt if necessary since this macaroni salad contains no meat or other salty foods; add an extra pinch if that is your preference.

Step-7: Chill the macaroni salad until you are ready to serve.

Step-8: Mix the sugar with an additional ¼ cup (or more) of orange juice. Pour over macaroni salad to taste.

What Salad Dressing Goes Good On Macaroni Salad?

Not much dressing is needed to make this macaroni salad taste great, but that doesn’t mean you can’t add a bit of your favorite dressing for more flavor. Some good salad dressings to consider are extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a little kosher salt.

What Else Can You Add To This Macaroni Salad Recipe?

Using this Trader Joe’s Macaroni Salad recipe as a base, you should consider adding chopped boiled eggs and minced ham for an even more substantial taste.

As mentioned above, try to avoid adding meat to this dish, or it will spoil faster due to the higher risk of bacterial growth.

Trader Joe's Macaroni Salad

Trader Joe’s Macaroni Salad

Nutrition Facts Per Serving

NutritionAmount
Calories311
Calories from fat57
Total Fat6 g
Saturated Fat1 g
Cholesterol3 mg
Sodium438 mg
Total Carbohydrate56 g
Dietary Fiber2 g
Sugars7g

Excellent Source Of

Niacin (3% Daily Value), Vitamin B12 (4% DV), Riboflavin (10% DV), and Folate (4% DV).

Amazing 5 Serving Ideas For Trader Joe’s Macaroni Salad

A gathering, a picnic in the park, poolside or a barbecue lunch are excellent places to enjoy this easy and delicious dish.

Amazing 5 Serving Ideas:

1. A Picnic Lunch

Picnic foods are always a good time, and macaroni salad is one of the best. Of course, it’s not just for picnics. It can also be served alongside grilled meat and pasta dishes.

2. Barbecue Lunch

We’ve all been there before: barbecue food, tasty potato salad, and a cold beer. The classic Texas-style barbecue sandwich is a popular choice, but don’t forget the macaroni salad. Make it authentic with a few variations.

3. A Hearty Lunch In The Park

Planning a picnic in the park? Then this recipe is perfect for you. Use it as a side dish or use it as the basis for your meal. Add grilled meats and salads, and you’re ready to go.

4. Beach Pool-Side Picnic

Who doesn’t love a good pool party or day at the beach? Don’t forget your macaroni salad with this one. Put it in a large cooler and bring it picnic style with you.

5. A Potluck Lunch

Making your own picnic food is fun and easy, but who wants to eat all that raw pasta by itself? Put the macaroni salad in the center of the table and mix it up with some good dips, cheeses, and meats.

How To Store Macaroni Salad?

Store your Trader Joe’s Macaroni Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for two days. It will not last any longer than that, so be sure to eat it all within that time frame.

You can also freeze Trader Joe’s Macaroni Salad and serve it later. Freezing will not affect the taste or texture of this great salad recipe, but you should freeze it before adding any seasonings because adding seasoning after freezing will cause ice crystals to form, which will change the texture of your macaroni salad.

Are Macaroni Salad Kids Friendly?

Macaroni salad is definitely something kids will enjoy at a picnic and school lunch or a barbecue. Just add some of their favorite vegetables; it will be an even better dish for the whole family to enjoy.

How To Make Macaroni Salad Healthy?

This Trader Joe’s Macaroni Salad recipe has already been made as healthy as possible, but if you want to add more vegetables to this recipe, that can be done easily. You can add tomatoes, bell peppers, celery, and other vegetables that are on hand or that you enjoy.

The Bottom Line

Macaroni salad is a popular dish that can be served at any time and is easy to prepare. This recipe will give you enough macaroni salad to serve your family and friends, using only fresh ingredients and no preservatives, large amounts of oil, or heavy sauces.

We hope you enjoy this Trader Joe’s Macaroni Salad Recipe as much as we do. If you have any comments or questions about the recipe or want us to add anything else to this page, we would love to hear from you in the comment form below.

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Author & Recipe Developer at Naznin's Kitchen
Hello! I'm Naznin Aktar, the food enthusiast and recipe developer at Naznin's Kitchen. Want to turn everyday ingredients into extraordinary dishes? Explore Naznin's Kitchen for a collection of recipes that are sure to inspire your inner chef and delight your loved ones.
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