If you’re on the lookout for a vibrant, creamy, and delightfully tangy side dish, this Mac & Cheese Pasta Salad Recipe is just the ticket. It brilliantly combines the comforting warmth of classic mac & cheese with the refreshing crunch of fresh veggies, transforming a childhood favorite into a crowd-pleasing salad. Whether you’re heading to a picnic, potluck, or just want a dish that balances hearty and fresh, this recipe brings out all the best flavors in one bowl. Trust me, it’s a guaranteed hit and one you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is what makes this Mac & Cheese Pasta Salad Recipe so approachable and delicious. Each ingredient brings a unique touch, whether it’s the creamy mayo for richness or the crunchy veggies for that perfect contrast in texture.
- Original Kraft Macaroni & Cheese (1 box): Provides the classic cheesy base that makes this salad irresistibly creamy.
- Mayonnaise (½ cup): Adds smoothness and a subtle tang that complements the cheese sauce perfectly.
- Diced celery (1 cup): Delivers a fresh crunch and a slight peppery flavor to balance the creaminess.
- Diced green bell pepper (½): Brings a hint of sweetness and vibrant color to brighten every bite.
- Jarred diced pimentos (2 oz, drained): Adds a mild, sweet pop of flavor and a splash of red that looks beautiful in the salad.
- Chopped green onions (2): Sprinkle in a mild bite and freshness that lifts the entire dish.
- Salt (¼ tsp): Enhances all the flavors and balances the dish perfectly.
- Black pepper (dash): Adds a bit of warmth and slight spice for depth.
How to Make Mac & Cheese Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
Start by boiling the macaroni exactly as the box instructions say. Once cooked, drain and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down nicely—this keeps the pasta from getting mushy once mixed with the other ingredients.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing Mix
In a large bowl, combine the cheese packet from the mac & cheese box with mayonnaise, diced celery, green bell pepper, chopped green onions, drained pimentos, salt, and a dash of black pepper. Stir these together until you have a smooth and colorful mixture that’s ready to coat your macaroni.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Dressing
Toss the cooled macaroni with the dressing mixture, making sure every piece of pasta is evenly coated. The creaminess should cling to the noodles beautifully with bursts of veggie crunch throughout.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Cover your pasta salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This step allows all the flavors to blend and the salad to refresh, making it taste even better.
How to Serve Mac & Cheese Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Consider topping your Mac & Cheese Pasta Salad Recipe with additional chopped green onions or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can add an inviting freshness and elevate the presentation, making each serving look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This mac & cheese pasta salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, burgers, or even alongside a crisp green salad for a balanced meal. It’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or casual family dinners when you want something both filling and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, serve the salad in hollowed-out bell peppers or mini lettuce boats to offer guests a fun, handheld option. Layer it in clear glass jars for an eye-catching, portable presentation that’s great for packed lunches or trips.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Mac & Cheese Pasta Salad Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making the second-day taste even more delightful.
Freezing
It’s best not to freeze this mac & cheese pasta salad because the mayonnaise and veggies can change texture and become watery upon thawing. Instead, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated as recommended.
Reheating
This salad is designed to be served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it slightly warmer, let it sit out for about 10-15 minutes to lose the chill, but avoid heating it in a microwave to preserve the creamy texture and fresh crunch of the veggies.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni works perfectly for this salad, small shell pasta or rotini can also be great alternatives, as they hold the cheese sauce and dressing nicely.
Is there a way to make this Mac & Cheese Pasta Salad Recipe healthier?
You can swap out mayonnaise for Greek yogurt to add protein and reduce fat while maintaining creaminess. Also, try adding extra veggies like cherry tomatoes or cucumbers for more freshness and nutrition.
How long does this pasta salad stay fresh in the fridge?
Properly stored in an airtight container, this salad will stay fresh for about 3 days. Beyond that, the veggies may lose their crunch, and the flavors won’t be as vibrant.
Can I prepare the salad a day in advance?
Yes! Preparing it a day ahead is one of the best ways to enjoy this dish because it allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making every bite more flavorful.
What can I use instead of the Kraft Macaroni & Cheese mix?
If you prefer to make the cheese sauce from scratch, you can cook plain macaroni and toss it with a béchamel-based cheese sauce. However, the Kraft mix offers convenience and nostalgic flavor that really makes this recipe special.
Final Thoughts
This Mac & Cheese Pasta Salad Recipe is a delightful twist on two favorites combined in one vibrant dish. Its comforting creaminess paired with crisp veggies makes it a versatile addition to any meal or gathering. Give it a go, and I promise it will quickly become one of your trusted go-to recipes for easy entertaining and family dinners alike.
Print
Mac & Cheese Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling and Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Description
A creamy and tangy Mac & Cheese Pasta Salad that combines the classic comfort of Kraft Macaroni & Cheese with crunchy vegetables and a zesty mayonnaise dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a quick side dish, this salad is ready in just 15 minutes and serves six.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 (7.5-oz) box Original Kraft Macaroni & Cheese
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup diced celery
- ½ green bell pepper, diced
- 1 (2-oz) jar diced pimentos, drained
- 2 green onions, chopped
- ¼ tsp salt
- Dash of black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Boil the macaroni according to the directions on the Kraft Macaroni & Cheese box. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the noodles. Set the macaroni aside.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, combine the cheese powder from the cheese packet with mayonnaise. Add the diced celery, diced green bell pepper, chopped green onions, diced pimentos, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Combine Pasta and Dressing: Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl with the mayonnaise mixture. Toss gently until the pasta is well coated with the dressing and the vegetables are evenly distributed.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, preferably for at least 30 minutes. Serve cold as a refreshing side dish.
Notes
- For extra crunch, consider adding chopped cucumbers or radishes.
- Use light mayonnaise to reduce fat content if desired.
- Chilling the salad allows flavors to meld and enhances taste.
- Can be prepared a few hours in advance for convenience.
