Skip to main content

Fourth of July Macaroni Salad—What a Way to Celebrate!

Cooks' Note

Perfect for the backyard picnic, this salad is colorful and chock full of onion, bell pepper, and olives. You could easily add cooked chicken or shrimp for an even more substantial lunch.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 4

Ingredients

1/4 pound whole-wheat elbow macaroni
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
1 medium tomato, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons sliced pimiento-stuffed green olives
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

Preparation

  1. Bring a medium pot of water (about 4 cups) to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente, 7 to 8 minutes. Meanwhile, combine the onion, bell pepper, tomato, and olives in a large bowl. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, salt, and black pepper. Drain and add the pasta to the bowl. Add the mayonnaise mixture and toss to coat. Chill thoroughly before serving.

Sugar Busters! Quick & Easy Cookbook
Read More
We’ve got grilled lemongrass chicken, a fresh tomato michelada, and stonefruit salami panzanella.
Like miso-peanut hibachi chicken and spring orzotto.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
This chicken salad nails it—creamy, herby, and endlessly riffable.
Like “spectacular” breakfast shrimp and a lentil scallion salad.
A flurry of fresh tarragon makes this speedy weeknight dish of seared cod and luscious, sun-colored pan sauce feel restaurant worthy.
Grilling fish atop a bed of lemon slices is the key to not sticking.