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Pioneer Woman’s Macaroni Salad

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Pioneer Woman’s favorite Macaroni Salad recipe, because we all need a perfect macaroni salad recipe! This recipe is part of my classic American comfort food collection and one that will get you through every Summer pot luck and back yard BBQ thrown your way.

And check out my Chicken Macaroni Salad if you're looking for a main course pasta dish.

Pioneer woman's best Elbow Macaroni pasta salad recipe with black olives, roasted red bell peppers

What You Can Expect From This Recipe

We’ve been enjoying Summer-like temperatures in Colorado and before July melts into August, I wanted to share a recipe I found over at Pioneer Woman. She calls it the “best macaroni salad ever” and to me, it just may be perfect.

Why is it so good? The Flavor Profile:

  • Not too heavy with mayo
  • Just right with red-wine vinegar
  • Tangy, sweet and spicy in a perfect way
  • There are black olives involved
  • There are pickles involved
  • Elbow macaroni – perfect Summer comfort pasta

Ree Drummond takes her macaroni salad seriously. And I love this quote from her on the subject:

“I love, love, love, adore, and love macaroni salad. I'm also picky, picky, picky, particular, and picky about macaroni salad. No joke. Macaroni salad is a religion to me.”

If that doesn’t inspire you to give this pasta salad recipe a try …

The Popularity Factor

Potlucks and back yard BBQ parties are a great way to know if a recipe is a keeper or not. I’ve taken Ree Drummond’s pasta salad recipe to a couple of neighborhood parties over the past couple of weeks, and let me tell you, I should have doubled the recipe.

  • This simple salad is creamy, full of flavor and absolutely divine. I’ve never used red wine vinegar for a pasta salad before and I truly love the unique robust flavor it brings.
  • Every time I make this I’m asked for the recipe. Always a grand compliment, right? It seems this macaroni salad is filled with just the right things and the balance of those “things” that work so well. 
  • And it’s perfect for any pot luck because it travels well and can be made ahead. You have to love a good make-ahead pot luck macaroni salad. With all that said, Pioneer Woman Macaroni Salad recipe is a keeper.

I truly believe you’ll love every single bite. As will your back yard BBQ pot-luck-lovin’ guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Elbow Macaroni: I always choose American Beauty brand. A classic choice. Why? Because they are an American pasta company and only use high quality wheat from American farmers. And being a third generation Kansas wheat farmer, that means a lot to us.
  • Roasted Red Bell Peppers. Of course you can roast your own fresh sweet bell peppers, but make it easy on yourself. Purchase a jar from the condiment aisle at the grocery store, or even better yet, grab a couple from the olive bar. I think they have more flavor.
  • Sweet Spicy Pickles. The pickles are important in this recipe, so you may be asking, what pickles are best for pasta or macaroni salads? Choose a quality sweet and spicy pickle for optimal flavor. Famous Dave’s makes a great tasting spicy pickle. And they are easily found on our grocery store shelves. I’ve also used these homemade spicy pickles made from store bought dill pickles. They’re sweet and they’re jam packed full of flavor. It’s by far our favorite homemade pickle recipe and one of the most popular recipes on my site. Give-em a try, even if you don’t use them for this recipe.
  • Sliced Black Olives: Make it easy on yourself. Purchase a can of pre-sliced ripe olives for this recipe.
  • Red Wine Vinegar: Yup, red wine vinegar is made from red wine. That means the secondary flavor of this vinegar is fruity. Making it punchier, vibrant and robust. I love it in this macaroni salad recipe.
  • Sweet Onion: Milder in flavor than white or red onions, sweet onions are my choice for most every recipe. And better yet if you can find Vidalia onions. Green onions are also a good choice here.
  • Mayonnaise: Always choose consistent quality brands. Best Foods, Hellman’s or Dukes.
  • Milk or Half and Half: My vote is for half and half for this recipe. Why mess with fat calories at this point. After all, you’re after the creamiest macaroni salad you can make.
  • Sugar: Somewhat of the backbone of this recipe. It balances the tangy flavor of the vinegar. Don’t skip it.

What To Serve It With

I first made Pioneer Womans Pasta Salad last Winter as a test and a warm up for Summer grilling season and served it with one of my favorite easy rib recipes, Crockpot Country Style Ribs. And I knew it would be a perfect side dish for any main course you can dream up this Summer.

Summer food! Burgers, tomatoes, steaks, cucumbers, chicken kabobs, sweet corn…what am I missing? How about a cold beer to swill it all down with?

This is one of my favorite celebrity Summer macaroni side dish, along side Ina Garten’s Mac and Cheese with Tomatoes. Check that one out.

Recipe for Pioneer Woman’s Favorite Macaroni Salad

I hope you give this recipe for Pioneer Woman’s Macaroni Salad a try, and if you do, please come back and give the recipe a star rating. And please leave a comment about your experience with the recipe.

Explore More Classic American Comfort Food Pasta Salads

And if you’re looking for even more side dishes for picnic style gatherings, don’t miss this line-up of Summer cook-out sides. I’m positive you’ll find something you love.

If you liked this recipe, please leave a star ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating in the recipe card below and leave a comment. I always appreciate your feedback and hearing how everything went.

And, don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for more delicious recipes and cooking tips. Make it a delicious day … every day.

Pioneer Woman Macaroni Salad in a sunflower design bowl.
Print Recipe
4.96 from 23 votes

Pioneer Woman’s Favorite Macaroni Salad Ever

Pioneer Woman's Macaroni Salad. Because we all need a perfect macaroni salad recipe! This one will get you through every Summer pot luck and BBQ thrown your way.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 10
Calories: 318kcal
Author: Lea Ann Brown

Ingredients

  • 4 cups elbow macaroni
  • 3 whole roasted red peppers chopped
  • ½ cup sweet and spicy pickle diced
  • ½ cup black olives sliced
  • ½ cup sweet onion diced
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar adding more to taste, up to 3 tablespoons
  • 3 teaspoons sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • plenty fresh ground black pepper
  • ¼ cup half and half or milk
  • 2 teaspoons pickle juice

Instructions

  • Cook macaroni in lightly salted water till done. Drain in a colander. Set aside.
  • Mix mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, milk and pickle juice in medium sized bowl.
  • In large bowl place cooked macaroni. Add about ¾’s of the mayonnaise mixture to the macaroni.
  • Next add the peppers, pickles, olives and onions. If needed, add the remaining dressing.
  • Add a splash of pickle juice to the salad. The salad dressing will thicken up after refrigeration.
  • Refrigerate for at least two hours before serving.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 318kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 443mg | Potassium: 166mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 170IU | Vitamin C: 5.5mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 0.9mg

If you liked this recipe, please leave a star ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating in the recipe card below and leave a comment. I always appreciate your feedback and hearing how everything went.

And, don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for more delicious recipes and cooking tips. Make it a delicious day … every day.

Pioneer Woman Macaroni Salad…It’s what’s for a Perfect Summer Side.

Cucina Bean Salad

By 13 Comments

A variety of chopped fresh vegetables and a zingy vinaigrette brings this Italian Bean Salad recipe to a lively level. A white bean salad paired with black beans and fresh vegetables. A beautiful side for any main course. And even better as a picnic salad.

Cucina Bean Salad Recipe. Fresh vegetables, black beans and Great Northern Beans in a sassy vinaigrette


Served on a bed of crisp Romaine lettuce, this is a great way to celebrate the season of grilling.

Cucina bean salad, red and yellow bell peppers bring fresh color to this Summer side dish.

Inspired by these perfectly shaped, colorful bell peppers, this side dish comes alive with a burst of Summer color.

Cucina Bean Salad with Vidalia onions.

It’s always time to celebrate when Vidalia Onions hit our Colorado markets. We cherish them while we can, and they bring a crisp sweet bite to this fresh side salad.

Cucina Bean Salad with black beans and Northern White Beans.

This recipe comes together easy using a can each of Great Northern White Beans and Black Beans.

Cucina Bean Salad. A side dish to show off the colors of Summer

Set aside some time for chopping and you’ve got yourself a easy, fresh side dish for any grilled meat entree.

This Italian bean salad recipe is a cultural mix between Italian flavors and a Mexican Bean Salad. The end result is a colorful fresh side dish that will work for about any meat entree that you serve.

It’s delightful in flavor and healthy. What a perfect combination.  And using canned beans makes this an easy fix.

Beans Salads are our favorite Summer side dishes. So if you’re looking for more ideas, take a look at these recipes.

And some of my bean salad recipes:

Italian Bean Salad Recipe

I hope you give this Italian bean salad recipe a try. And if you do, please come back and let me know how you liked it and give the recipe a star rating.

Your feedback is valuable to me for developing future recipes. And if you have a favorite vegetable bean salad recipe, let me know, I'd love to give it a try.

And if you’re looking for even more side dishes for picnic style gatherings, don’t miss this line-up of Summer cook-out sides. I’m positive you’ll find something you love.

Cucina Bean Salad. Fresh vegetables, black beans and Great Northern Beans in a sassy vinaigrette
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Cucina Bean Salad (Italian Bean Salad)

This is a great Summer side dish for any grilled meat.
Prep Time15 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Southwestern
Servings: 6
Calories: 225kcal
Author: Lea Ann Brown

Ingredients

  • 1 15- ounce can Great Northern Beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 15- ounce can black beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 ½ cup tomatoes chopped
  • ¾ cup red bell pepper diced
  • ¾ cup yellow bell pepper diced
  • ¾ cup green onion thin sliced
  • ½ cup medium heat salsa
  • ¼ cup sherry vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cilantro chopped
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground pepper
  • 1 large head romaine lettuce fine shredded

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, combine Great Northern beans, black beans and tomatoes. Stir gently. Add bell peppers and green onions. Stir gently to combine.
  • In a small bowl, combine salsa, vinegar, sugar, cilantro, salt and pepper.. whisk to blend. Pour over bean mixture and toss gently. May be prepared to this point up to 2 days in advance. Line large salad bowl with shredded lettuce and top with bean mixture.

Nutrition

Calories: 225kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 357mg | Potassium: 809mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1575IU | Vitamin C: 67mg | Calcium: 82mg | Iron: 3mg

Savory Scones with Smoked Trout

By 4 Comments

This is a savory scones recipe made with sour cream and dill and topped with Horseradish Cream Sauce and Smoked Trout. An Oregon inspired appetizer recipe and perfect for your next wine tasting party.

Smoked trout appetizer on dill scones.

On our wine tasting vacation to the International Pinot Noir Celebration in Oregon, we stopped into a wine bar and ordered a small plate of Dill Scones with Horseradish Cream and Smoked Trout.

It was delicious and I was bound and determined to to recreate this dish.   I googled for a recipe and sure enough found one.  Due to our high altitude, baking can be an ornery task here in Colorado.  I have a fear of dough.  I was really nervous about making these.  They turned out really good and I now anticipate gaining about 20 pounds over the next few years with my new found confidence for baking.

How to make sour cream dill scones recipe. Great for an appetizer party idea.

The dough came together easily and once kneaded, I rolled it out into a 6 x 9 triangle.

How to make dill scones. Easy recipe.

Next, with a sharp knife, I cut the dough into six squares. And then cut the squares into triangles, and cut those small triangles into smaller triangles.  Making 24 pieces.

How to make dill scones for an appetizer recipe.

The triangles were placed on a non-greased sheet pan. A quick bake and they’re ready to turn into an appetizer

Once they’re baked and cooled, I carefully cut the puffy scones in half lengthwise. To make a flatter surface for the sauce and trout. Simply frost the scones with the the Horseradish Sour Cream Sauce, and top with a sliver of smoked trout or salmon.  As far as I can remember, they turned out exactly like the ones we had in Oregon.  Sprinkle some fresh cut dill on the plate for a nice presentation.

Recipe for Savory Scones made with dill and topped with Horseradish Cream and Smoked Trout

Dill scones topped with horseradish sauce and smoked trout.

I hope you give this savory scones recipe a try. And if you do, please come back and let me know how you liked it and give the recipe a star rating.

Your feedback is valuable to me for developing future recipes. And if you have a favorite savory scones recipe, let me know, I'd love to give it a try.

More Seafood Appetizer Recipes

And if you’re looking for more Appetizer Recipes, don’t miss my Appetizer Recipes. You’ll find lots of appetizer ideas for about any occasion thrown your way. Including the most popular appetizer recipe on my site for Pear and Blue Cheese Crostini.

Smoked trout appetizer on dill scones.
Print Recipe
5 from 2 votes

Savory Scones with Horseradish Cream and Smoked Trout

An easy yet elegant appetizer recipe for your next wine tasting party.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time7 minutes
Total Time27 minutes
Course: Appetizer Recipes
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6
Calories: 298kcal
Author: Lea Ann Brown

Ingredients

  • 2 cups All-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons Baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon Baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon Salt
  • 5 tablespoons Butter cold
  • 2 large Eggs
  • ½ cup Sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh dill - chopped

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  • Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Cut in the butter with a pastry blender or 2 knives until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Beat the eggs with a fork in a small bowl. Add the sour cream and dried dill; beat until well combined. Stir into the flour mixture until the mixture forms a soft dough that pulls away from the side of the bowl.
  • Turn out the dough onto a well-floured surface. Knead the dough 10 times. Roll out the dough into a 9 x 6-inch rectangle with a lightly floured rolling pin.
  • Cut the dough into 6 squares. Cut each square diagonally in half, making 12 triangles. Cut again to make 24 triangles Place the triangles 2 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets.
  • Bake for 8 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. 
  • To build place a dollop of Horseradish Cream Sauce on each scone. Top with a sliver of smoked trout and fresh dill.

Notes

This recipe can be built by using cold smoked thin sliced salmon or trout, or Lox. 
I prefer hot smoked salmon which is a  more flaky and drier, chunkier product and easier to bite into.  The end result you see in the photos is the thinner cold smoked salmon, which is normally used for bagels and lox. 

Nutrition

Calories: 298kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 97mg | Sodium: 410mg | Potassium: 229mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 511IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 100mg | Iron: 2mg

Sour Cream Dill Scones with Horseradish Cream and Smoked Trout … It’s what’s for an Appetizer

The Broadmoor Hotel Golden Bee Pub Cheese Recipe

By 23 Comments

Adding sherry and horseradish to cheddar cheese adds just the kick you need for the perfect pub cheese recipe. This is a recipe for The Golden Bee Cheese Spread from the English Pub at The Broadmoor Hotel, the most famous resort in Colorado.

Broadmoor hotel Golden Bee Cheese. English pub style cheese and crackers.

The Broadmoor Hotel Is a luxurious 5-star hotel resort at the base of Cheyenne Mountain, in Colorado Springs. What a treat to have Brunch at the Broadmoor.

Sunday Brunch at the Broadmoor Hotel

It was my birthday and my request to celebrate was to spend it with Greg, Cauleen and the boys for the most special Sunday brunch experience that I know of in Colorado. The elaborate brunch at the Broadmoor Hotel displays over 150 enticing choices complete with sculpted ice and live piano music. It was a perfect day in so many ways. Let’s take a look.

golden-bee-cheese-recipe-broadmoor

The skies were blue, the temperature mild and the Broadmoor Hotel stately. Just an hour South of Highlands Ranch, it’s a wonderful day trip. One can wander the grounds, play golf, enjoy a luxurious spa experience, browse gift shops and boutiques.

Brunch Buffet at the Broadmoor Hotel

Or like us, enjoy their famous Sunday brunch. Served in the Lake Terrace Room. It takes Broadmoor chefs all week to prepare the food for this extravaganza.

Hot Fudge Sundae from the Broadmoor Brunch

And if we weren’t full enough. Cameron enjoying a Hot Fudge Sundae from the Dessert Bar.

Broadmoor Brunch Happy Birthday Dessert

And a complimentary birthday lemon cream cake dessert. And yes, that Happy Birthday Banner is chocolate.

The Broadmoor Hotel Brunch.

It’s tradition that after such indulgence that we take a walk around the lake. This photo is shot looking back at the main building.

The Golden Bee at the Broadmoor

About a block east of the main complex is the well-known Golden Bee pub.

Brunch at the broadmoor

The Golden Bee is famous for freshly prepared pub food, and yards of the finest ales from an extensive collection of English and Irish drafts.

The Golden Bee at the Broadmoor

The Golden Bee has been a staple gathering place at The Broadmoor for over 50 years. There are so many things to love about it.

Bar-at-the-Bee-broadmoor

The Golden Bee doesn't just feel like an authentic British pub, it is one. The entire restaurant was originally brought over piece by piece (wood-paneled walls, brass fixtures, and all) .Acquired by former head of The Broadmoor, William Thayer Tutt  in 1961 and rebuilt on the grounds of the Broadmoor. 

And then there’s the bee wallpaper in the bathrooms (great touch) and the customary flying bee embroidered stickers to proudly display on your lapel for bragging rights that you’ve enjoyed the experience. If you’re lucky enough you can get a collectible seasonal version. They gave me the latest from this season’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration.

Broadmoor Hotel Golden Bee Pub Cheese Recipe

One of our Colorado Junior League Cookbooks features a recipe for the famous Golden Bee Pub Cheese, so I couldn’t resist giving it a try for this post.

I hope you give this English Pub Cheese Spread (Colorado Style) a try, and if you do, please come back and give the recipe a star rating.

And if you have a favorite pub recipe, let me know, I’d love to give it a try.

The Broadmoor Hotel Colden Bee Cheese in a crock.
Print Recipe
5 from 8 votes

The Golden Bee Cheese Recipe

The legendary Golden Bee Cheese recipe. Ultimate pub grub.
Prep Time10 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Course: Appetizer Recipes
Cuisine: American
Servings: 12
Calories: 304kcal
Author: Lea Ann Brown

Ingredients

  • 10 ounces sharp cheddar cheese grated
  • 10 ounces butter softened
  • 2 tablespoons sherry
  • 1 tablespoon horseradish
  • ½ teaspoon garlic salt
  • 5 ounces Kraft Old English Cheese Spread

Instructions

  • Blend all ingredients well, a food processor works well here, but just use the pulse feature. Don't over mix. Pack in a crock. Serve with crackers. This is better if made several days before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 304kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 540mg | Potassium: 32mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 934IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 219mg | Iron: 1mg

The Broadmoor Hotel Golden Bee Pub Cheese Recipe …It’s what’s for an Appetizer.

Colorado Creme with Fresh Strawberries

By 17 Comments

Colorado Creme. Is it a pudding? Is it a mousse? A custard? It’s actually better, it’s a French-style custard that’s cooked stove top and then chilled into a gourmet delight.

Colorado Creme Dessert. A rich French Custard pudding dessert.

Smooth, rich, creamy, classy. I’ve had this recipe bookmarked in my Creme de Colorado Junior League Cookbook for years. I have no idea why it took me so long to give it a try.

It’s easy and it’s delightful. A perfect way to showcase our first Spring berries.

Melting snow, blooming flowers, budding trees and greening grass means spring is here. Everything is coming to life! There is nothing so wonderful as grilling on the deck, enjoying a drink on the patio and soaking in all the new life that surrounds one! And we need a dessert to enjoy all that springy goodness.

Colorado Creme Dessert. A French Custard that is sure to please anyone in your crowd. Absolutely delicious in a classy and decadent way.

Heavy whipping cream is heated stove top with sugar and unflavored gelatin. Simply stir in some vanilla and sour cream, then pour into dessert cups to chill. Top with fresh berries and WOW. A wonderful texture and perfect cream flavor.

And if you love those creamy desserts you won’t want to miss this Butterscotch Pudding Recipe. Decadent I tell you! 

Colorado Creme Dessert. A French Custard that is sure to please anyone in your crowd. Absolutely delicious in a classy and decadent way.
Print Recipe
4.20 from 5 votes

Colorado Creme

A French custard that’s cooked stove top and then chilled into a gourmet delight.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: French
Servings: 6
Calories: 455kcal
Author: Lea Ann Brown

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 ½ cups sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla or almond extract
  • fresh berries for garnish. Strawberries raspberries or blueberries

Instructions

  • In a medium saucepan, mix gelatin, sugar and heavy cream, stirring until sugar dissolves. Continue stirring over low heat until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and fold in sour cream and extract. Pour into custard or dessert cups. Chill for 2 – 3 hours. Just before serving, spoon fresh berries on top.

Nutrition

Calories: 455kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 25g | Cholesterol: 139mg | Sodium: 79mg | Potassium: 141mg | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 1524IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 115mg | Iron: 1mg