Pioneer Woman’s Macaroni Salad

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.

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.

• 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.

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