Ever found yourself dreaming about that creamy, comforting bowl of macaroni salad from Zippy’s? Well, you’re not alone! This dish has been a staple in many gatherings and is a must-have for any serious comfort food enthusiast. I’ve tried a plethora of macaroni salad recipes, but nothing quite hits the spot like Zippy’s Mac Salad Recipe. Today, I’m going to show you how to bring a taste of this Hawaiian favorite right into your kitchen!
Zippy’s Mac Salad Recipe Overview
- Course: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
- Total Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Kitchen Equipment Needed
Before you start, make sure you have the following items ready to whip up this delicious Zippy’s Mac Salad Recipe:
- Large pot
- Colander
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to get started. Organize your ingredients for a seamless cooking experience!
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Elbow macaroni | 1 pound |
| Carrot, grated | 1 medium |
| Mayonnaise | 2 cups |
| Apple cider vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| Sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Green onions, chopped | 1/4 cup |
| Celery, chopped | 1/4 cup |
Fact: Did you know that the unique taste of Zippy’s Mac Salad comes from the perfect balance of creamy and tangy? That’s what we’re aiming for here!
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1 – Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add elbow macaroni and cook until just tender, about 8 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Note: Cooling the pasta immediately helps maintain its firm texture, preventing it from getting mushy in the salad.
Step 2 – Mix the Dressing
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
Warning: Always taste your dressing before mixing it with the pasta. Adjust the seasoning if needed to ensure the perfect blend!
Step 3 – Combine Ingredients
- Add the cooled macaroni to the dressing in the bowl.
- Toss in grated carrot, chopped green onions, and celery.
- Mix everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the dressing.
Note: The key to a great Zippy’s Mac Salad is in the mixing. Make sure each piece of macaroni is beautifully coated with the creamy dressing!
Additional Tips
- For a richer flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.
- If the salad seems a bit dry after chilling, stir in an extra tablespoon of mayonnaise to revive its creamy texture.
Pairing Suggestions
This Zippy’s Mac Salad Recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Here are a few suggestions:
- Grilled chicken or fish
- A hearty BBQ platter
- Fresh vegetable sticks
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 390 |
| Total Fat | 22g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5g |
| Cholesterol | 12mg |
| Sodium | 330mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 5g |
| Protein | 7g |
Approximation Note: Nutritional values are approximations. Actuals may vary based on specific ingredient brands.
Dietary Information
This Zippy’s Mac Salad Recipe is perfect for a vegetarian diet. For a lower-carb version, you could use keto-friendly pasta alternatives like zucchini noodles.
FAQs about Zippy’s Mac Salad Recipe
What makes Zippy’s Mac Salad unique?
The combination of simple ingredients with a creamy, tangy dressing gives it a distinct flavor that’s hard to replicate. This recipe brings you as close as possible to the original!
Can I make this salad a day ahead?
Absolutely! It actually tastes better when the flavors have had time to meld. Just keep it refrigerated.
What if I don’t like celery?
No problem! You can omit celery or substitute it with another crunchy vegetable like bell pepper or cucumber.
How long does Zippy’s Mac Salad keep?
When stored in a tightly sealed container in the fridge, it can last for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze Zippy’s Mac Salad?
Freezing is not recommended as it may cause the mayonnaise to separate and the pasta to become soggy.
Are there any crucial steps I shouldn’t skip?
Do not skip cooling the pasta completely, as it ensures the salad doesn’t become overly soggy.
How can I add a protein to this salad?
Adding chopped hard-boiled eggs, shredded chicken, or tuna are great ways to include protein.
Conclusion
There you have it—a straightforward guide to making the iconic Zippy’s Mac Salad Recipe at home. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or any occasion when you need a reliable side dish that screams comfort.
I’d love to hear your thoughts or any tweaks you made to personalize it. Drop your comments, questions, or feedback below, and let’s get the conversation started!
Check out some more delicious side dish recipes:
- Portillo’s Sweet Pepper Recipe
- McAlister’s Potato Salad Recipe
- Ruth Chris Lyonnaise Potatoes Recipe
- Cooper’s Hawk Brussel Sprouts Recipe
- Zaxby’s Fries Seasoning Recipe
- Mission BBQ Mac and Cheese Recipe
Zippy’s Mac Salad Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 pound Elbow macaroni
- 1 medium Carrot grated
- 2 cups Mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1/4 cup Green onions chopped
- 1/4 cup Celery chopped
Instructions
Step 1 – Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add elbow macaroni and cook until just tender, about 8 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Note: Cooling the pasta immediately helps maintain its firm texture, preventing it from getting mushy in the salad.
Step 2 – Mix the Dressing
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Warning: Always taste your dressing before mixing it with the pasta. Adjust the seasoning if needed to ensure the perfect blend!
Step 3 – Combine Ingredients
- Add the cooled macaroni to the dressing in the bowl.
- Toss in grated carrot, chopped green onions, and celery.
- Mix everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Note: The key to a great Zippy’s Mac Salad is in the mixing. Make sure each piece of macaroni is beautifully coated with the creamy dressing!
Notes
- For a richer flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.
- If the salad seems a bit dry after chilling, stir in an extra tablespoon of mayonnaise to revive its creamy texture.
Leave a Reply