mac n cheese salad recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
mac n cheese salad recipe
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The Best mac n cheese salad recipe

I’m so excited to share this mac n cheese salad recipe with you all today! As a busy mom of two, I’m always on the lookout for easy and delicious recipes that my family will love. This one has been a game-changer for us.

It’s a perfect combination of comfort food and healthy eating. My kids absolutely adore it, and I love how it’s packed with nutritious ingredients like vegetables, whole grain pasta, and lean protein from the chicken. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and can be customized to suit everyone’s tastes.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion dish, this mac n cheese salad is sure to please. I’ve made it countless times for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just a Tuesday night dinner. It’s always a hit!

And the best part? It’s incredibly versatile – you can add in whatever veggies you like, use different types of cheese or pasta, and even swap out the chicken for another protein source. The possibilities are endless!

I’ve included some of my favorite tips and tricks below to help you get started with making this amazing mac n cheese salad recipe.

Mac n Cheese Salad

Mac n Cheese Salad

4.9 from 740 votes

A delicious recipe worth trying! Your family will love this one.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time40 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Mac n Cheese

200g elbow macaroni
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder

For the Salad

4 cups mixed greens
1 cucumber, sliced
1 bell pepper, sliced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

For the Dressing

1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp honey
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
3Drain and set aside.
4This can be done 10 minutes prior to starting the cheese sauce.
5In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
6Add flour and whisk to form a roux.
7Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until the roux is fragrant and lightly golden.
8Gradually whisk in milk, cooking for 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens.
9Add cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
10Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
11Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, ensuring the pasta is well coated.
12Set aside and allow it to cool slightly.
13This can be done 10 minutes prior to assembling the salad.
14In a large mixing bowl, combine mixed greens, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and cherry tomatoes.
15Toss gently to mix.
16In a separate small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
17Add the cooled mac n cheese to the salad bowl, drizzle the dressing over the top, and toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
18Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy mac n cheese salad with a tangy twist.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Medium saucepan
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Salad spinner

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 50mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 7g🥩Protein: 14g

📝Notes

Tips: For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese. You can also add cooked chicken or bacon for extra protein.

Watch Video Of How Mac n Cheese Salad Works

This mac n cheese salad recipe is a staple in our household – we love it so much! One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize to suit everyone’s tastes.

My kids love when I add in extra veggies like bell peppers or broccoli, while my husband prefers more meat than veggies. Either way, it’s always a winner!

If you’re looking for ideas on how to serve this dish, consider adding some fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top for garnish. You can also serve it as a main course with some crusty bread on the side or as a side dish at your next family gathering.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Mac n Cheese Salad

1. What type of pasta should I use in this recipe?

For this recipe, I recommend using a whole grain pasta such as brown rice pasta or quinoa pasta. These types of pasta are higher in fiber and nutrients compared to traditional white pasta.

2. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

While pre-shredded cheese can be convenient, I highly recommend grating your own cheese for the best flavor and texture. You can use a box grater or a food processor to grate your cheese quickly and easily.

3. How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover mac n cheese salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months – simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free pasta and be mindful of any added ingredients that may contain gluten.

5. What other protein sources can I use besides chicken?

You can substitute chicken with cooked turkey, beef, pork, or tofu for a vegetarian option.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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