Sweet Macaroni Salad – Old-Fashioned Creamy Pasta Salad with Sweetened Condensed Milk
Pasta salad is a timeless classic that has graced many family gatherings, picnics, and potluck dinners over the years. Among the many variations of macaroni salads, one stands out for its unique twist: the old-fashioned creamy pasta salad with sweetened condensed milk. This sweet macaroni salad recipe combines the savory goodness of traditional pasta salad with a touch of sweetness, creating a creamy and flavorful dish that will transport you back to simpler times. Let’s explore this delightful recipe and learn how to make it a star at your next gathering!
A good pasta salad is a must-have recipe you have for any of those last-minute barbecues, potlucks, or forgotten family reunions. I have loved our spaghetti pasta salad and the pasta and lettuce pasta slide like the Italian Grinder pasta salad and the Caesar pasta salad recipe all summer. I have even made the tortellini pizza pasta salad.
Ingredients for Sweet Macaroni Salad
To recreate this sweet macaroni salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Pasta – The pasta can be any size of pasta from elbow macaroni, rotini, or your favorite shape. Gluten
- sweetened condensed milk
- vinegar
- mayonnaise
- Italian Dressing
- Sugar
- red onion
- shredded carrots
- Bell peppers – green bell peppers, yellow peppers, orange peppers, red peppers, basically any color of bell peppers will work.
- Cherry Tomatoes
- Other Optional Addins: frozen peas, cucumbers, celery, olives
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt
- Black Pepper
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley or dill
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions – How to Make Pasta Salad with Sweetened Condensed Milk
To make this sweet macaroni salad, begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse it under cold water to cool it down quickly. Set aside.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, vinegar, mayo, Italian Dressing salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Chop the Vegetables: Dice and chop up the vegetables. Then, add the red onion, carrots, celery, bell peppers, peas, and shredded cheddar cheese to the cooked macaroni or pasta in a large bowl.
- Mix the Ingredients: Finally, pour the dressing over the vegetables and pasta. Gently toss everything together until the pasta and vegetables are well coated with the creamy dressing.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the pasta salad with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.
Before serving, give the sweet macaroni salad a gentle stir and garnish with fresh parsley or dill if desired. Serve it chilled and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures.
The old-fashioned creamy pasta salad with sweetened condensed milk is a delightful twist on a classic dish that brings a sense of nostalgia and comfort to any meal. Its unique combination of flavors and creamy texture will surely be a hit at your next gathering. So why not give this charming recipe a try and create new memories with your loved ones around the table? Enjoy the sweet, savory, and satisfying taste of a bygone era with every bite!
Hint: Rinse the cooked pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process. This also helps cool it down quickly, so it’s ready to mix with the dressing.
Substitutions
Don’t have all the ingredients on hand? Here are some substitutions that work well:
- Vegetables: Feel free to use other vegetables like frozen peas, celery, or broccoli.
- Pasta: Use whole grain or gluten-free pasta for a healthier alternative.
- Mayonnaise: Swap with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter dressing.
- Italian Dressing: White wine vinegar or lemon juice with olive oil and Italian seasoning can be used as alternatives.
- Cheddar Cheese: Try using Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack for different flavor profiles.
- Vegan Version: Replace the mayonnaise with vegan mayo and use a plant-based cheese alternative. Sweetened condensed coconut milk can replace regular sweetened condensed milk.
Variations
One of the great things about pasta salad is its adaptability. Here are a few variations you can try:
- Tropical Twist: Add diced pineapple and shredded coconut for a tropical flavor. This pairs well with a sprinkle of toasted almonds.
- Mediterranean Style: Incorporate ingredients like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese. Swap the cheddar for crumbled feta for an extra tangy kick.
- Southwestern Flair: Add black beans, corn, diced avocado, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning to give the salad a southwestern touch. Top with cilantro for added freshness.
- Italian Delight: Mix in fresh basil and mozzarella balls. Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving.
Equipment
Have everything you need to make this old fashioned creamy pasta salad with the stocked Amazon store. From ingredients to equipment to make the salad, get it all here.
Storage Tips
Proper storage ensures your pasta salad remains fresh and delicious:
- Mix Before Serving: If storing overnight, give the salad a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and flavors.
- Refrigeration: Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
- Avoid Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the pasta and vegetables may change upon thawing.
Top Tips
By incorporating these tips and hints into your blog post, you can provide readers with valuable insights that will help them create the perfect old-fashioned pasta salad with sweetened condensed milk. These suggestions enhance the recipe and offer ways to customize and adapt it to suit individual preferences.
- Taste as You Go: Taste the dressing before mixing it with the pasta to ensure it’s seasoned to your liking.
- Consistent Chopping: Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even distribution throughout the salad.
- Double the Dressing: If you love extra creamy pasta salads, consider making a little more dressing to add just before serving.
FAQ
Yes! In fact, it’s often better to make it a day in advance to allow the flavors to meld together. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
If you prefer a less sweet salad, do not add the sugar and more mayonnaise. You can also add a bit of apple cider vinegar or Dijon mustard to balance the sweetness.
Related Pasta Salads
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing with Chicken
These are my favorite chicken dishes to serve with sweet macaroni salad:
Sweet Macaroni Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta elbow macaroni or rotini
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk 10 ounce can
- ½ cup vinegar
- 1½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup Italian Dressing Salad Dressing
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 1 whole red onion
- 1 cup carrots shredded
- 1 cup cucumbers
- 1 cup bell pepper red, yellow, orange or green pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions minus one to two minutes for an al dente finish. Then chill with cold water as soon as it is cooked. While the pasta cooks, cut up the vegetables.
- Whisk the sweetened condensed milk, vinegar, mayonnaise, Italian dressing, and sugar together. stir in the salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Place the cooked pasta in a large bowl.
- Top with chopped cucumbers, peppers, onions, shredded carrots, and cherry tomatoes. Toss
- Pour sweet dressing over the top, stir the salad to coat the salad in the dressing.
- Cover the bowl with a lid or saran wrap and refrigerate over night or for a few hours before serving.
Nutrition
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