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Ronzoni Macaroni Salad Recipe

Get ready to dive into a bowl of pure sunshine with the Mayerhoffer family’s most cherished Ronzoni macaroni salad recipe! This isn’t just any pasta salad; it’s a creamy, vibrant, and incredibly refreshing dish that has graced our family tables from bustling Bangkok street food explorations during our many years living in Thailand, to breezy picnics near our current home in Da Nang, Vietnam. It’s packed with crisp veggies and features a tangy, tropical-inspired dressing that’s simply unforgettable.

Jump to Recipe

Watch our quick video to see how creamy and delicious our tropical macaroni salad turns out!

Imagine this: a balmy afternoon, the gentle rustle of palm trees (a sound we, Oliver and Natalia, have come to adore!), and a big, inviting bowl of our signature creamy Ronzoni macaroni salad. This is a scene that has played out countless times in our family’s story, a comforting taste of home no matter where our adventures take us. This recipe, honed over years and across continents, is more than a simple side dish; it’s a vessel of happy memories, a testament to simple joys, and an absolute guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ready in about 20 minutes of active time, our tropical pasta salad is wonderfully adaptable, making it the perfect, versatile companion for any meal. It’s the taste of sunshine we bring to potlucks and family gatherings, a recipe that always gets rave reviews. Come, join our family at Mangoes and Palm Trees for this delightful recipe, and if you’re hungry for more, don’t forget to explore our ever-growing Salads Collection.

Our family’s signature Ronzoni macaroni salad, brimming with fresh vegetables and herbs – a taste of sunshine and happy memories in every single bite!

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Our Signature Ronzoni Macaroni Salad with a Tropical Twist

A creamy, refreshing, and vibrant side dish that combines classic Ronzoni elbow macaroni with crisp vegetables and a tangy, island-inspired dressing. Perfected by the Mayerhoffer family during our years in Thailand, it’s ready in about 20 minutes of active time and ideal for picnics, barbecues, or any family gathering calling for a taste of sunshine.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time (Pasta): 10 minutes
Chill Time (Crucial!): Minimum 1 hour
Total Time (Active): ~20 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 8 oz Ronzoni elbow macaroni
• 3/4 cup good quality mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup celery, finely diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
• 1/2 cup bell pepper (e.g., red or yellow), finely diced
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly ground, if possible)
• 1 tsp sugar (optional)
• Mayerhoffer’s Favorite Optional Add-ins:
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, cooled and chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup ripe mango, peeled and finely diced (our signature tropical touch!)

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Colander
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Sharp chef knife & sturdy cutting board
• Airtight container for storage

Instructions

1. Cook the Macaroni to Perfection: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the 8 oz Ronzoni elbow macaroni and cook according to the package directions (typically 8-10 minutes) until al dente – you want it tender but still with a pleasant, slight bite. This texture is key for a great salad!
2. Rinse & Cool – The Crucial Step!: Once the macaroni is cooked, immediately drain it in a colander. Rinse thoroughly under cold running water. This stops the cooking process instantly and washes away excess starch, which helps prevent the salad from becoming gummy. Let it cool completely.
3. Whip Up the Dreamy Dressing: While the macaroni is cooling, grab your large mixing bowl. In it, whisk together the 3/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp sugar (if using), 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Whisk until the dressing is completely smooth and creamy.
4. Combine & Gently Fold: Add the completely cooled macaroni to the bowl with the dressing. Add your finely diced 1/2 cup celery, 1/4 cup red onion, and 1/2 cup bell pepper. If you’re including our family’s favorite optional add-ins like the 2 chopped hard-boiled eggs, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, or that all-important 1/4 cup diced mango, gently fold them in now.
5. Chill & Meld – The Flavor Magic Happens Here!: Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. If you can wait longer – even 2-4 hours or overnight – the flavors will meld together even more beautifully, creating a truly harmonious salad.
6. Serve with a Smile & Sunshine: Before serving, give the macaroni salad a gentle stir. If it seems a little less creamy than you’d like, stir in an extra tablespoon of mayonnaise or a tiny splash of apple cider vinegar to refresh it. Garnish with extra fresh parsley, a sprinkle of paprika for color, or even a few extra pieces of diced mango.

Our creamy macaroni salad, lightly dusted with paprika for a touch of color – a simple trick for a beautiful presentation, perfect for any tropical-themed picnic or family meal.

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Why This Ronzoni Macaroni Salad is a Cherished Mayerhoffer Family Tradition

For us, Ronzoni macaroni salad is a culinary anchor, a taste of comforting familiarity that has traveled with us across the globe. It’s a timeless classic, cherished for its delightful creamy texture, the satisfying crunch of fresh vegetables, and its incredible versatility. Whether we were packing for a beach picnic in Phuket, hosting a barbecue with friends in Chiang Mai, or simply craving a comforting side for a family dinner in our new home in Vietnam, this healthy macaroni salad always fits the bill.

A Taste of Our Travels

Macaroni salad is a beloved staple in American cuisine, with its roots tracing back to European pasta dishes. Our family’s unique version truly came alive during our extensive time in Thailand, where the constant presence of fresh, juicy mango in everything from sticky rice to salads inspired us to add that vibrant, unexpected sweetness. It elevates this classic into something uniquely ours – perfect for any occasion that calls for a touch of sunshine and flavor.

The “Sunshine” Factor: Why We Love This Salad

This Ronzoni macaroni salad is all about bringing joy and refreshment to the table. It’s the combination of perfectly cooked Ronzoni pasta, the cool creaminess of the dressing, and the vibrant crunch of fresh vegetables that makes it a winner. The optional touch of diced mango, our little tropical secret, adds a burst of sweetness that transports us straight to a sunny beach.

Serving Suggestions (The Mayerhoffer Way)

This versatile salad pairs wonderfully with so many dishes! Here are some of our family’s favorite ways to serve it:

• Barbecue Favorites: Serve it alongside smoky ribs, juicy burgers, or grilled chicken. It’s the perfect creamy counterpoint.
• Light Lunches: It’s a fantastic side for sandwiches or with a simple chicken and cabbage salad.
• Picnic Perfect: Pack it in an airtight container for an easy and delicious addition to any outdoor feast.

Drink Pairings to Elevate Your Meal

• For Adults: A crisp, cold lager like Singha or Tiger (our Thai favorites!) or a refreshing glass of iced tea.
• Family-Friendly: Freshly squeezed lemonade or a tropical fruit punch.
• An Authentic Finish: For a unique pairing, try it with Vietnamese-inspired coffee drinks. Explore more ideas in our Drinks section.