Pizza Hut Macaroni Salad Recipe

Name: Pizza Hut Macaroni Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Ingredients: 1/2 Cup Sour Cream; 1 1/2 Cups Creamy Mayonnaise; 1/2 Medium Onion (finely chopped); 1 Stalk Celery (finely chopped); 4 Oz Diced Pimentos; 1 Pound Elbow Pasta; 1/4 tsp Smoked Paprika; 1/2 tsp Dijon Mustard; 1 1/2 tsp Sea Salt; 1/2 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper; 1 tsp Granulated Sugar; 1/2 Cup Whole Milk; 3/4 Cup Sweet Pickle Relish

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There’s a special joy in pairing dishes that complement one another perfectly. For me, nothing quite matches the satisfaction of a cheesy, hot pizza complemented by a side of macaroni salad. I remember the first time I tasted Pizza Hut’s macaroni salad.

Picture this: fresh pasta mixed with just the right amount of creaminess, a hint of tang, and crunchy bits that surprise you with every bite. It was a match made in culinary heaven!

Table of Contents

What is Pizza Hut Macaroni Salad?

Pizza Hut macaroni salad is a classic side dish that’s known for its creaminess and delightful balance of flavors. It’s a macaroni salad that stands out from others due to its unique flavor profile, often boasting a blend of creamy mayonnaise and distinctive seasonings.

The Ingredients

To replicate this delightful salad, you’ll want to gather the following ingredients:

1/2 Cup Sour Cream
1 1/2 Cups Creamy Mayonnaise
1/2 Medium Onion, finely chopped
1 Stalk Celery, finely chopped
4 Oz Diced Pimentos
1 Pound Elbow Pasta
1/4 tsp Smoked Paprika
1/2 tsp Dijon Mustard
1 1/2 tsp Sea Salt
1/2 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
1 tsp Granulated Sugar
1/2 Cup Whole Milk
3/4 Cup Sweet Pickle Relish

How to Make Pizza Hut Macaroni Salad

The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity. It is a straightforward dish to throw together, whether you’re whipping it up for a family meal or a summer gathering.

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Watch that pasta to prevent overcooking. Drain it well and set aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Veggies

While the pasta cools down, grab a cutting board and chop the onion and celery. You want them finely chopped to ensure a delightful bite every time. If you have kids helping you in the kitchen, they’ll feel proud of their contribution to this salad.

Step 3: Combine the Base

In a separate mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, whole milk, and Dijon mustard. Stir until you achieve a smooth mixture. This creamy base is what makes this salad truly irresistible.

Step 4: Mix In the Flavors

To the creamy mixture, add in the smoked paprika, sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, granulated sugar, and sweet pickle relish. This combination brings a wonderful balance of tangy and savory notes.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Now, take your cooled elbow pasta and combine it with the chopped veggies. Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta and gently fold everything together until evenly coated. Finally, include the diced pimentos for a pop of color and flavor.

Step 6: Chill

Cover the mac salad and place it in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This step is crucial as it allows all those flavors to mingle and develop. Plus, it’s perfect to let it chill for those hot summer days!

Notes

Choose Good Quality Mayonnaise: The taste of your salad relies heavily on the quality of the mayonnaise. Try to use a brand you enjoy.
Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to toss in some diced bell peppers or shredded carrots for crunch.
Taste as You Go: Adjust seasonings based on your preferences, particularly salt and pepper.
Try Different Pastas: If you’re looking for a change, spiral pasta or shells can add something different.
Refrigerate Overnight: For an even better flavor, make the salad a day ahead.

Storage Tips

Keep the salad stored in an airtight container. It should maintain its freshness for about 3-5 days in the fridge.
Avoid leaving it out at room temperature for longer than two hours.
If you notice excessive liquid in the mix after storing, give it a solid stir before serving again.

Serving Suggestions

To truly enjoy Pizza Hut macaroni salad, consider these pairing ideas:

With a Hot Pizza: There’s nothing like the contrast of hot, cheesy pizza and cold, creamy salad.
Serve with Grilled Meats: The salad complements grilled chicken or steak beautifully.
Picnic Delight: It’s a fantastic addition to any picnic spread, alongside sandwiches and chips.
Taco Night Companion: Have it as a side for your favorite tacos to balance out the spices.
Barbecue Essential: Whether it’s ribs or burgers, this macaroni salad elevates the meal.

What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Pizza Hut Macaroni Salad?

If you’re looking to switch things up, here are some substitutes:

Greek Yogurt for Sour Cream: This adds a tangy flavor and packs in probiotics.
Light Mayo: For a lower-calorie option, light mayo works well without sacrificing creaminess.
Chickpeas Instead of Pasta: For a gluten-free version, toss in some canned chickpeas.
Variety of Veggies: Swap celery for cucumber or use roasted red peppers for a twist.
Mustard Alternatives: Spicy brown mustard can elevate the flavor profile significantly.

Pizza Hut Macaroni Salad Recipe

Mary Lee RD

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 8

Total Time 18

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Servings Servings

Calories 259 kcal

Equipment

mixing bowl

Ingredients

1/2 Cup Sour Cream
1 1/2 Cups Creamy Mayonnaise
1/2 Medium Onion finely chopped
1 Stalk Celery finely chopped
4 Oz Diced Pimentos
1 Pound Elbow Pasta
1/4 tsp Smoked Paprika
1/2 tsp Dijon Mustard
1 1/2 tsp Sea Salt
1/2 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
1 tsp Granulated Sugar
1/2 Cup Whole Milk
3/4 Cup Sweet Pickle Relish