Two amazing summer side-dishes collide into one insanely tasty Macaroni Coleslaw Salad! Perfect for a potluck or summer get-together!
One of our family rules is that we can each have one treat a day. The toddler generally follows this rule with a few promptings and reminders throughout the day.
So last week when my sister visited we baked some cookies with the boys and I was certain the toddler would pick those cookies for his treat. Instead, he decided on a slice of leftover birthday cake and so that was his treat for the day.
When I left the kitchen, apparently my sister offered the toddler a cookie to which he quickly inhaled.
But the second I got back into the kitchen, he completely threw her under the bus and tattled that “Livi broke the rules, Mom. She’s making me eat two treats today even though we’re only supposed to have one.”
And….I’m guessing that’s the last time his aunt “sneaks” him an extra treat. ?
This salad is what I consider a summer “treat.” It’s not the healthiest of salads, but gosh it is so good and such a delicious summer indulge! It’s tangy, sweet, and crunchy. The flavors are phenomenal and it’s perfect for a summer potluck or party! Essentially this salad is a mash-up of coleslaw and macaroni salads with tons of veggies and a quick homemade coleslaw dressing.
We also tried this salad with a store-bought Coleslaw dressing and it is delicious. So, if you’re looking to cut a few minutes or a few ingredients, grab a store-bought Coleslaw dressing. (I love the dressings in the refrigerated section of the produce.)
This salad tastes best after being chilled for a bit in the fridge. It gives a chance for the vegetables to soften a little and the flavors to all meld. If you are sensitive to red onion, be aware it does intensify the longer this salad sits in the fridge.
Enjoy!
Two amazing summer side-dishes collide into one insanely tasty Macaroni Coleslaw Salad! Perfect for a potluck or summer get-together!
- 2 cups macaroni noodles, measured when dry
- 1/2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 English cucumbers, cut into moons
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 regular celery ribs, finely chopped
- 1 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 (14 ounces) package coleslaw mix
- 1 and 1/2 cups regular Mayo
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
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Cook the macaroni noodles according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water and then transfer to a large bowl. Toss with 1/2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar.
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Meanwhile, prepare the veggies. Remove about an inch of each end of the English cucumbers. Halve the cucumbers so you have 4 cucumbers. Slice each cumber in half and then cut the halves into moons. Add to the large bowl with the macaroni noodles. Finely chop the green pepper and add to the bowl.
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Finely chop the celery and red onion and add to the bowl. Add in the coleslaw mix and toss to combine.
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Meanwhile, add all of the dressing ingredients to a small bowl. Whisk to combine. Pour over the salad and toss until all the ingredients are well coated. Cover tightly and allow to chill thoroughly in the fridge for at least 30 minutes and up to 1 hour before enjoying. Toss right before serving.
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Best enjoyed the same day.
More Summer Salads/Side Dishes:
Angie says
May 30, 2017 at 11:57 pmThat is the best-looking coleslaw! I’m saving the recipe. Anxious to try it out!
chelseamessyapron says
May 31, 2017 at 8:27 amI hope you love it! 🙂
Little Quiltsong says
May 31, 2017 at 5:10 amYou have the yummiest dishes! Love this new Macaroni Coleslaw Salad recipe you just shared. Perfect for those hot summer days!
chelseamessyapron says
May 31, 2017 at 8:27 amThank you so much! 🙂
Olivia - Primavera kitchen says
May 31, 2017 at 6:51 am????Your son is the funniest boy EVER! I love when you talk about him. So lovely 😉
And there’s so much to love about this gorgeous salad!!! Really great combo of ingredients!!
chelseamessyapron says
May 31, 2017 at 8:27 amThank you Olivia! 🙂
Linda Leone says
June 11, 2017 at 3:01 amWhat a great idea and combination! I always use red and yellow peppers instead of green. I can’t wait to try. Thanks! I have saved many of your recipes!
chelseamessyapron says
July 14, 2017 at 8:48 amThanks Linda!! I hope you love this if you give it a try 🙂
Claire says
June 12, 2017 at 8:42 amYou state best if served same day, how long is the salad good for? I am planning to take for lunch for 4 days, would it be good that long? Thanks!!!!
chelseamessyapron says
June 12, 2017 at 11:37 amI’d recommend just adding the dressing to individual servings to prolong how good it is. 🙂
Taylor Webb says
July 15, 2017 at 2:47 pmHi! If using store-bought dressing, how much should I use? Thanks!
Victoria says
August 31, 2017 at 2:07 pmMacaroni is my son’s favorite food. I often make mac and cheese for him at home.
Yours looks nice, try it soon.
Thank you, Chelsea.
Ellen says
September 5, 2017 at 12:46 pmThis is delicious! Since there’s just two of us I cut the recipe in half and only dressed half of what I made, saving the rest to dress and eat in a few days. The only change I made was to seed the cucumber and cut it into smaller pieces. I had stopped making pasta salad because of medical issues that require a very low sodium diet, and this recipe allows us to enjoy pasta salad again! Thank you so much! This is definitely a keeper!
chelseamessyapron says
September 5, 2017 at 1:06 pmI’m so thrilled to hear this was a hit and you were able to enjoy a pasta salad again — yay! 🙂 Thanks so much for the comment and review Ellen 🙂
Vero says
September 6, 2017 at 7:50 amAwesome recipe, i didnt remeber to separate dressing fir another day, however, i took left over for lunch, hopefully i get to enjoy the rest, thank you!
Jill says
July 1, 2018 at 1:22 pmThis is delicious i made it today!! You mention its not the healthiest but i think it sort of is…lots of good veggies in there…i also use organic sugar and 1/2 mayo and 1/2 plain greek yogurt…thanks for a great recipe ?
chelseamessyapron says
July 3, 2018 at 8:13 amThanks Jill! And those substitutions sound awesome! I’m so glad you enjoyed! Thanks! 🙂
Ashley says
May 13, 2019 at 2:34 pmI added some chickpeas and made this a complete meal. Perfect for the hot days we’ve been having in south Florida. I don’t even like regular coleslaw but this salad is addictive!! I went for a second bowl.
chelseamessyapron says
May 14, 2019 at 7:37 amLove your addition! So happy to hear this was a hit 🙂 Thanks for the comment Ashley!