Easy Rainbow Macaroni Salad is a delicious pasta salad studded with rainbow-colored veggies to make a fun, delicious summer side. We eat this macaroni salad all year long!
Confession, I used to never eat mixed salads. I didn’t like fruit salads, or any kind of pasta salad, or potato salad. It was kind of a mental thing. Like I knew they tasted good, but I didn’t love the mixing of foods. Now… I am obsessed. I think what really turned things around for me was this Fruit Salad Recipe. I remember trying it and realizing that mixed salads could be awesome. And even better than the fruit standing alone.
RAINBOW MACARONI SALAD
Like it? Pin this post to your SIDE DISH pinboard!
Follow Real Housemoms on Pinterest
Anyway, now I am obsessed and have been making broccoli salad, 7 layer salad, fruit salad, and pasta salad like a crazy person. And boy oh boy is this one good.
I think the key to a good pasta salad is the sauce/dressing. All of the other elements we know are good. Like the veggies and pasta. Just plain good. But if you cover them in a sauce that doesn’t compliment them, and well…ruined.
This sauce is tangy, sweet, and oh so yummy. It keeps it tasting light and fresh. And gets even better on the second day.
Give it a try, you will love it. And don’t forget it is amazing for BBQ’s and parties, and as a summer side dish. But if you added some roasted chicken to it, it could even be a stand alone meal! So many possibilities. My boys love it best alongside my Sloppy Joe Recipe. Also feel free to customize the added veggies, though this particular combination is pretty stellar.
Want more pasta salad recipes?
- Greek Pasta Salad
- Creamy Taco Pasta Salad
- Warm Lemon Broccoli Pasta Salad
- Orzo Pasta Salad
- Bacon & Avocado Pasta Salad
- More side dish recipes…
Tools used to make this Rainbow Macaroni Salad recipe
Large Pot: This pot is a kitchen essential for everything from dinner to desserts. I use mine all the time and with proper care, it’ll last for years and years.
Knives: A good set of kitchen knives is essential for any cook. This set is the best one I’ve owned so far and it comes with a knife block, steak knives, and an array of larger knives perfect for all your slicing, chopping, and cutting needs.
Cutting Board: A good-sized cutting board is a must for home cooks. This board is thick & sturdy and makes recipe prep a breeze.
Serving Bowl: This large glass serving bowl is one of my favorite dishes. It’s perfect for everything from salads to pastas. Simple, classic, and a must have!
Ingredients
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni
- ⅓ cup red onion
- 1 cup diced red yellow, and orange peppers
- 6 ounce can black olives chopped
- ½ cup grape tomatoes halved
- ½ cup broccoli cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cubed Colby jack cheese
Sauce
- ⅔ cup mayo
- ⅓ cup white sugar
- 2 Tbs white vinegar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Cook noodles according to package directions, and strain.
- Chop all the veggies and additions up, and toss with noodles.
- Mix sauce ingredients together in a separate bowl.
- Pour sauce over the top and toss to combine.
- Refrigerate up to 2 days.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition
Leave a Reply