Apple Mac Salad Recipe

A family favorite, this Apple Mac Salad recipe is a delightful twist on classic macaroni salad, perfect for Thanksgiving or any occasion! Grandma's (or maybe great-grandma's?!) recipe, this creamy, subtly sweet salad features tender pasta, crisp apples, and a touch of sweetness. It's the ultimate side dish to complement your Thanksgiving turkey, especially our Puerto Rican Apple BBQ Turkey! Get ready to impress your family with this easy-to-make, yet incredibly flavorful recipe.

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Calories 461 kcal
Protein 16g
Rating 4.0 (1 Reviews)
Apple Mac Salad

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Apple Mac Salad

  • Elbow Macaroni
  • Green Bell Pepper
  • 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
  • Roasted Red Peppers
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • Red Delicious Apples

How to Make Apple Mac Salad

  1. Cook 1 pound elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
  2. While the pasta cooks, prepare the remaining ingredients. Roast 1 red bell pepper until the skin is blackened (you can do this in the oven at 400°F for about 20 minutes, or over an open flame). Place in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it steam for 10 minutes. Peel, seed, and finely chop the pepper. Dice 2 medium crisp apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith recommended).
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, chopped roasted red pepper, diced apples, mayonnaise (1 cup), celery (1 cup, finely chopped), onion (1/2 cup, finely chopped), sugar (2 tablespoons), salt (1 teaspoon), and black pepper (1/2 teaspoon).
  4. Gently toss to combine all ingredients evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. The salad might benefit from a squeeze of lemon juice to balance sweetness.
  5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial for the best taste and texture!
  6. Serve chilled. Enjoy!

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Chef's secret: layers of flavor make a dish truly memorable! Consider what a little extra something could bring – perhaps a touch of acidity like a good vinegar or citrus zest, a hint of smokiness from paprika, a bit of umami from mushrooms or soy sauce, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for texture. Experiment and taste as you go!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

16 g

Sugar

136g

Fat

8g

Carbs

28g