Cold Macaroni Salad
This Cold Macaroni Salad uses a Poly Seasoning I set out to create since it was getting increasingly difficult to find the Green Boxed Kraft Pasta Salad at local grocery stores. This is a Pasta Salad that I always picked up because it was just so good and easy to make. Really good as a side dish and always served for the Holidays. It seems that Kraft is discontinuing this product, which explains why it is getting more difficult to find it.
The Poly Seasoning is a seasoning blend that I got pretty damn close on my first few tries in mimicking Kraft Cold Pasta Seasoning, which is really impressive for me. It usually takes me countless attempts just to get close. A few more tries to adjust it just right and this is really close if not identical to the Kraft Seasoning used for their Pasta Salad.
Here’s the kicker too. After we all agreed that it tasted like the Kraft Cold Pasta Salad, I was excited to try it on other things. It works too! Not just for Pasta Salad, but for numerous other dishes which is why I call it Poly Seasoning. It is a well versatile seasoning that just hits with the right flavors. Tangy with a bit of heat and immediate celery notes.
Kraft Pasta Salad Ingredients
Kraft Pasta Salad Ingredients
Seasoning Mix [Salt, Red Bell Peppers, Monosodium Glutamate, Spices, Onions, Garlic, Parsley, Whey (from milk)], *Dried
Macaroni
I just use regular Macaroni. If you prefer smaller Macaroni, just like Kraft, use a Kraft Dinner box and place the Cheese packet in the freezer to use at a later time for Cheese Sauce. Or use in place of Cheddar Cheese Powder in a recipe that calls for it.
If you taste the Mac Salad right away it will be too strong. Give the Macaroni Salad some time to absorb the flavors. This is why you have to let it sit in the fridge for a little bit. After it has been refrigerated for at least 1 hour or longer, taste and adjust the Seasoning if needed and the consistency by adding in more Mayo or a bit of Cream.
Macaroni
Measure out 1 1/2 C of Macaroni or weigh about 200 g and Bring a pot with about 6 Cups of Water to a boil.
Macaroni
Boil while mixing for about 10 – 12 minutes or until soft to your liking.
Strain and fill the pot back up with Cold water and mix the Macaroni around to help stop the cooking process. Strain out again and add to the Pasta Salad Dressing.
Pasta Salad Dressing
While boiling the Pasta make up the Salad Dressing.
Cold Pasta Salad Dressing
Place into a bowl the following and mix well.
- 1/2 C Mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 Tbl Poly Seasoning
Cold Macaroni Salad Additions
There are a lot of things you can add in as well for Cold Macaroni Salad. Below are some ideas.
- Bacon
- Ham
- Lettuce
- Bell Peppers
- Onions
- Cheese
- Relish
- Carrots
- Celery
Cold Macaroni Salad Consistency
I like it prepared the same way as Kraft suggest. However for a creamier version, add in some 10 % cream to achieve the desired consistency.
Fresh Pasta Salad
When the Macaroni Salad is first made up it will be creamy. After refrigeration it dries out a bit. This is when you can add more Mayonnaise to your liking or Cream for a Creamy version.
Macaroni Salad
Equipment
- 1 Pot
- 1 Bowl
- 1 Strainer Basket
Ingredients
- 1/2 C Mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 C Dried Macaroni Pasta
- 1 1/2 Tbl JAH Poly Seasoning
Instructions
- Add pasta in 6 cups of boiling water. Boil rapidly 10-12 minutes or until desired tenderness, stirring occasionally.
- Meanwhile combine JAH Poly Seasoning with Mayonnaise inside a bowl to make the Pasta Salad Dressing and mix well. Optionally add 10 % Cream for a Creamier version.
- Drain the Pasta and place it back into the Pot to fill with Cold Water. Swirl the Pasta around and strain again.
- Add the Macaroni to the bowl with the Salad Dressing and mix. Cover and Refrigerate several hours or until chilled. Add more Mayonnaise or 10 % Cream to adjust the creaminess before serving.
Notes
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