Marinara Marcaroni Salad
Brighten up your table with this vibrant and flavorful Marinara Macaroni Salad, a unique twist on classic pasta salad that’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a refreshing side dish. This quick and easy recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with the tangy richness of marinara sauce, a creamy touch of mayonnaise, and the nuttiness of grated Parmesan cheese. Bursting with fresh cherry tomatoes, briny black olives, and aromatic basil, every bite delivers a medley of Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Lightly seasoned with garlic powder, a hint of red onion, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, this chilled pasta salad is as versatile as it is satisfying. Ready in under 30 minutes (plus some chill time for bold flavors), it’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with grilled meats or stands alone as a light meal. Perfect for when you need a hassle-free, flavorful dish to share!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Elbow macaroni
- 1 cup Marinara sauce
- 0.333 cup Mayonnaise
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 0.5 cup Black olives, sliced
- 0.25 cup Red onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons Fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process, then set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the marinara sauce, mayonnaise, and olive oil. Whisk together until smooth and creamy.
Add the cooked macaroni to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the marinara mixture.
Fold in the grated Parmesan cheese, cherry tomatoes, black olives, red onion, and fresh basil.
Season the salad with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with additional basil leaves or Parmesan cheese if desired.
Serve cold as a side dish or enjoy it on its own for a light and refreshing meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2015 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 118.9 g | 152% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.7 g | 88% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 98 mg | 33% | |
| Sodium | 4097 mg | 178% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 198.4 g | 72% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.3 g | 58% | |
| Total Sugars | 18.0 g | ||
| Protein | 41.1 g | 82% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 281 mg | 22% | |
| Iron | 11.0 mg | 61% | |
| Potassium | 477 mg | 10% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
