Alternative Macaroni Salad Dressing Ideas

Macaroni salad is a popular staple at summer barbecues and potlucks. It is usually whipped up using macaroni, onion, green pepper, olives, cheese and ham and then slathered in lashings of mayonnaise. But if you are not a bit fan of mayo, there are a number of other options you can use as an alternative macaroni salad dressing.

Olive Oil Dressing

Some people cannot stand the taste of mayonnaise, as it is rich, creamy and loaded full of fat and calories. If you do not want to add mayonnaise to your next macaroni salad just to keep it moist, make up a batch of homemade olive oil dressing instead.

Choose a good quality brand of olive oil and drizzle it into a bowl and then briskly whisk lemon or lime juice in with the olive oil, followed by freshly milled black pepper and a splash of white wine vinegar. When the macaroni salad is almost ready to serve, add the olive oil dressing and mix it to coat each piece of macaroni.

Citrus Fruit Honey Dressing

Citrus fruits, such as grapefruit and oranges, are refreshing and packed full of essential vitamins and minerals. But rather than add them to a smoothie or a fruit drink, use the juices to make a citrus fruit dressing instead.

Squeeze the juice of one orange, grapefruit, lemon and lime into a small bowl and add a little honey to counteract the bitterness of the fruits. Then whisk it all together until it is well blended. Add the citrus fruit honey dressing blend to the macaroni salad for a delicious, refreshing alternative to mayonnaise.

Green Tomato Chutney and Cheese

Green tomato chutney is great spread on cheese and crackers. It will also work well mixed in with macaroni salad. Add a dollop of the chutney to the bowl and thin it out a little with a touch of water if necessary. Then add cubed cheddar cheese (or any other kind you have on hand). Mix it in together and then toss it in with the macaroni salad.

Macaroni salad does not need mayonnaise to stay moist and be delicious. There are a number of alternatives that will still have your guests licking their lips and asking for seconds. An olive oil dressing is lighter than mayonnaise and will coat the macaroni, leaving it moist and tasty. If you are feeling a little more adventurous, try a citrus fruit honey dressing to coat your salad with. The citrus will give the salad a kick and the honey will tame the sharpness of the citrus, by adding a hint of sweetness. Green tomato chutney and cheese is another way to enjoy macaroni salad.