Introduction
Embark on a culinary journey with our WW Ultimate Macaroni Salad, a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that promises to elevate any meal or gathering. This recipe celebrates the classic macaroni salad with a twist, incorporating vibrant vegetables, savory proteins, and a creamy dressing—all while adhering to your WW (formerly Weight Watchers) meal plan with low SmartPoints. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, planning a picnic, or simply craving a satisfying side dish, this macaroni salad is sure to impress with its delicious taste and nutritional balance.
Ingredients
- For the Salad:
- 8 oz (225g) whole wheat elbow macaroni
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup light mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional Additions:
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup diced pickles
- 1/4 cup diced ham or turkey breast (lean and low-fat options)
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni:
- Cook the whole wheat elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, shredded carrots, chopped red onion, and chopped fresh parsley to the bowl with the cooled macaroni.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Combine and Chill:
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large mixing bowl. Gently toss everything together until the macaroni and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Before serving, give the macaroni salad a final toss to redistribute the dressing. Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve chilled as a delicious side dish or a light main course.
Introduction
Embark on a culinary journey with our WW Ultimate Macaroni Salad, a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that promises to elevate any meal or gathering. This recipe celebrates the classic macaroni salad with a twist, incorporating vibrant vegetables, savory proteins, and a creamy dressing—all while adhering to your WW (formerly Weight Watchers) meal plan with low SmartPoints. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, planning a picnic, or simply craving a satisfying side dish, this macaroni salad is sure to impress with its delicious taste and nutritional balance.
Ingredients
- For the Salad:
- 8 oz (225g) whole wheat elbow macaroni
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup light mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional Additions:
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup diced pickles
- 1/4 cup diced ham or turkey breast (lean and low-fat options)
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni:
- Cook the whole wheat elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, shredded carrots, chopped red onion, and chopped fresh parsley to the bowl with the cooled macaroni.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Combine and Chill:
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large mixing bowl. Gently toss everything together until the macaroni and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Before serving, give the macaroni salad a final toss to redistribute the dressing. Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve chilled as a delicious side dish or a light main course.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 180 per serving (1 cup)
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Total Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 7g
WW SmartPoints
- Each serving of our WW Ultimate Macaroni Salad is calculated to be 4 SmartPoints, offering a satisfying and wholesome dish that aligns with your WW wellness goals.
Additional Tips
- For a vegetarian option, omit the diced ham or turkey breast.
- Customize the salad by adding your favorite vegetables such as broccoli florets, diced zucchini, or peas.
- To make it a complete meal, serve the macaroni salad alongside grilled chicken breast or fish.
Conclusion
Our WW Ultimate Macaroni Salad combines the timeless appeal of classic macaroni salad with a fresh, modern twist that’s both nutritious and flavorful. With wholesome whole wheat pasta, an array of colorful vegetables, and a creamy Greek yogurt-based dressing, each bite offers a delightful balance of textures and tastes. Perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to weekday lunches, this salad not only satisfies your cravings but also supports your commitment to a balanced diet with its low SmartPoints. Embrace the joy of cooking and eating well with this recipe, and savor the goodness of a dish that’s as delicious as it is wholesome.