This page closes the salad collection with five recipes that range from creamy macaroni salads to a layered pasta bowl and a classic taco-style toss.
Some are built ahead and chilled, while others come together quickly and are finished with crisp vegetables, savory mix-ins, or crunchy toppings.
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- Deli Mac Salad
- Layered Pasta Salad
- Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad
- Dorito Taco Salad
- Fancy Italian Salad
Deli Mac Salad
Deli Mac Salad starts with cooked elbow macaroni that is coated in a warm white vinegar and sugar mixture, then chilled so the pasta can soak up that sweet-tangy flavor. After the macaroni rests, green bell pepper and celery seed are tossed through, and mayonnaise is added to taste for a creamy finish.
The method leans on a resealable plastic bag to coat the pasta evenly before refrigeration, with the bag set inside a bowl or on a rimmed plate to help prevent leaks. If the salad turns soupy after chilling, some of the extra liquid can be drained off in a colander, then the mixture is dressed and adjusted before serving.
Get the full Deli Mac Salad recipe
Layered Pasta Salad
Layered Pasta Salad is built in a clear dish so the ingredients show in distinct layers before the dressing goes on top. A smooth mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper is whisked separately, then poured over layers of romaine, macaroni, bell pepper, red onion, peas, celery, ham, and black olives.
Shredded cheddar is sprinkled over the dressed salad, adding color and richness to the top. The bowl is covered and chilled for at least several hours or overnight so the flavors meld, and the salad is tossed just before serving to distribute the dressing through the layers.
Get the full Layered Pasta Salad recipe
Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad
Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad combines cooled elbow macaroni with cucumber, green bell pepper, grated onion, and sweet pickle relish for a classic chopped-salad feel. A dressing of mayonnaise, sour cream, and milk is mixed separately and seasoned with kosher salt and black pepper before it is folded into the pasta mixture.
Hard-boiled eggs are added last so they stay intact in the finished salad. The recipe calls for the salad to be covered and chilled until ready to serve, preferably overnight or for at least a few hours, giving the dressing time to settle into the macaroni and vegetables.
Get the full Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad recipe
Dorito Taco Salad
Dorito Taco Salad pairs browned ground beef with chopped iceberg lettuce, diced tomato, crushed nacho cheese Doritos, and Catalina dressing. Taco seasoning is cooked into the beef in a skillet with olive oil, then the meat is drained and cooled slightly before it is added to the bowl.
Once the lettuce, tomatoes, beef, chips, and dressing are combined, the salad is tossed well so everything is evenly coated. Sour cream and guacamole can be added on top if desired, giving the finished dish a creamy garnish alongside the crunchy chips and seasoned beef.
Get the full Dorito Taco Salad recipe
Fancy Italian Salad
Fancy Italian Salad mixes shredded iceberg, sliced romaine, cucumber, salami, tomato, and Parmesan for a hearty, crisp salad base. The chickpeas are treated separately with Parmesan, olive oil, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then spread on a tray and baked until golden and crisp-looking.
A vinaigrette of olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, and garlic powder is whisked in a separate bowl and seasoned to taste. When serving time comes, about three-quarters of the warm chickpeas and the dressing are tossed with the salad, then the reserved Parmesan and remaining chickpeas are scattered over the top.
