Everyday Mom's Meals: Summer Needs To Slow Her Roll

Sunday, July 28, 2024

Summer Needs To Slow Her Roll

Anyone that knows me will tell you summer is my favorite season. Hands down. No contest. I love HOT sunny days by the pool, no setting an alarm and super fun days spent with my family. But most of all, I adore having my boys home with me, and I dread the first day of school. Yep, I am the mom that cries on that first day, no matter how old they get.

So with August coming this week, I am starting to feel all the feels about my boys once again heading back to the classroom, and for the oldest, back to college. My mama heart hurts just thinking about it.

However, this year's first day of school will look a little different four our big 2nd grader because Mommy will be joining him on the first day of school! How? Well, about two months ago I accepted the position of Admissions Director at his school, and it gives me the best of both worlds. It is part time, and the little guy can go with me when I work over the summer. Plus, it gives me time to continue my blogging and food writing, and I will continue to be a substitute aide in Kindergarten as needed as well.

Our church and school community are truly like family, and I am so blessed to be so involved in both. The icing on the cake is when I drop him off in his classroom on that first day, I will be just down the hall in my office! Win win!

But this excitement doesn't take away from the fact neither of us is ready for that first day yet! Summer needs to slow her roll and stay put a little while longer!

So in that spirit, I'm sharing another recipe perfect for your next summer cookout! Let's face it, even after we're all back in school, those weekends will still be filled with fun in the sun!

I have so many pasta salad recipe, but who doesn't enjoy a great basic macaroni salad? The hubby actually found this on YouTube one night and asked if I would make it...of course! It's got a creamy, sweet and sour dressing, some crunch from veggies and really goes well with anything you're grilling up!

Thank you for always sticking with me on my blogging journey has life gets busier and I take on other adventures. My EMM family will always be a priority, even if new recipes have to be a little less frequent since I'm hanging out with the little guy at school!

Can I use a different pasta?

Yes! I think rotini or shells would be great. I probably wouldn't use anything bigger.

Can I use Miracle Whip instead of mayo?

I think they have such a different flavor profile, I wouldn't. Plus, with the addition of vinegar, it might be a little too tart.

What other veggies could I use?

Any color bell pepper, some jalapeños for spice, diced cucumber or cherry tomatoes would be tasty!

Why don't I rinse the macaroni?

With most of my cold pasta salads, I always rinse with cold water and drain well. The creator of this recipe suggested to not rinse this one, to allow the dressing to really stick to it and it works SO well! Be sure to read the recipe and tips to learn how!

Can I use a different vinegar?

I wouldn't recommend it. Apple Cider and others won't have the same flavor.

How to store leftovers?

This salad will last in the fridge for 2-3 days in an airtight container.

Best Tips

Do NOT rinse macaroni. Allow to sit at room temperature until it is almost completely cool. This makes it sticky and allows the dressing to adhere.

Before serving, stir well and if salad seems a little dry, add an extra dollop of mayo. Do the same thing when serving leftovers.

Dice all veggies the same size for a perfect bite.

Add diced poblano pepper or jalapeño for a little kick.

If you want to use Miracle Whip- the flavor will be a little extra tart. Try cutting back on the white vinegar. I haven't tried this, so I don't know results.

Summer Macaroni Salad

1 lb. elbow macaroni, cooked to al dente

2 red bell peppers, diced

4 ribs celery, diced

1 bunch green onions, chopped

1/2 cup matchstick carrots

1 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup white vinegar

1 1/2 TBS sugar

2 TBS Dijon mustard

Salt and Pepper

After macaroni is cooked, drain well and let sit at room temperature to allow to cool almost completely. DO NOT RINSE. Combine the mayo, vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt and pepper and whisk well. In a large bowl, combine cooled macaroni and dressing. Stir well. Add chopped veggies. Stir well. Cover and allow to chill overnight. Stir well before serving.