Cheddar macaroni salad

[vister]

Does anyone out there have any divine cheddar macaroni salads out there they'd be willing to share the recipe card with?? The miss and I, as of lately, have become hooked on the cheddar macaroni salad from our local coburns deli. Anything like that would be appreciated. We are more or less looking for that perfect dressing. Sweet and tangy. We already know we'd use green onions, cubed cheddar, etc etc, just unsure of the perfect dressing. Though we typically substitute plain Greek yogurt for sour cream or cream cheese, the "unhealthy" options are what we would use, cause ya know, it ain't a 4th of July party without good grub!!

[delcecchi]

You might like the dressing from this chicken pasta salad, allegedly from D'amico and sons.

D'Amico and Sons Chicken Pasta Salad:

-1 lb bowtie pasta cooked and chilled (may also use spiral, or any larger pasta)

-1 1/2 cups rotisserie chicken (shredded or diced, whichever you prefer)

-1 cup dried cherries (I used cherry flavored Craisins)

-1 bunch green onion, chopped

-2 celery stalks, minced

-1 cup whole smoked almonds (or plain old sliced almonds would do the trick as well)

Dressing: (if possible, make in advance for a more enhanced flavor and to allow time to chill)

-1/2 cup powdered sugar

-2 Tbsp wine vinegar

-2 cups mayo

-2 Tbsp cold water

-2 Tbsp poppy seeds

-2 tsp salt

-1/2 tsp pepper

[delcecchi]

And here is another one folks, including me, really like.

Shrimp and Shells

You can get all of these ingredients together in the morning or the night before serving.

Cook/drain one box of Creamettes small shells (1 lb. box)

3 hard boiled eggs chopped

1 lb. of small shrimp, cooked (we buy it cooked)

Diced Peppers - use red and yellow to add color

Diced red onion

3 scallions

1 cup chopped celery

Salt

Pepper

Any other spice you like.

Louie sauce - make it the night before so that it blends.

Make at least 2 cups by blending the following ingredients to taste.

Catsup or chili sauce

Mayo

Worcestershire sauce

Tabasco sauce

Lemon Juice

Do a taste test, especially if you like it a little "kicked up."

I mix all the ingredients and the sauce about 2 hours before serving. Chill.

[leechlake]

I will second Del on the key is to let the flavors come together overnight before eating it. I've made a recipe close to his first one for years and it's 5 times better if you let it rest before eating.

[RebelSS]

Here's mine, that I've been making for many, many years...

2 cups of cooked, well drained elbow macaroni

1 to 1 1/2 cup of frozen peas, thawed and drained

1/2 cup small diced purple onion

1 cup coarse shredded cheddar

1 large tomato, chunked and seeded/drained well. (or use grape tomato's quartered)

1/3 cup creamy Italian dressing

1/3 cup creamy cucumber dressing

1 cup of miracle Whip (not lite)

1 cup ham cubes

Mix all ingredients well, let sit covered overnight in 'fridge. Enjoy!