Friday Side Dish: Classic Macaroni Salad with Real Mayonnaise

Macaroni is a variety of dry pasta, originating from Italy, made with durum wheat. Macaroni usually does not contain eggs and is normally cut in short, hollow shapes. It may be straight or curved, in which case it is frequently called elbow macaroni.

Pasta comes in hundreds of different shapes, sizes, textures, and flavors, but the Italian, or Western, style prevails as the favorite in most countries.

According to Healthandbeautypages.com, pasta is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates which provide a slow release of energy. Unlike simple sugars that offer a quick, yet fleeting boost of energy, pasta helps sustain energy.

Pasta is a useful source of protein, a 2 ounces of spaghetti or elbow macaroni, when cooked, become a 1-cup serving provides about 5 to 7g of protein. Pasta is very low in sodium and cholesterol-free. Whole wheat pasta can provide up to 25% of daily fiber requirements in every one cup portion. Pastas are a good source of iron (with about 2mg in a 1-cup serving), potassium, and many are also enriched with thiamine, niacin, and other B vitamins.

The website HomemadeMacraroniandcheese.net reports homemade macaroni and cheese is so easy to prepare and will allow moms to make more at a lesser budget as compared to buying the ready-made recipe. It has become a favorite in almost every home because macaroni and cheese really taste good together, and it is the food that picky kids never say no to.

Homemade macaroni and cheese contains carbohydrates, and help protect and enhance development of muscle tissues.

Proteins are broken down and distributed into the body as amino acids, which are essential for developing muscles and to aid our immune system to efficiently function. Fats in homemade macaroni and cheese are the good aid in the absorption of vitamins A, D and E, which are fat-soluble.

Sodium is good for the body because it is the mineral that plays an important role in stimulating our muscles to contract.

Homemade macaroni and cheese is a good type of food that will bring health benefits. Just be careful with what you add to the meal during preparation.

Classic Macaroni Salad with Real Mayonnaise
Serves 4

Ingredients:
8 ounces elbow macaroni (about 1-3/4 cups)
1 cup Hellmann's® or Best Foods® Real Mayonnaise
2 Tbsp. vinegar
1 Tbsp. Hellmann's® or Best Foods® Dijonnaise™ Creamy Dijon Mustard
1 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1 cup thinly sliced celery
1 cup chopped green or red bell pepper
1/4 cup chopped onion

Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water until completely cool. Combine Hellmann's® or Best Foods® Real Mayonnaise, vinegar, Creamy Dijon Mustard, sugar, salt and pepper in large bowl. Stir in macaroni, celery, green pepper and onion. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutritional Information (amount per serving)
Calories 470g; Carbohydrates 38g; Cholesterol 20mg; Fiber 2g; Sodium 810mg; Sugars 4g; Fat 8g; Protein 7g

Source: Best Foods

The body needs more than 40 nutrients: vitamins, minerals and water, as well as energy-providing protein, carbohydrates and fats. No one food supplies all the essential nutrients in the amounts needed. Therefore, it is important to eat a variety of foods each day.