Korean Macaroni Salad

Korean Macaroni Salad, or 'Maekuri Saladeu' (맥리 샐러드), is a popular Korean side dish (banchan) that blends Western pasta with Korean flavors. It typically features cooked elbow macaroni tossed in a sweet and creamy dressing made with mayonnaise, sugar, and sometimes ketchup or mustard, mixed with finely diced vegetables like carrots, onions, and cucumbers for a refreshing crunch.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is generally high in carbohydrates from the pasta and sugar, and fat from the mayonnaise-based dressing, with a moderate amount of protein from the macaroni and any added ingredients like ham or egg. A typical serving can range from 250 to 350 calories, providing quick energy but limited in essential vitamins and minerals.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	350 kcal
Protein	6 g
Carbs	30 g
Fat	22 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	12 g
Sodium	580 mg
Vitamin A	120 mcg
Vitamin C	15 mg
Calcium	80 mg
Iron	1.2 mg
Potassium	350 mg
Vitamin K	45 mcg
Folate	60 mcg
Phosphorus	100 mg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, it's a fascinating example of 'Korean fusion' or 'Korean-Western' cuisine (한양식), adapting a foreign concept to suit local palates with a signature sweet profile. Nutritionally, it's often served as a light, refreshing counterpoint to richer, spicier Korean main dishes, acting as a palate cleanser.