South African Macaroni Salad
South African Macaroni Salad is a creamy, hearty side dish that's a staple at barbecues (braais) and family gatherings across the country. It typically features cooked elbow macaroni tossed in a mayonnaise-based dressing, often with additions like diced carrots, green peppers, and sometimes a touch of curry powder or chutney for a distinct local flavor.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is generally high in carbohydrates from the pasta and fat from the mayonnaise dressing, making it energy-dense. A typical serving provides a good source of quick energy and some dietary fiber, with a rough calorie range of 300-400 per cup.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Carbs | 35 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 580 mg |
| Potassium | 250 mg |
| Vitamin A | 120 mcg RAE |
| Vitamin C | 8 mg |
| Calcium | 100 mg |
| Iron | 1.8 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.5 mcg |
| Phosphorus | 120 mg |
| Vitamin D | 0.5 mcg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
What makes it uniquely South African is the common addition of mild curry powder or a spoonful of fruit chutney, which adds a sweet and savory depth not found in many other versions of macaroni salad, reflecting the country's love for blended spice profiles.
