Curse you, Punxsutawney Phil!

Or at the very least, curse these chilly temperatures and icy roads.

As February has come and gone and March is beginning to wind up, it may feel like spring is lightyears away, especially if you have looked out your window a few times this past week. While it does make the commute to work or school much different (and a lot slicker), it also changes what type of food we are in the mood for.

Winter foods may include a handful of soups, stews and roasts, and there are even a few of those recipes on this website. But like many who don’t like seeing snow outside their window in the morning, I long for spring, and with it, some refreshing spring food.

Look no further than this recipe.

While I initially made this macaroni salad as a side dish to the chicken featured last week, it became a meal all on its own with the small addition of a can or two of Spam. While the wait times are a little longer, the actual prep work for this meal is quick and easy, not to mention easier on the wallet. The end result is a delicious meal that speaks for itself.

INGREDIENTS

1 lb of macaroni noodles

2–3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar

2–3 carrots shredded

1/2 of an onion shredded

2 1/2 cups or 24 oz of mayonnaise

1/4 cup milk

2–3 teaspoons of sugar

Salt

Black pepper

Paprika

Green onions

1–2 cans of Spam

The Prep Work

Shred your carrots and onion with a cheese grater, aiming for a medium-fine texture

Cook macaroni according to personal preference

Drain the macaroni and place it into a large mixing bowl 

While the pasta is still hot, add your vinegar and your shredded carrots and onions

Toss together until combined, adding a small amount of salt and pepper

Refrigerate for about half an hour

Taking the Next Step

In a separate bowl, mix together your sugar, mayonnaise and milk

Take your macaroni out of the fridge and fold in the mayonnaise mixture until evenly coated

Add salt, paprika and pepper to taste

Refrigerate for at least four hours, though overnight is best

Pasta in the Distance

Dice Spam into small pieces and chop up your green onions

Take your macaroni out of the refrigerator and mix well

Add your Spam and green onions and mix until incorporated

Enjoy!

If you recreate this recipe or any other recipe, use the hashtag #cookingwithcarson