Which is Healthier, Potato Salad or Macaroni Salad?

Heading out to a backyard picnic? Which side should you choose, potato salad or macaroni salad?
potato and macaroni salad

Potato Salad

Pros:

Potatoes are loaded with nutrients including fiber, vitamin C and potassium – they’re also free of fat and cholesterol. No matter which recipe you choose, potatoes are often accompanied by good-for-you veggies and herbs like celery, onions, carrots, parsley, dill and basil.

Cons:

The addition of m ayonnaise, oily dressings and sometimes bacon will fatten up potato salad. You’re looking at over 420 calories and 30 grams of fat per cup.

Healthy Potato Salad Tips:
  • Cut the mayo in half and replace it with nonfat Greek yogurt.
  • Lose the mayo all together and use small portions of vinaigrette dressing.
  • Make your favorite recipe with sweet potatoes instead.
  • More tips and recipes for lightening up potato salad.
Macaroni Salad

Pros:

Pasta is a blank canvas for any flavors you like and there’s plenty of room for veggies and herbs.

Cons:

Once again, dressings are to blame; it’s easy for a cup of macaroni salad to top 600 calories and 40 grams of fat. Plus, classic macaroni salad dressings are often high in added sugars. One cup of cooked pasta has 200 calories all by itself.

Healthy Pasta Salad Tips:
  • Use whole-grain pasta to boost the fiber.
  • Just like potato salad you can lighten up the dressings with low-fat yogurt or vinaigrette.
  • The more veggies, the better.
  • More tips and recipes for lightening up macaroni salad.
Tell Us: Who's the winner? Potato or macaroni salad?

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