Safeway Signature Cafe Classic Macaroni Salad
Edible? Yes. But this three ingredient effort is unbalanced. It’s too salty, too sweet and too mayonnaise-forward. 227 calories, 16 g fat, 513 g sodium, 18 g carbohydrates. 99 cents for 1 cup at the deli counter.
Ohana Barbecue Macaroni Salad
This classic Hawaiian salad is a very white, bland marriage of extra-fluffy mayonnaise and overcooked macaroni. A bit of chicken flavor adds interest and a few flecks of carrot add color. 410 calories, 29 g fat, 190 mg sodium, 17 g carbohydrates. $1.50 for a giant scoop.
First Street Macaroni Salad
Diced bell pepper, onion and sweet pickles kick up the flavor of an otherwise overly sweet, soupy mix of slippery pasta that’s in desperate need of a sieve. 240 calories,
8 g fat, 340 mg sodium, 36 g carbohydrates. $3.99 for 2 pounds at Smart & Final. (after draining)
Whole Foods Macaroni Salad
This gorgeous, colorful salad made with fresh herbs, diced pimento, olives and more looks incredibly delicious, but it’s disappointingly bland. It needs culinary CPR. 165 calories, 11 g fat, 260 mg sodium, 13 g carbohydrates. $8.99 a pound at the salad bar.
(for effort)
Raley’s Homestyle Macaroni Salad
A big hit of white wine and tin-flavored vegetables make for a strange and unfortunate bite. 370 calories, 26 g fat, 310 mg sodium, 29 g carbohydrates. $4.99 a pound at the deli counter.
Summer Fresh Four Cheese Macaroni Salad
This salad wins points for beauty and promise, with four kinds of cheese and lots of colorful vegetables. Sadly, it’s slippery, slimy and so wickedly vinegar-forward that every other flavor is drowned out. 200 calories, 14 g fat, 350 mg sodium, 15 g carbohydrates. $7.99 for 2.65 pounds at Costco. (No stars)
Note: The Taste-Off column on deli turkey, which ran in Eat Drink Play on July 1, contained an error. Diestel Organic Herb Roasted Turkey Breast has 250 mg sodium and 13 g protein.
Reviews are based on product samples purchased by this newspaper or provided by manufacturers. Contact Jolene Thym at timespickyeater@ gmail.com.