Test Kitchen recipe: Shaped Macaroni Salad

Serves: 16

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Total time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)

Note: Make several of these up to two days ahead.

8 oz. dry elbow macaroni, cooked and drained

1 cup chopped celery or cucumber

1/2 cup chopped green pepper

1/2 cup chopped radishes

2 Tbsp. chopped sweet onion

1/2 tsp. salt

1 package (8 ounces) reduced-fat cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise

1/4 cup sweet pickle relish

1 Tbsp. prepared mustard

Lettuce leaves and additional radishes for garnish

In a large bowl, combine the first six ingredients; set aside. In another bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth; add mayonnaise, relish and mustard. Fold into macaroni mixture. Press into a 6-cup ring mold (or Bundt pan) coated with cooking spray. Refrigerate overnight. Just before serving, place lettuce leaves on top and invert and unmold salad onto a serving platter. Garnish with radishes.

Adapted from www.tasteofhome.com. Tested by Susan Selasky in the Free Press Test Kitchen.

109 calories (35 percent from fat), 4 g fat (2 g sat. fat), 14 g carbohydrates, 3 g protein, 195 mg sodium, 12 mg cholesterol, 1 g fiber.