Description
Classic Macaroni Salad is a creamy, tangy, and colorful side dish made with cooked elbow macaroni, mayonnaise, mustard, and a medley of fresh vegetables. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or summer gatherings, this easy-to-make salad offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Chilled before serving, it is a refreshing complement to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked and cooled
Dressing
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Add-ins
- ½ cup diced celery
- ½ cup diced red bell pepper
- â…“ cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating a flavorful dressing base.
- Add macaroni and vegetables: To the dressing, add the cooked and cooled elbow macaroni, diced celery, red bell pepper, and finely chopped red onion. Stir gently to coat all ingredients evenly with the dressing.
- Incorporate eggs and relish: Fold in the chopped hard-boiled eggs and sweet pickle relish if using. Mix carefully to maintain the texture and ensure even flavor distribution throughout the salad.
- Season and chill: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if necessary. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, then place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to marry.
- Garnish and serve: Before serving, optionally garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve chilled as a delightful side dish.
Notes
- The salad tastes even better after chilling for several hours or overnight to deepen the flavors.
- For a lighter version, substitute half the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt, which reduces fat while adding protein.
- Ensure the macaroni is fully cooled before mixing to prevent the dressing from thinning out.
- Feel free to add other crunchy veggies like diced cucumber or shredded carrot for variation.
