A classic creamy macaroni salad is a timeless favorite, perfect for picnics, barbecues, or just a quick, satisfying side dish. It’s rich and tangy, with tender pasta, crisp veggies, and a creamy dressing that ties everything together. Here’s a simple, delicious recipe for you:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta shape)
- 1 cup mayonnaise (for that creamy base)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (adds a little tang)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or white vinegar (for some acidity)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for a slight sweetness)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
Veggies & Extras:
- 1/2 cup celery (finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper (finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped)
- 2 hard-boiled eggs (optional, chopped)
- 1/4 cup sweet relish or chopped pickles (optional, for a little zing)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
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Cook the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to the package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes) until al dente.
- Drain the pasta, then rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Let it drain completely.
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Prepare the dressing:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, vinegar, sugar (if using), salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk until smooth and well-combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt or vinegar if you like it tangier.
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Combine the salad:
- Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing and stir to coat the pasta evenly.
- Mix in the celery, red bell pepper, red onion, and sweet relish (if using). Fold in the chopped hard-boiled eggs if desired. Stir gently until everything is well-mixed.
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Chill and serve:
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours to let the flavors meld together. The salad will get even creamier as it sits.
- Before serving, give it a good stir and garnish with fresh parsley if you’d like.
This macaroni salad is creamy, crunchy, and packed with flavor. It’s versatile too—feel free to swap in your favorite veggies, like green peas, or add more ingredients to make it your own. If you like a bit of a kick, you could even add some finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce!
Do you prefer your macaroni salad with extra crunchy veggies or a super smooth, creamy dressing?