macaroni salad

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour (recommended)
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Difficulty: Easy

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Introduction

Macaroni salad is a quintessential summertime staple, a picnic favorite, and a perfect partner for BBQs, sandwiches, and grilled meats. This classic dish combines tender elbow macaroni with a creamy dressing, crisp veggies, and just the right amount of tanginess.

With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, macaroni salad is a crowd-pleaser that can be customized endlessly. Whether you like it extra creamy, a bit tangier, or loaded with veggies, this recipe will become your go-to base.

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Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni

• 3/4 cup mayonnaise (use light or full-fat as preferred)

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or white vinegar

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 cup celery, finely chopped

• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped

• 1/2 cup red onion or green onion, finely chopped

• 1/2 cup shredded carrot

• 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente.

Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it quickly. Drain well and set aside.

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Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Combine Salad Ingredients

Add the cooled macaroni to the dressing. Stir gently to coat all the pasta evenly.

Add celery, red bell pepper, onion, shredded carrot, and chopped hard-boiled eggs (if using). Fold everything together gently.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld and the salad chill thoroughly.

Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir, taste for seasoning, and adjust salt, pepper, or vinegar as needed.

Tips for Perfect Macaroni Salad

• Don’t overcook pasta: It should be tender but still hold its shape to avoid mushy salad.

• Rinse pasta well: This cools the noodles and washes away excess starch to prevent clumping.

• Make ahead: The salad tastes best when chilled for several hours or overnight.

• Customize: Add chopped pickles, olives, shredded cheese, or diced ham for more flavor.

• Use good mayo: A high-quality mayonnaise makes a big difference in flavor and texture.

Variations

• Classic Southern Style: Add chopped boiled eggs, sweet pickle relish, and a touch of yellow mustard.

• Greek-style Macaroni Salad: Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, add feta cheese, cucumber, and olives.

• Vegan Macaroni Salad: Use vegan mayo and skip the eggs. Add diced avocado for creaminess.

• Spicy Kick: Stir in a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for subtle heat.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrition values may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.