Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe: A Refreshing Side Dish
Macaroni salad is a timeless classic, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a side dish for any meal. This recipe features tender macaroni pasta combined with crisp vegetables and a creamy dressing. It’s simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Here’s how to whip up a delicious macaroni salad that will become a staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 cups of uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 cup of celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup of red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup of green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup of red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: 1/2 cup of shredded carrots or diced cucumber
For the Dressing:
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- 3/4 cup of mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon of paprika
Instructions
1. Cook the Macaroni:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the macaroni and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain well and set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped celery, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, red onion, parsley, and any optional vegetables you’re using. Set aside.
3. Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, granulated sugar, salt, black pepper, and any optional seasonings until smooth and well combined.
4. Combine Salad Ingredients:
- Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl of chopped vegetables.
5. Dress the Salad:
- Pour the dressing over the macaroni and vegetables.
- Gently toss until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
6. Chill and Serve:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the macaroni salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad a final stir and taste for seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Macaroni Salad
- Cook the Pasta Al Dente: Be sure not to overcook the pasta. It should be cooked just until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy in the salad.
- Use Fresh Vegetables: Freshly chopped vegetables add crunch and flavor to the salad. Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences.
- Adjust the Dressing: The dressing can be adjusted to suit your taste. Add more mayonnaise for creaminess, or adjust the amount of vinegar and sugar for tanginess and sweetness.
- Add-ins: Get creative with add-ins like diced ham, boiled eggs, shredded cheese, or pickles for extra flavor and texture.
- Chill Before Serving: Allowing the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving enhances the flavor and texture.
This classic macaroni salad recipe is a perfect side dish for any occasion. With its creamy dressing and colorful vegetables, it’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Enjoy!
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