Description
Creamy Classic Macaroni Salad is a timeless dish perfect for picnics, BBQs, or as a side for any meal. This recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with a creamy dressing and crunchy vegetables for a satisfying and flavorful salad.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (about 8 oz)
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- ½ cup diced celery
- ½ cup diced red bell pepper (or green)
- ¼ cup finely diced red onion (or white onion)
For the Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, for balance)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni until just tender (al dente), then drain and rinse with cool water to stop cooking.
- Make the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add the mix-ins: Stir in chopped eggs, celery, bell pepper, onion, and pickle relish (if using).
- Combine: Add the cooled macaroni and mix until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving — this helps the flavors blend and the salad thicken slightly.
- Serve: Stir before serving and adjust salt or pepper to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
