Classic Macaroni Salad – Perfect for Summer Picnics
This classic Macaroni Salad is the perfect side dish for summer picnics, barbecues, or any family gathering. With its creamy dressing, crunchy vegetables, and tender pasta, it’s both refreshing and satisfying. It's easy to prepare, and you can customize it with your favorite ingredients like boiled eggs, pickles, or even a hint of mustard. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe delivers a delicious result every time.
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup diced celery
- ½ cup diced red onion
- 1 cup diced bell pepper (red or green)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ½ cup grated carrot (optional)
- 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)
Directions
Cook the pasta. Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool down and stop the cooking process.
Prepare the dressing. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Mix the salad. Add the cooled macaroni, celery, red onion, bell pepper, and parsley to the dressing. Stir until everything is well combined. If using grated carrot and chopped hard-boiled eggs, fold them into the mixture.
Chill. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
Serve. Give the salad a quick stir before serving. Garnish with additional parsley if desired.
Recipe tips
Macaroni salad tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop. Prepare it the night before your event. You can toss in some chopped pickles, cucumbers, or radishes for an extra burst of texture. For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. Be sure to taste the salad after chilling and adjust the seasoning, as cold food can sometimes dull the flavors.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
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