Classic Macaroni Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This classic macaroni salad is the ultimate side dish for any occasion, from summer BBQs to picnics, or even alongside a casual weeknight dinner. With its creamy, tangy dressing and crunchy vegetables, it’s both refreshing and satisfying. The hard-boiled eggs add richness, while the combination of red bell pepper, celery, and red onion gives the salad a nice texture and flavor. It’s super easy to make, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Salad:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)

• 1 cup red bell pepper, diced

• 1/2 cup red onion, diced

• 1/2 cup celery, diced

• 2 large hard-boiled eggs

• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

For the Dressing:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• 3 tablespoons sweet relish

• 3 teaspoons yellow mustard

• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

Directions

Cook the Macaroni:

1. Cook the elbow macaroni in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente (tender but firm).

2. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Make the Dressing:

1. In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sweet relish, yellow mustard, black pepper, and salt.

2. Whisk until smooth and creamy.

Assemble the Salad:

1. In a large bowl, add the cooked macaroni.

2. Add the diced red bell pepper, red onion, celery, and chopped hard-boiled eggs (and any other desired mix-ins).

3. Pour the dressing over the salad and stir to combine.

Garnish and Serve:

1. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

2. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

• Servings: 6

Variations

• Add more veggies: You can add peas, carrots, or cucumber for extra crunch and flavor.

• Make it creamy with Greek yogurt: Swap out half or all of the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a tangier twist and added protein.

• Add protein: For a heartier salad, mix in some diced chicken, or tuna.

• Vegan version: To make this salad vegan, use vegan mayo and omit the hard-boiled eggs.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Reheating: This salad is best served cold, so there’s no need to reheat. Just pull it from the fridge when ready to serve!

FAQs

1. Can I use any type of pasta for this salad?

While elbow macaroni is the classic choice, you can substitute it with any short pasta, such as rotini or fusilli.

2. How can I make the salad spicier?

If you like a bit of heat, add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.

3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, macaroni salad tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld together. You can make it up to a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to serve.

4. How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?

Make sure to cook the pasta al dente and rinse it under cold water immediately after draining to stop the cooking process and prevent it from becoming too soft.

5. Can I make this salad without sweet relish?

Yes, you can omit the sweet relish or substitute it with dill relish or chopped pickles for a different flavor.

6. Can I use a different type of vinegar?

You can substitute apple cider vinegar with white vinegar, lemon juice, or regular white vinegar, depending on your preference.

7. Can I use store-bought dressing?

If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pasta salad dressing, but making the dressing fresh will give the salad better flavor.

8. How do I make the dressing thicker?

To make the dressing thicker, simply add more mayonnaise or reduce the amount of vinegar for a creamier consistency.

9. Can I freeze this macaroni salad?

While it’s best served fresh, you can freeze it, but the texture may change once thawed. If you do freeze, make sure to store it in an airtight container.

10. Can I add cheese to the salad?

Yes, shredded cheddar cheese or feta would be a great addition to this salad for extra flavor.

Conclusion

This Classic Macaroni Salad is the ultimate side dish for any gathering or meal. Creamy, tangy, and loaded with texture, it’s a crowd favorite that’s simple to make and always a hit at BBQs, picnics, or family dinners. With its versatile ingredients and easy prep, it’s a must-have recipe to keep in your back pocket all summer long!

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