“This is the best macaroni salad that I’ve tasted.”
Macaroni salad is a timeless classic that brings a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor to any meal. Whether you’re preparing it for a summer barbecue, a family gathering, or a weekday lunch, this perfectly balanced macaroni salad is sure to be a hit.
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| Category | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| For the Salad | |
| Pasta | 2 cups elbow macaroni (or any small pasta shape) |
| Mayonnaise | 1 cup (Duke’s or Hellmann’s recommended!) |
| Yellow Mustard | 2 tbsp |
| Vinegar | 2 tbsp white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar for a milder flavor) |
| Sugar | 2 tbsp granulated sugar (adjust to taste) |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Black Pepper | 1/4 tsp |
| Celery | 1 cup finely diced |
| Red Onion | 1/2 cup finely diced |
| Shredded Carrots | 1/2 cup (optional, for added color and nutrition) |
| Hard-Boiled Egg | 1 (optional, chopped, for richness) |
| Optional Add-Ins | |
| Bell Peppers | 1/2 cup diced |
| Frozen Peas | 1/2 cup, thawed |
| Bacon | 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled |
| Cheddar Cheese | 1/2 cup shredded |
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Perfect Macaroni Salad
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This step ensures that your pasta remains firm and not mushy. Allow the pasta to cool completely before moving on to the next step.
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Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, white vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined. This creamy dressing is the heart of the salad, offering the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors.
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Step 3: Combine All Ingredients
Once the pasta is completely cool, add it to the bowl with the dressing. Then, fold in the finely diced celery, red onion, shredded carrots, and chopped hard-boiled egg. If you’re adding optional ingredients like peas, bell peppers, bacon, or cheese, mix them in as well.
Gently toss everything together until the macaroni is evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to overmix, as it can break the pasta and make it mushy.
Step 4: Chill for Maximum Flavor
Cover the salad with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, but ideally overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together, making the salad taste even better.
Step 5: Adjust and Serve
Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute the dressing. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed—you can add a little more salt, pepper, or sugar to suit your preference.
For a final touch, garnish with additional chopped hard-boiled eggs or a sprinkle of paprika. Serve chilled and enjoy!
