Growing up, my mom’s famous macaroni salad recipe was the star of every summer picnic and barbecue. I can still remember the way the creamy dressing clung to the perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, and how the crunchy veggies added the perfect texture contrast. Whenever she’d pull that big bowl out of the fridge, I’d come running, ready to dive in headfirst.
There was just something so comforting and nostalgic about that macaroni salad recipe. It wasn’t fancy or complicated, but it was always a crowd-pleaser. Mom would make a big batch at the start of the season, and we’d enjoy it all summer long – scooping it onto paper plates at backyard parties, packing it for beach trips, and sneaking bites straight from the fridge whenever we needed a quick, satisfying snack.
To this day, whenever I take a bite of macaroni salad, it transports me right back to those carefree summer days. That’s why I’m so excited to share my version of this beloved recipe with you. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and downright delicious. Trust me, once you try this macaroni salad recipe, it’ll become a staple in your household too.
Why This Macaroni Salad Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The secret behind this macaroni salad recipe is all in the dressing. Most macaroni salads can end up feeling heavy and gloopy, but not this one. The combination of tangy mayonnaise, zippy mustard, and a splash of apple cider vinegar creates a light, refreshing coating that clings to the noodles without weighing them down.
I also add in a touch of sugar to balance out the acidity, and a sprinkle of celery seed for an extra pop of flavor. The result is a macaroni salad that’s creamy and satisfying, but never dense or cloying. It’s the kind of dish that leaves you feeling pleasantly full, not uncomfortably stuffed.
The Secret Behind Perfect macaroni salad recipe
But the dressing is just one part of the equation. The other key to this macaroni salad recipe is the perfect pasta-to-veggie ratio. I start with just the right amount of al dente elbow macaroni, then mix in crisp celery, sweet onion, and juicy tomatoes. The veggies add both texture and flavor, preventing the salad from tasting one-note or monotonous.
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Macaroni Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 6
Description
This classic macaroni salad recipe is the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and crunchy. It’s a quick and easy side dish or main course that’s perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or a simple weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
– 8 oz elbow macaroni
– 1 cup mayonnaise
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1/4 cup white vinegar
– 2 tbsp sugar
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 cup diced celery
– 1/2 cup diced red onion
– 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
Instructions
1. – Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. – In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. – Add the cooked macaroni, celery, onion, and bell pepper to the dressing. Stir until well combined.
4. – Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. – Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
For a creamier salad, add an extra 1/4 cup of mayonnaise. You can also customize the vegetables by using a variety of colors or adding in diced cucumber, peas, or chopped hard-boiled eggs.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
And the best part? This macaroni salad recipe gets even better the longer it sits. The flavors have a chance to meld and develop, so it tastes just as good (if not better) the next day. It’s the ultimate make-ahead dish for busy weeknights or big summer gatherings.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– Elbow macaroni: The classic choice for macaroni salad, with its perfect nooks and crannies to hold the dressing.
– Mayonnaise: The creamy base that binds everything together.
– Apple cider vinegar: Adds a tangy kick to balance out the richness of the mayo.
– Dijon mustard: Provides a subtle sharpness and depth of flavor.
– Sugar: Just a touch to counteract the acidity.
– Celery seed: Imparts an aromatic, almost nutty flavor.
– Celery: Adds a satisfying crunch and fresh, green flavor.
– Red onion: Provides a pop of color and a mild, sweet onion taste.
– Cherry tomatoes: Their juicy burst complements the creaminess.
– Salt and pepper: To season everything to perfection.
Step-by-Step macaroni salad recipe Instructions
Preparing Your macaroni salad recipe
This macaroni salad recipe is incredibly simple to make, with just a few easy steps. It takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, and the results are well worth the minimal effort. All you’ll need is a pot, a mixing bowl, and a few kitchen tools to get started.
1- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions, until the pasta is al dente. Drain and rinse the macaroni under cool water to stop the cooking.
2- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the rest of the ingredients. Dice the celery and red onion, and halve the cherry tomatoes.
3- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, and celery seed. Season with a generous pinch of salt and pepper.
4- Add the cooked and cooled macaroni to the dressing, along with the diced celery, onion, and tomatoes. Toss everything together until the macaroni is evenly coated.
5- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the macaroni salad for at least 30 minutes, to allow the flavors to meld.
6- When you’re ready to serve, give the salad a final toss and transfer it to a serving dish. Garnish with a sprinkle of extra celery seed or chopped parsley, if desired.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to the perfect macaroni salad is all in the details. Here are a few pro tips to ensure your version turns out absolutely delicious:
– Cook the pasta just until al dente – you don’t want it to get mushy once it’s tossed with the dressing.
– Rinse the cooked macaroni under cool water to stop the cooking and prevent it from clumping together.
– Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to develop.
– Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed – add a bit more vinegar for tang, or a pinch more sugar to balance the acidity.
– For an extra pop of color and texture, try adding shredded carrots or diced bell peppers to the mix.
– Avoid overcrowding the bowl when tossing everything together – you want the macaroni to be evenly coated, not clumped.
Serving and Storing Your macaroni salad recipe
Perfect Pairings for macaroni salad recipe
This macaroni salad recipe is the ultimate summer side dish. It pairs perfectly with grilled meats, like burgers, hot dogs, or barbecue chicken. It also makes a great topping for leafy green salads, or a tasty filling for sandwiches and wraps.
For a complete meal, serve the macaroni salad alongside some fresh fruit, coleslaw, or garlic bread. And don’t forget the icy cold beverages – lemonade, iced tea, or even a crisp white wine are all excellent choices.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best things about this macaroni salad recipe is that it gets better with time. The flavors continue to meld and develop as it chills in the fridge, so it’s the perfect make-ahead dish.
You can assemble the entire salad up to 3 days in advance, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. Just give it a good stir before transferring it to a serving bowl.
If you end up with leftovers, they’ll keep for 3-4 days in the fridge. The macaroni may absorb some of the dressing over time, so you can stir in a bit of extra mayo or vinegar to liven it up before serving.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for macaroni salad recipe
Creative macaroni salad recipe Variations
While this classic macaroni salad recipe is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it. Try swapping in different pasta shapes, like small shells or rotini. Or experiment with diverse flavor profiles, like adding diced dill pickles, chopped olives, or crumbled bacon.
For a Mediterranean twist, use olive oil and lemon juice in the dressing, then mix in kalamata olives, feta cheese, and fresh herbs. Or take it in a Southwestern direction with a spicy chipotle dressing, corn, black beans, and diced avocado.
The options are endless! Feel free to get creative and make this macaroni salad recipe your own.
Making macaroni salad recipe Diet-Friendly
Looking to make this macaroni salad recipe a bit healthier? It’s easy to adapt for various dietary needs.
For a gluten-free version, simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Many brands now offer delicious GF elbow macaroni options.
To make it vegan, swap the mayonnaise for a plant-based alternative, like cashew cream or silken tofu. You can also omit the sugar and use maple syrup or agave instead.
And for a low-carb twist, try riced cauliflower or zucchini noodles in place of the traditional pasta. The dressing will still be just as creamy and delicious.
No matter how you customize it, this macaroni salad recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser – for all your family and friends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta in this macaroni salad recipe?
A: Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is the classic choice, you can definitely experiment with other small pasta shapes. Try using ditalini, orzo, or even mini farfalle. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
Q: How far in advance can I make this macaroni salad?
A: This macaroni salad recipe keeps really well, so you can make it up to 3 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. The flavors will continue to develop and meld together as it chills.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to the salad?
A: Definitely! Feel free to mix in diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, sliced radishes, or even corn kernels. Just keep the overall veggie-to-macaroni ratio about the same to maintain the right texture.
Q: How many people does this macaroni salad recipe serve?
A: This recipe makes a large batch, perfect for feeding a crowd. It should yield 8-10 servings as a side dish. If you need to scale it up or down, just adjust the ingredient amounts accordingly.
Q: My macaroni salad turned out a bit dry. How can I fix that?
A: If your macaroni salad seems a little dry, simply stir in a bit more mayonnaise or a splash of apple cider vinegar. The dressing should lightly coat the noodles and veggies, not soak them. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Conclusion
There’s just something so comforting and nostalgic about a big bowl of creamy, crunchy macaroni salad. It’s the ultimate summer side dish – perfect for backyard barbecues, pool parties, and picnics galore.
And this version? It’s an absolute crowd-pleaser. The balance of flavors is spot-on, with a dressing that’s both tangy and sweet, and plenty of crisp veggies to add texture and freshness. It’s the kind of recipe that will have your family and friends coming back for seconds (and thirds!).
So what are you waiting for? Give this macaroni salad recipe a try, and get ready to make it your new go-to. I can’t wait to hear how much you and your loved ones enjoy it. Be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you think!