This is a classic, tasty, and oh-so easy macaroni salad recipe! Made with classic ingredient staples including celery, red pepper, and onion and dressed up in a simple creamy mayo-based dressing, this is guaranteed to be a hit at every cookout and potluck this year!
A classic macaroni salad recipe made with tender macaroni tossed with colorful veggies and eggs, and covered in a rich and creamy dressing.
Nothing super fancy here, just that delicious comfort food we crave! And when served chilled on a hot summer day it makes it something to really look forward to.
Macaroni Salad Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Strainer (to drain the cooked macaroni)
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 cups Macaroni noodles
- 1/2 cup Celery chopped
- 1/2 cup Red bell pepper chopped
- 1/4 cup Red onion chopped
- 1/4 cup Carrot grated
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley chopped (optional)
- 2 Hard-boiled eggs chopped (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup of Mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Vinegar
- 1 tbsp Sugar
- 1 tsp Mustard
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
- Firstly, cook the macaroni noodles until soft, then cool and drain them.
- Then, Mix mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
- Chop celery, red bell pepper, red onion, hard-boiled eggs, and grate carrot.
- Combine cooked macaroni, chopped vegetables, and hard-boiled eggs in a bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the ingredients and mix gently until coated evenly.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- Try adding fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or basil for extra flavor and freshness.
- Mix things up by using different types of mayo, like avocado or chipotle mayo, to give your salad a unique taste.
- For a lighter option, swap some or all of the mayo for plain Greek yogurt—it’s creamy and tangy.
- Be careful not to overcook the macaroni noodles; you want them tender but still a bit firm.
- Adjust the dressing’s sweetness and tanginess by adding more or less sugar and vinegar to suit your taste.
- lf making the salad ahead, wait to add the dressing until just before serving to keep the noodles from getting soggy.
Nutrition Facts:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 395 kcal |
| Fat | 20g |
| Carbohydrates | 43g |
| Fibre | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 14mg |
| Potassium | 155mg |
| Sodium | 495mg |
| Calcium | 20mg |
| Iron | 1mg |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
What Other Things Can You Put in Macaroni Salad to Make it Tasty?
This recipe is really flexible—you can add whatever you like! Some people like putting diced celery in their macaroni salad, and it would be yummy in this one. Others enjoy chopped hard-boiled eggs. If you like that, go ahead and add some!
Want to add cubed cheddar cheese? Sure thing! You can even add extra veggies if you want more in your salad.
Should You Wash Macaroni Before Making Macaroni Salad?
After you finish cooking the macaroni, make sure to rinse it right away with cold water. This helps prevent the pasta from sticking together. If you skip rinsing it, you might end up with a clumpy mess instead of a nice, separated macaroni salad.
So, always remember to give your cooked macaroni a good rinse under cold water before using it in your salad.
How Many Days Can You Store Macaroni Salad?
You can store macaroni salad in the fridge for up to five days if you keep it in a sealed container. It’s perfect for preparing ahead of time, and it tastes even better if you let it chill for at least an hour before serving.
But remember, it’s not a good idea to leave it out in the heat for too long because the dressing won’t hold up well. So, keep it cool until you’re ready to enjoy it!