Description
A creamy and tangy macaroni salad that’s perfect for summer picnics and barbecues.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup celery, finely diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup sweet pickles or relish
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: hard-boiled eggs, diced
- Optional: 1 teaspoon sugar for a touch of sweetness
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once it’s boiling, add the elbow macaroni. Cook according to package instructions until al dente—usually about 7-8 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta cooks, prepare your dressing. In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and a sprinkle of salt and black pepper. Mix well until everything is blended smoothly. If you prefer a hint of sweetness, this is the moment to add in that teaspoon of sugar.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This also helps cool it down quickly, making it easier to mix with your dressing later.
- Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl with the dressing, and give it a good stir to coat the pasta thoroughly.
- Now it’s time to fold in your diced celery, red bell pepper, sweet pickles or relish, and red onion. Each bite should be filled with open bursts of flavor, so be generous with those ingredients!
- If you’re opting for hard-boiled eggs, this is your chance. Dice them up and gently fold them in.
- Once everything is mixed well, cover your bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This not only enhances the flavors but also makes the salad nice and cold for serving.
Notes
Ensure to chill the salad for at least 30 minutes for enhanced flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 20mg