Classic Creamy Macaroni Salad

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Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Classic Creamy Macaroni Salad, you will need:

For the Salad:

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni (or any pasta shape of your choice)
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (any color)
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs (chopped, optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

For the Dressing:

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to make Classic Creamy Macaroni Salad:

  • Large Pot – For cooking the macaroni.
  • Colander – For draining the pasta.
  • Large Mixing Bowl – For combining the salad ingredients.
  • Small Bowl – For mixing the dressing.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons – For accurate measurement of ingredients.
  • Knife and Cutting Board – For chopping vegetables and eggs.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Cook the Macaroni

  1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.

2. Prepare the Vegetables and Eggs

  1. Chop the Vegetables: Dice the celery, red onion, bell pepper, and shred the carrots. If using, chop the hard-boiled eggs into small pieces.

3. Make the Dressing

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.

4. Assemble the Salad

  1. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, diced celery, red onion, bell pepper, shredded carrots, and chopped eggs if using.
  2. Add Dressing: Pour the dressing over the macaroni mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.

5. Chill and Serve

  1. Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly.

Tips and Tricks

  • Cook Pasta Al Dente: To avoid mushy macaroni, cook the pasta until just al dente, as it will absorb some of the dressing and soften slightly while chilling.
  • Customize the Salad: Feel free to add other ingredients such as peas, olives, or cooked bacon for extra flavor and texture.
  • Adjust the Dressing: If you prefer a tangier dressing, add a bit more vinegar. For a richer dressing, increase the amount of mayonnaise.

How to Store Classic Creamy Macaroni Salad

Store any leftover macaroni salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits, making it a great make-ahead dish. If the salad seems dry after refrigeration, you can stir in a little extra mayonnaise or a splash of milk to restore its creaminess.

Variations on the Recipe

  • Mediterranean Macaroni Salad: Add diced cucumbers, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese to the salad for a Mediterranean twist.
  • Spicy Macaroni Salad: Mix in a tablespoon of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to give the salad a spicy kick.
  • Vegan Version: Use vegan mayonnaise and omit the hard-boiled eggs to make a vegan-friendly version of this classic salad.

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