Description
This creamy macaroni salad is a classic, easy-to-make side dish perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a light lunch. It features tender elbow macaroni coated in a tangy and smooth dressing made from mayonnaise, vinegar, and Dijon mustard, with a refreshing crunch from chopped celery. Chilled to meld flavors, it’s both comforting and refreshing.
Ingredients
Scale
Macaroni
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni: Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the macaroni and rinse it thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down, preventing it from becoming mushy.
- Prepare the dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well blended, creating the creamy base for the salad.
- Combine: Add the cooled macaroni into the dressing bowl. Toss the macaroni gently but thoroughly with the dressing to ensure every piece is coated evenly with the flavorful mixture.
- Add crunch: Fold in the chopped celery carefully to incorporate a fresh crunch into the creamy macaroni mixture, enhancing texture and flavor variety in the salad.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the macaroni salad for at least 30 minutes. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and ensures the salad is served cool and refreshing.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding chopped onions or bell peppers.
- Adjust vinegar and mustard quantity for a tangier dressing.
- This salad can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Use gluten-free pasta if gluten intolerance is a concern.
- Adding a hard-boiled egg can increase protein content.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
