Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe

4 stars
3.71 (20)
Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
40mins
Category:
Recipe by Administrator
Published on September 09, 2023

Mama's Macaroni Salad is a classic American dish that is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a side dish for any barbecue gathering. This recipe combines cooked macaroni with fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing to create a creamy and flavorful salad. The pasta is tossed with crunchy celery, bell peppers, and onions, and then coated with a creamy mayonnaise and mustard dressing. It's a versatile dish that can be customized with additional ingredients such as pickles or olives. This macaroni salad is easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion

Directions

  1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
  2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
  3. Add cooked and cooled macaroni to the bowl with the dressing. Stir until macaroni is well coated.
  4. Add diced celery, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and red onion to the macaroni mixture. Gently toss to combine.
  5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
  6. Before serving, give the salad a good stir and adjust the seasoning if needed.
  7. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Interesting Facts

  • Macaroni salad is thought to have originated in the United States and is a popular dish for summer cookouts.
  • Some variations of macaroni salad include the addition of hard-boiled eggs, pickles, or olives.
  • Leftover macaroni salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.