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