Macaroni Salad is a classic dish that everyone loves! It’s creamy, crunchy, and oh-so-delicious. Perfect for summer picnics, BBQs, or just a fun family dinner. You can make it in no time, and it always disappears fast!
Why Make This Recipe
This Macaroni Salad is a winner for many reasons. First, it’s super easy to make, and you probably have most of the ingredients at home. Second, it’s refreshing and satisfying, making it the perfect dish for hot days. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite veggies or add-ins. Trust me, making this salad will bring smiles to the table!
How to Make Macaroni Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup peas
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: hard-boiled eggs, chopped
Directions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Add the cooked macaroni, celery, red onion, bell pepper, and peas to the dressing. Stir until well combined.
- If desired, add chopped hard-boiled eggs.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled.
How to Serve Macaroni Salad
Serve this Macaroni Salad cold as a side dish at your next BBQ or family gathering. It pairs well with grilled meats and is a great addition to any picnic basket. You can also enjoy it as a light lunch on its own.
How to Store Macaroni Salad
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. The flavors get even better as it sits, so enjoy it as your tasty lunch for the week.
Tips to Make Macaroni Salad
- Make sure to rinse the macaroni in cold water after cooking. This keeps it from sticking together.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like carrots or corn for extra flavor.
- For added texture, you can toss in some crunchy nuts or seeds.
Variation
Try adding some diced pickles or olives for a tangy twist. You could also swap out the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
FAQs
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can make it a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge.
2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Any short pasta works well, like shells or rotini.
3. Is this salad gluten-free?
You can use gluten-free macaroni to make this salad gluten-free. Just check the label when you buy it!
