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Macaroni Salad

Macaroni Salad
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Classic Macaroni Salad is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender elbow macaroni, fresh crunchy vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, and a creamy tangy dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or simple meals, this versatile salad is easy to customize, make ahead, and loved by all ages.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni

Dressing

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Vegetables & Herbs

  • 1/2 cup celery, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped

Other

  • 3 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Begin by boiling the elbow macaroni until it’s perfectly al dente according to package instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water to cool and stop the cooking process.
  2. Prepare the hard-boiled eggs: While the pasta cooks, hard-boil your eggs by placing them in boiling water for about 10 minutes, then cool, peel, and chop them into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Chop the vegetables and herbs: Dice the celery and red onion finely, and chop fresh parsley or dill to bring color and fresh flavor to the salad.
  4. Mix the dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sweet pickle relish, salt, and pepper until smooth and balanced in flavor.
  5. Combine all ingredients: In a large bowl, gently fold together the cooled macaroni, chopped eggs, veggies, herbs, and dressing until each piece is generously coated.
  6. Chill before serving: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least an hour to allow flavors to meld and chill for the best taste experience.

Notes

  • Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushiness and rinse with cold water.
  • Chill the salad for at least one hour for optimal flavor blending.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and vinegar as needed.
  • Use fresh celery and herbs for best flavor and texture.
  • Mix gently to prevent pasta from breaking and maintain salad’s appearance.

Nutrition

Keywords: macaroni salad, classic macaroni salad, picnic salad, potluck dish, creamy pasta salad, easy summer salad

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/macaroni-salad/