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Simple Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe Easy Homemade Classic in 5 Steps

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A creamy, tangy, and comforting macaroni salad made with simple pantry staples and fresh veggies, perfect for BBQs, potlucks, and quick meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni (about 200g), cooked al dente and rinsed with cold water
  • 1 cup mayonnaise (240ml)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional but recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander and immediately rinse under cold running water to stop cooking. Let it drain well.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  4. Chop 1/2 cup celery, 1/4 cup red onion, 2 hard-boiled eggs (if using), and 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill. Fold these gently into the dressing.
  5. Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl and gently fold everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

Rinse pasta after cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy. Chilling the salad for at least 1 hour enhances flavor. Adjust seasoning to taste. For a thinner dressing after chilling, stir in a splash of milk or extra mayo.

Nutrition

Keywords: macaroni salad, creamy macaroni salad, classic macaroni salad, easy macaroni salad, picnic salad, BBQ side dish

Find it online: https://gleefulfork.com/simple-creamy-macaroni-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-classic-in-5-steps/