Summer is just around the corner and it’s time for our summer classic recipes. No better place to start than with a Classic Macaroni Salad. It’s pure nostalgia and the perfect summer side dish for so many occasions. Macaroni salad is creamy, crunchy, tangy, and perfectly balanced. It’s great at a barbecues, picnics or potluck. it also makes a fantastic light lunch or dinner. The combination of textures and flavors is truly irresistible. So whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this dish is simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser. So, let’s get started!
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How to Make Classic Macaroni Salad
Macaroni salad is so good and so easy to make. To make this dish you will need only a few ingredients (pasta, vegetables and condiments). The pasta of choice is elbow macaroni. Other pastas can be substituted if elbow is not readily available. The key to making this classic dish is to use fresh vegetable and condiments. For this recipe I used red onions, red bell pepper and celery. Feel free to add any additional vegetable such as peppers or carrots to add your unique touch. For the condiments mayonnaise, mustard are the standard. I add relish to give it a slightly sweet and savory taste. I balance the flavors with the sweetness of the honey. Finally, the boiled eggs give this macaroni salad both texture and flavor. Watch the video tutorial below or continue reading for detailed step by step instructions for making this classic recipe.
Watch Video Tutorial for Macaroni Salad
Ingredients
- Elbow Macaroni – elbow macaroni is the pasta of choice for macaroni salad. Perfectly shaped to hold the dressing.
- Mayonnaise – the mayonnaise is the creamy foundation of the dressing. It provides the dressing with richness and acts to bind all the ingredients.
- Boiled Eggs – the eggs adds protein and a contrasting texture to the salad.
- Honey – honey give the salad sweetness and balance the acidity from the vinegar.
- White Vinegar – vinegar provides acidity and a tangy bite to the dressing.
- Mustard – mustard adds a savory flavor and it complements the other flavors.
- Sweet Relish – sweet relish adds a little sweetness and crunch.
- Celery – celery adds a freshness and a definite crunch.
- Red Bell Pepper – red bell pepper adds color and texture with a bite of pepper.
- Red Onion – red onion adds color, texture and a slight sweetness.
- Paprika – paprika gives the salad a smoky and slightly sweet taste.
- Black Pepper – black pepper gives the salad a mild spice and that familiar flavor.
- Salt – salt enhances all the flavors.
What You Will Need
Instructions
NOTE: Prep your veggies beforehand and set them aside. Cook your macaroni per package instructions. Rinse them with cold water then set them aside for at least 10 minutes before assembling your salad.
Step 1: Making the Dressing
To make the creamy dressing for this salad, in a medium mixing bowl, add together the mayonnaise, mustard, and honey.
Add the white vinegar and whisk until fully incorporated. Set the dressing aside for now. The flavors will meld and mingle as we prepare the rest of the salad.
Step 3: Combining the Ingredients for the Macaroni Salad
In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the diced onions, red bell peppers, and celery. Add the chopped eggs and sweet relish.
Step 4: Seasoning the Macaroni Salad
Season the salad generously with paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until well combined.
Step 5: Adding the Creamy Dressing
Lastly, pour the prepared dressing over the macaroni mixture and mix thoroughly until all the noodles are coated in that creamy goodness. You can serve immediately but I suggest covering your bowl with plastic wrap and placing your salad in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This will yield optimal taste.
This classic macaroni salad is one of my favorite summertime side dishes. I truly hope it becomes one of yours too.
What to Eat With Macaroni Salad
Macaroni salad works so well as a side dish to almost any meal. It is the ideal companion to grilled and barbecued meats such as burgers, hot dogs, chicken, or ribs. You can serve it alongside fried chicken, pork chops, potato salad, potato chips and/or fresh fruit. It also pairs well with your favorite sandwich such as tuna melt, turkey or ham. And if you really want to be creative, adding your protein to the salad such as tuna or chicken can take this recipe to a whole new level. However you chose to serve this classic dish, it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. I hope you give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed.
What to Do With Leftovers Macaroni Salad
If you are so fortunate to have leftovers, macaroni salad can keep in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. It’s important to store your salad in an air tight container. Because macaroni salad contains mayonnaise and other perishables, make sure to alway inspect to check for spoiling before consuming.
Try These Other Great Recipes
- Chicken Salad – One of my favorite salads. Easy to make and so very delicious!
- Baked Mac and Cheese – This soul food staple is great for any occasion.
- Potato Salad – A classic recipe for this soul food and summer time staple. No backyard gathering is complete without it.
- Black Bean Salad – This black bean salad is a clean and refreshing side dish that is perfect for your summer gatherings.
- Seafood Mac and Cheese – If you love traditional baked mac and cheese then you must try this seafood mac and cheese! Simply delicious.
- Greek Salad – This salad is the best of many worlds with fresh lettuce, cucumber, avocado and other veggies.
- Thai Cucumber Salad – This Asian inspired salad is light, flavorful and tasty. One of the best and easiest dishes you will ever make.
Classic Macaroni Salad
10
servings18
minutes6
minutesIngredients
3-1/2 Cups elbow macaroni
1 cup mayonnaise
2 boiled eggs, chopped
1/4 Cup honey
1 tbsp white vinegar
2 tbsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)
2 tbsp sweet relish
2 stalks celery, diced
1 cup red onion, diced
1 cup red bell pepper, diced
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp black pepper
1-1/2 tsp salt
Directions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, and honey until smooth.
- Add the vinegar and whisk again until fully incorporated.
- Set the dressing aside for now. The flavors will meld and mingle as we prepare the rest.
- Cook your macaroni according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and keep the noodles from sticking.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the diced onions, red bell peppers, and celery.
- Add the chopped eggs and sweet relish.
- Season generously with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Toss everything together until well combined.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the macaroni mixture and mix thoroughly until all the noodles are coated in that creamy goodness.
Recipe Video
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