Description
This classic Macaroni Salad is a simple, refreshing side dish perfect for summer barbecues, cookouts, picnics, and holiday gatherings. Featuring a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing paired with colorful vegetables and tender elbow macaroni, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s quick to prepare and easy to customize.
Ingredients
Salad
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 large red onion (chopped)
- 2 stalks celery (about ¼ cup, chopped)
- ½ green bell pepper (chopped)
- ½ red bell pepper (chopped)
- ½ cup frozen peas
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise (do not substitute)
- ⅛ cup vinegar (apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard or regular mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
- Cook Macaroni: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente (just fork tender), about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: Transfer the cooled macaroni into a large bowl. Add the chopped red onion, celery, green and red bell peppers, and frozen peas (which will thaw in the salad).
- Add Dressing and Chill: Pour most of the dressing over the macaroni and vegetables, reserving about ¼ cup of dressing to toss the salad before serving. Gently stir or toss to evenly coat the salad with dressing. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Just before serving, toss the salad with the reserved dressing to refresh flavors. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Serve cold for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Mayonnaise is key to the creamy texture; do not substitute with yogurt or sour cream.
- For added freshness, you can toss in chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill.
- Make the salad a day ahead for best flavor development.
- Ensure to shock cooked macaroni with cold water to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Keep refrigerated until serving to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
