why make this recipe
This macaroni salad is a perfect choice for picnics, potlucks, and barbecues. It’s easy to make, colorful, and packed with flavor. The creamy dressing and crunchy veggies make it a hit with both kids and adults. Plus, it can be made ahead of time, making your meal prep a breeze.
how to make Best Macaroni Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- Optional: diced ham or cooked bacon
Directions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, diced celery, red bell pepper, red onion, sweet pickle relish, and apple cider vinegar.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the bowl and mix until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Fold in optional ingredients if desired.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
how to serve Best Macaroni Salad
Serve your macaroni salad cold as a side dish at your favorite meals. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats and sandwiches. You can also add extra toppings like fresh herbs or crumbled cheese to give it a personal touch.
how to store Best Macaroni Salad
To store leftover macaroni salad, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3 to 5 days. If the salad seems dry after refrigeration, you can mix in a little more mayonnaise before serving.
tips to make Best Macaroni Salad
- Make sure to rinse the macaroni with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly.
- Adjust the amount of mayonnaise based on your creaminess preference.
- For more flavor, let the salad sit in the fridge for longer; it tastes even better after the flavors meld together.
variation
You can customize this macaroni salad by adding different vegetables like peas or corn. For a tangy twist, try using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, or add some mustard to the dressing.
FAQs
1. Can I make macaroni salad the night before?
Yes! Making macaroni salad a day in advance allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
2. Is macaroni salad gluten-free?
No, traditional macaroni salad is not gluten-free due to the elbow macaroni, which is made from wheat. However, you can use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
3. How can I make macaroni salad healthier?
You can add more vegetables, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, or reduce the amount of dressing used for a lighter version.
Best Macaroni Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, diced celery, red bell pepper, red onion, sweet pickle relish, and apple cider vinegar.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the bowl and mix until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Fold in optional ingredients if desired.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.