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Simple Macaroni Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 100 reviews

This simple macaroni salad recipe is a classic, creamy, and tangy side dish perfect for picnics, barbecues, and potlucks. Featuring tender elbow macaroni combined with crisp vegetables, sharp cheddar cheese, and a flavorful homemade dressing, it’s easy to prepare and refreshingly delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Vegetables

  • 1 lb. elbow macaroni noodles (uncooked)
  • 1/4 cup diced celery
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion
  • 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas
  • 1 cup cubed sharp cheddar cheese

Dressing

  • 1 cup mayo
  • 1/4 cup distilled vinegar
  • 3 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the noodles: Cook the elbow macaroni noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cool running water, optionally adding a few ice cubes to speed up cooling. Drain well and transfer the noodles to a large mixing bowl.
  2. Add vegetables and cheese: Add the diced celery, red onion, red bell pepper, frozen peas, and cubed sharp cheddar cheese to the bowl with the noodles. Stir gently to combine.
  3. Prepare the dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, distilled vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, sweet pickle relish, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
  4. Toss salad with dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the macaroni mixture, stirring thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
  5. Chill before serving: Cover the macaroni salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld and to serve it chilled. Enjoy your creamy, tangy macaroni salad!

Notes

  • For best flavor, chill the salad for several hours or overnight.
  • You can substitute light mayonnaise to reduce calories.
  • Add chopped hard-boiled eggs for extra protein.
  • Adjust sugar and vinegar to taste depending on your preferred sweetness and tanginess.
  • Be sure to rinse pasta well to stop cooking and cool the salad effectively.

Keywords: macaroni salad, creamy macaroni salad, picnic salad, cold pasta salad, summer side dish

Find it online: https://www.sanacooks.com/simple-macaroni-salad-recipe/