Description
Classic Macaroni Salad is a delightful blend of creamy goodness and vibrant vegetables, making it an ideal dish for any gathering, whether it’s a summer picnic, family barbecue, or casual dinner. This easy-to-make salad combines tender elbow macaroni with a zesty dressing of mayo, mustard, and vinegar, perfectly complemented by fresh veggies like red onion, celery, and green bell pepper. Not only is it quick to prepare, but it’s also highly customizable—add diced pickles or olives for an extra crunch! Best served chilled after allowing the flavors to meld in the fridge, Classic Macaroni Salad promises to be a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1/2 medium red onion, finely diced
- 1 rib celery, finely diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 3 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons white sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package directions in salted water. Drain and rinse under cool water until cooled.
- In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, black pepper, sugar, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
- Stir in the diced onion, celery, and bell pepper into the dressing mixture.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with half of the dressing. Toss well to coat.
- Cover and refrigerate both the pasta and remaining dressing for at least two hours.
- Before serving, mix in the remaining dressing and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg