This Easy Macaroni Salad recipe is the perfect side dish to bring to Summer BBQ’s, parties and more! Easy macaroni salad is loaded with veggies, cheese and more. You will love the creamy dressing.
Macaroni salad is a classic dish. It typically features cooked elbow macaroni mixed with a combination of ingredients. This creates a flavorful and creamy side dish. There are many variations, but the base often includes a dressing made from mayonnaise. It can be enhanced with ingredients like mustard, vinegar, or sour cream for added tang.
Diced vegetables are common add-ins. These can include celery, bell peppers, chopped onions, or pickles. Hard-boiled eggs, peas, or cooked bacon can also be included for added texture and flavor. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can also enhance the dish.
Macaroni salad is known for its versatility. It can be served chilled or at room temperature. This makes it an ideal side for barbecues, picnics, and potlucks. Its creamy and satisfying nature makes it a beloved comfort food. It can be adapted to suit various tastes. It also accommodates dietary preferences.
INGREDIENTS for Macaroni Salad
Pasta:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
Vegetables and Cheese:
- 1 cup cubed cheese (like cheddar or your preferred variety)
- 1/2 cup finely diced onion
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (any color)
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (thawed)
Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, according to package directions. You want the pasta to still be firm.
- Once cooked, promptly run the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Drain well.
- Prepare the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta with the cubed cheese. Add the onion, celery, bell pepper, and peas. Toss gently to combine.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, dill, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine:
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss until everything is well coated.
- Chill:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Give the salad a quick toss before serving. Enjoy this refreshing and creamy macaroni salad!
- Feel free to change this recipe with your favorite ingredients or any extra seasonings you enjoy!
Notes and Tips for Making Macaroni Salad
Notes:
- Pasta Type: Elbow macaroni is traditional. But, you can use other pasta shapes for a different texture. Consider using penne, rotini, or shell pasta.
- Cheese Options: Experiment with various cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or feta for a unique flavor profile.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or grated carrots for extra color and nutrition.
- Dressing Adjustments: If you prefer a lighter dressing, you can make changes. Substitute some of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. You can also use sour cream.
- Add Protein: To make the salad more filling, consider adding diced cooked chicken, ham, or tuna.
Tips:
- Cooking Pasta: Be diligent with the cooking time for the pasta—overcooking can lead to mushy salad. Aim for al dente, then cool it quickly in cold water.
- Chilling Time: Allow plenty of chilling time before serving. This not only enhances the flavors. It also helps the salad firm up.
- Seasoning: Taste the salad after chilling. Adjust the seasoning if necessary. Sometimes a little more salt or pepper can elevate the flavors.
- Serving: For a garnish, you can sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or dill on top. Do this just before serving for added freshness and color.
- Make-Ahead: This salad is perfect for making ahead of time. It can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving.
- Storage: Store leftover macaroni salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If it seems dry after a couple of days, add more dressing. You can also add a splash of vinegar to refresh it.
Follow these notes and tips. You can create a delicious and customizable macaroni salad. It’s perfect for any occasion! Enjoy your cooking!
Macaroni Salad
Macaroni salad is a delightful and creamy dish made from cooked elbow macaroni, tossed with a variety of fresh vegetables and a tangy mayonnaise dressing. Often enhanced with ingredients like mustard, hard-boiled eggs, and herbs, this versatile salad is a staple at picnics, barbecues, and potlucks. Its satisfying blend of flavors and textures makes it a beloved comfort food that can be easily customized to suit individual tastes. Serve it chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing addition to any meal!
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
Vegetables and Cheese:
- 1 cup cubed cheese (like cheddar or your preferred variety)
- 1/2 cup finely diced onion
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (any color)
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (thawed)
Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni until al dent. You want them still firm. Immediately run the pasta under cold water so it isn’t sticky and prevents it from over cooking. Drain well.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss together cooked pasta with the cubed cheese, onion, celery, bell pepper, and peas.
- In a small mixing bowl, mix together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, dill, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture over the pasta and toss until everything is well coated. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and chill at least 1 hour before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Cooking Pasta: Be diligent with the cooking time for the pasta—overcooking can lead to mushy salad. Aim for al dente, then cool it quickly in cold water.
- Chilling Time: Allow plenty of chilling time before serving. This not only enhances the flavors. It also helps the salad firm up.
- Seasoning: Taste the salad after chilling. Adjust the seasoning if necessary. Sometimes a little more salt or pepper can elevate the flavors.
- Serving: For a garnish, you can sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or dill on top. Do this just before serving for added freshness and color.
- Make-Ahead: This salad is perfect for making ahead of time. It can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving.
- Storage: Store leftover macaroni salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If it seems dry after a couple of days, add a bit more dressing. You can also add a splash of vinegar to refresh it.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 54Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 78mgCarbohydrates: 3gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 3g
**Nutritional information on HRCookery is provided as a courtesy. We can't guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on the site. these figures should only be considered as estimates.
