Best Macaroni Salad

Introducing the ultimate summer staple – the Best Macaroni Salad! A dish that not only brings a wave of nostalgia but also wraps you in its creamy, tangy embrace. Picture this: a vibrant bowl filled with perfectly cooked macaroni, colorful vegetables, and a rich dressing that sings of flavor. You know it’s good when your family can’t resist going back for seconds!

Did you know that macaroni salad has its roots in the Italian pasta dishes that made their way to American kitchens in the early 20th century? This dish is more than just a side – it’s a celebration of flavors, perfect for picnics, BBQs, or family gatherings. Quickly whip it up in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy days! And if you love this macaroni salad, you’ll also adore our classic Potato Salad that complements any meal beautifully. So, grab your mixing bowl and get ready to delight your taste buds with the Best Macaroni Salad!

What is Macaroni Salad?

So, what’s the deal with this delightful dish called macaroni salad? The name really says it all – it’s a salad made with macaroni! But let’s be real: calling it a “salad” might mislead you into thinking it’s just lettuce and tomatoes. Nope! This dish is a creamy, decadent mix of pasta, dressed with mayonnaise, and studded with all sorts of goodies. How did it get its name? Well, it might as well be known as “the way to a person’s heart!” after all, it does bring everyone together at potlucks and family reunions.

So why not roll up your sleeves and try this amazing recipe? Trust me, you’ll see why macaroni salad has captured so many hearts!

Why You’ll Love This Macaroni Salad

Imagine biting into a creamy bowl of macaroni salad that transports you straight to summer picnics, family reunions, and lazy backyard barbecues. The main highlight of this dish is its incredible creaminess, thanks to the luscious dressing that binds all the ingredients together in perfect harmony. Plus, making your macaroni salad at home is a total budget saver compared to store-bought versions. You can customize it with your favorite veggies, adding a splash of crunch and color!

But what makes it truly special are all those tasty additions – crisp bell peppers, sweet peas, zesty pickles, and a hint of onion, all working together to create a symphony of flavor and texture. Compared to a classic coleslaw, macaroni salad offers a heartier and more filling option. So why not gather some ingredients and create this flavorful masterpiece in your own kitchen?

How to Make Macaroni Salad

Quick Overview

Making macaroni salad is as easy as boiling pasta, mixing a few ingredients, and letting them chill! With a preparation time of just 20 minutes, plus a little time to let those flavors meld, this dish is both delicious and hassle-free. You’ll end up with a creamy, satisfying side dish that everyone will love!

Key Ingredients for Macaroni Salad

Here’s what you need to whip up the Best Macaroni Salad:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• ½ cup celery (finely chopped)
• ½ cup bell pepper (finely chopped)
• ½ cup red onion (finely chopped)
• 1 cup frozen peas (thawed)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Stir until smooth and well combined.
3. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled macaroni to the dressing. Then, gently fold in chopped celery, bell pepper, red onion, and thawed peas.
4. Season: Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste, mixing thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are coated evenly.
5. Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled and enjoy!

What to Serve Macaroni Salad With

Macaroni salad pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes! Think BBQ Chicken, Grilled Vegetables, or a juicy Hamburgers. For a complete spread, consider serving it alongside some fresh Fruit Salad or Crispy Potato Wedges. You can even take it up a notch by offering it with a refreshing Lemonade or Iced Tea to keep everyone cool during those hot summer days!

Top Tips for Perfecting Macaroni Salad

1. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Ensure that your macaroni is al dente. You want it to have a little bite to it, even after mixing with the dressing.
2. Customize: Feel free to swap in your favorite ingredients! Add diced hard-boiled eggs for extra protein, or sprinkle in some herbs for an aromatic twist.
3. Give it Time: Letting your macaroni salad chill for an hour (or more!) is crucial; it lets the flavors develop and meld together for that classic taste we all love.
4. Dress Separately: If you’re making this salad ahead of time, consider keeping the dressing separate until serving to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you find yourself with any leftovers (though I doubt it!), you can store your macaroni salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best texture and flavor, it’s recommended to eat it within the first 2 days. As for reheating, macaroni salad is best served cold, so no need to warm it up! Just give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Now that you know how to make the Best Macaroni Salad, why not give it a shot? Gather your ingredients, invite some friends over, and celebrate with a bowl of deliciousness that everyone will love. Happy cooking!

Best Macaroni Salad

A creamy and tangy macaroni salad filled with colorful vegetables, perfect for picnics and family gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta

• 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked) Cook until al dente

Dressing

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Vegetables

• 1/2 cup celery (finely chopped)
• 1/2 cup bell pepper (finely chopped)
• 1/2 cup red onion (finely chopped)
• 1 cup frozen peas (thawed)

Seasoning

• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

 

Preparation

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Stir until smooth and well combined.
3. Add the cooled macaroni to the dressing. Then, gently fold in chopped celery, bell pepper, red onion, and thawed peas.
4. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste, mixing thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are coated evenly.
5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Notes

For best results, let the salad chill for an hour or more to meld flavors. Customize by adding diced hard-boiled eggs or other favorite ingredients. Serve cold for best taste.