Description
Creamy, zesty macaroni salad delights taste buds with its perfect blend of tangy mayo, crisp vegetables, and pasta. Summer gatherings become more delicious when you bring this crowd-pleasing classic to the table.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
Dressing Ingredients:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp sugar
Seasoning and Garnish:
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Carefully add elbow macaroni to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- Drain the pasta in a colander and immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool down the pasta quickly.
- While pasta cools, finely dice the celery and red onion into uniform, small pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the salad.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, and sugar until the dressing becomes smooth and well-incorporated.
- Sprinkle salt and black pepper into the dressing, stirring to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Transfer the cooled macaroni to a large mixing bowl and pour the prepared dressing over the pasta.
- Gently fold the dressing into the pasta using a spatula, ensuring each pasta piece is evenly coated.
- Add diced celery and red onion to the dressed pasta, mixing thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and salad to chill.
- Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and give a final gentle stir.
- Serve cold as a refreshing side dish or light meal.
Notes
- Perfectly rinse pasta with ice-cold water to halt cooking and prevent mushy texture, ensuring crisp, firm macaroni for ideal salad consistency.
- Dice vegetables uniformly to guarantee balanced flavor distribution and professional-looking presentation in every bite.
- Customize dressing by adjusting vinegar and sugar quantities for tangier or sweeter profiles, accommodating different taste preferences.
- Make salad diet-friendly by substituting regular mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or vegan alternatives for lighter, healthier version without compromising creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg