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+ servings
Macaroni Salad

Creamy Macaroni Salad That Elevates Your Summer Gatherings

This classic creamy macaroni salad is a nostalgic dish perfect for summer gatherings, combining crunchy veggies and a tangy dressing everyone loves.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni cook until al dente
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup mayonnaise full-fat recommended
  • 2 tablespoons vinegar red wine or distilled
  • 1 tablespoon sugar adjust to taste
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper
  • splash milk to thin dressing
  • 1 tablespoon pickle juice from sweet or spicy pickles
For the Mix-Ins
  • 1 cup roasted red peppers chopped
  • 1/2 cup black olives finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup sweet or spicy pickles chopped
  • 1/4 cup green onions sliced, white and green parts

Equipment

  • Pot
  • colander
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Macaroni Salad
  1. Boil a large pot of water over high heat. Once boiling, add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and a splash of milk. Season with salt and pepper. Mix until smooth.
  3. In a large bowl, combine cooled macaroni with about three-quarters of the dressing. Fold together gently. Add black olives, roasted red peppers, pickles, and green onions.
  4. Check the salad's moisture. If it appears dry, add more dressing until desired consistency is reached. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld.
  6. Before serving, stir the salad, transfer to a serving bowl, and garnish with additional green onions or paprika if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 6gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For best results, prepare the salad a day in advance and taste before serving to adjust seasoning as needed.

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