Classic Macaroni Salad
Ingredients
- 3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1/2 medium red onion
finely diced, about 1 cup
- 1 rib celery
finely diced, about 1/3 cup
- 1/2 green bell pepper
finely diced, about 1/3 cup
- 1 cup mayo
like Duke's
- 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
Directions
- 1
Cook macaroni according to package directions using salted water. Drain and run cool water over the pasta until it is cooled.
- 2
In another bowl stir together mayo, mustard, vinegar, pepper, sugar, salt, garlic, and onion powder. Add the onion, celery, and bell pepper. Mix well.
- 3
In a large bowl, add the pasta and about half of the dressing and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate the pasta and remaining dressing for at least 2 hours.
- 4
When ready to serve, add remaining dressing and toss to coat. Add additional salt and pepper to taste.
Classic Macaroni Salad
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About this Recipe
Craving that quintessential Southern potluck staple? This Classic Macaroni Salad recipe brings all the nostalgic flavors right to your table, serving as an easy and filling side dish perfect for any gathering. It's the comforting taste of tradition, ready to share.
What makes this macaroni salad truly special is the thoughtful balance of creamy, tangy, and subtly sweet elements, perfectly complemented by crisp vegetables. The combination of creamy mayonnaise, sharp yellow mustard, and bright white vinegar, along with a blend of sugar, salt, and aromatic powders, creates a dressing where every ingredient plays a vital role. This ensures a rich, harmonious flavor profile that gets even better as the distinct ingredients meld together over time.
You can expect a vibrant, hearty salad featuring tender elbow macaroni coated in a lusciously rich, savory dressing. Each bite offers a pleasant contrast of textures, from the softness of the pasta to the satisfying crunch of finely diced red onion, celery, and green bell pepper. It's a dish that embodies comfort and familiarity, delivering a wonderfully balanced taste that's both creamy and fresh.
Customization & Variations
Feel free to adjust this classic recipe to suit your preferences. While Duke's mayonnaise is a Southern favorite, you can use any high-quality mayonnaise you prefer. For a slightly different flavor or texture, consider varying the amount of red onion or green bell pepper, or ensuring they are very finely diced for a more integrated taste. You can also slightly increase or decrease the white sugar and white vinegar to achieve your desired level of sweetness and tang.
This Classic Macaroni Salad is the perfect companion for backyard barbecues, family picnics, or any occasion where a crowd-pleasing side is needed. Serve it chilled alongside grilled meats, sandwiches, or as part of a larger buffet spread.