How to Make THE BEST Macaroni Salad

How to Make THE BEST Macaroni Salad

from foodiecrush.com
35 min
12 servings

This traditional macaroni salad recipe with egg, dressed in a creamy but light mayonnaise dressing, is just right for any picnic or barbecue.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ditalini pasta (, or other short pasta or shell)
  • 3 hard-boiled eggs (, diced)
  • 2 celery ribs (, minced)
  • 1 red bell pepper (, seeded and minced)
  • 1/4 red onion (, minced)
  • 1/4 cup sweet pickles (, chopped)
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon pickle juice
  • 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Chopped parsley if desired.

Directions

  1. 1

    Cook the pasta in salted water according to the package directions, Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water until cooled. Shake the colander to toss the pasta, and drain for about 5 minutes, tossing occasionally.

  2. 2

    Transfer the drained pasta to a large bowl. Add the eggs, celery, red bell pepper, red onion and sweet pickles. In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, pickle juice, sugar, and Dijon mustard; season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add to the macaroni and toss until evenly coated. Season with more salt and pepper to taste then refrigerate for 1 hour before serving. Sprinkle with chopped parsley to add a little color if desired.