Classic Macaroni Salad

Classic Macaroni Salad

Classic Macaroni Salad is a beloved dish that brings together the comforting taste of pasta with a creamy dressing and crunchy vegetables. It’s a staple at picnics, barbecues, and family gatherings. This salad is not only delicious but also easy to make, making it a favorite for both cooks and eaters alike.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to serve a crowd-pleasing dish. It is simple and quick to prepare, making it a go-to option for busy days. The combination of flavors and textures—smooth pasta, crunchy veggies, and creamy dressing—will satisfy everyone at your table. Plus, Classic Macaroni Salad is versatile; you can easily adjust the ingredients based on your preferences!

How to Make Classic Macaroni Salad

Making Classic Macaroni Salad involves just a few steps:

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces dried macaroni pasta
• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced small (about 3/4 cup)
• 2 stalks celery, diced small
• 1/3 cup red onion, finely diced
• 5 sweet gherkins, finely diced
• 4 ounces cheddar cheese, cubed small
• 2 hard boiled eggs, peeled and finely diced
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons sweet pickle juice
• 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/8 teaspoon paprika (optional)

Directions:

1. Cook the macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the diced bell pepper, celery, red onion, gherkins, cheddar cheese, and eggs. Set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle juice, cider vinegar, sugar, dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, garlic powder until smooth.
4. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss until everything is well coated.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving for optimal flavor.

How to Serve Classic Macaroni Salad

Classic Macaroni Salad is best served chilled. Scoop the salad into a bowl, and you can garnish it with a sprinkle of paprika on top for some added color. It pairs perfectly with grilled meats, burgers, or as a standalone dish on a hot day.

How to Store Classic Macaroni Salad

You can store Classic Macaroni Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3 to 5 days. If the salad becomes too thick after storing, simply add a bit more mayonnaise or sour cream to loosen it up before serving again.

Tips to Make Classic Macaroni Salad

• Make sure to rinse the pasta with cold water after cooking. This helps stop the cooking process and keeps the pasta from becoming mushy.
• For extra flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for a couple of hours or overnight before serving.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, corn, or carrots based on your taste preference.

Variations

You can customize Classic Macaroni Salad by adding ingredients like black olives, diced pickles, or even cooked bacon for a smoky flavor. You can also swap out the cheddar cheese for a different type of cheese, such as mozzarella or feta.

FAQs

Q: Can I make Classic Macaroni Salad ahead of time?
A: Yes! It’s a great dish to make ahead. Just keep it stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

Q: What can I serve with Classic Macaroni Salad?
A: It pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or can be enjoyed alone as a light meal.

Q: Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Just use gluten-free pasta to make the salad gluten-free.

Now you’re all set to enjoy a delightful bowl of Classic Macaroni Salad. If you’re looking for something simple, tasty, and satisfying, this recipe is just the ticket!

Classic Macaroni Salad

Classic Macaroni Salad is a beloved dish that combines the comforting taste of pasta with creamy dressing and crunchy vegetables, making it a staple at gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

  

Pasta and Vegetables

• 8 ounces dried macaroni pasta
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced small (about 3/4 cup)
• 2 stalks celery, diced small
• 1/3 cup red onion, finely diced
• 5 sweet gherkins, finely diced
• 4 ounces cheddar cheese, cubed small
• 2 hard boiled eggs, peeled and finely diced

Dressing

• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons sweet pickle juice
• 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/8 teaspoon paprika (optional)

Instructions

 

Cooking Pasta

• Cook the macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking.

Mixing Ingredients

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the diced bell pepper, celery, red onion, gherkins, cheddar cheese, and eggs. Set aside.

Preparing Dressing

• In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle juice, cider vinegar, sugar, dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, garlic powder until smooth.

Combining Salad

• Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss until everything is well coated.

Chilling

• Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving for optimal flavor.

Notes

Store Classic Macaroni Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3 to 5 days. If it becomes too thick, add a bit more mayonnaise or sour cream to loosen it up before serving again. For extra flavor, let the salad chill for a couple of hours or overnight before serving. Customize with additional vegetables like peas or corn.

Keyword Easy Recipe, Macaroni Salad, Pasta Salad, Picnic Food, Summertime Dish