Easy Macaroni Salad

Easy Macaroni Salad

Easy Macaroni Salad is a classic dish loved by many. It’s a perfect side for summer barbecues, family gatherings, or simple weeknight dinners. This salad is quick to make and offers a delicious blend of flavors and textures that everyone will enjoy.

Why Make This Recipe

There are many reasons to make Easy Macaroni Salad. Firstly, it is a simple and fast recipe that requires minimal cooking skills. Secondly, it is customizable, so you can add your favorite ingredients or adjust it to suit your taste. Lastly, it serves well as a main dish or a side dish, making it versatile for any occasion.

How to Make Easy Macaroni Salad

Making Easy Macaroni Salad is straightforward. Here’s how you can do it.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 6 oz cheddar cheese (cubed)
• 1/2 red onion (minced)
• 4 celery stalks (diced)
• 1 red bell pepper (diced)
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup mayo
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup fresh dill
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until it is al dente, then drain and rinse it under cold water.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cubed cheddar cheese, minced red onion, diced celery, diced bell pepper, and frozen peas.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayo, apple cider vinegar, fresh dill, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
5. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving.

How to Serve Easy Macaroni Salad

Easy Macaroni Salad can be served cold or at room temperature. Scoop it into bowls or serve it in a large dish. You can also garnish it with additional dill or fresh herbs for a lovely presentation.

How to Store Easy Macaroni Salad

Store any leftover Easy Macaroni Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3-5 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again, as the dressing may thicken as it sits.

Tips to Make Easy Macaroni Salad

• To save time, you can use pre-chopped vegetables or frozen diced bell peppers and onions.
• Adjust the amount of mayo according to your taste. If you prefer a lighter salad, use Greek yogurt instead.
• For added crunch, you can include ingredients like diced pickles or shredded carrots.

Variation

Feel free to add protein like diced ham or cooked chicken to make the salad more filling. You can also experiment with different cheeses or add other vegetables like corn or broccoli.

FAQs

1. Can I make Easy Macaroni Salad a day ahead?
Yes, you can prepare it a day ahead. Just remember to store it in the refrigerator and stir before serving.

2. What can I substitute for mayo?
Greek yogurt or cottage cheese can be good alternatives if you want a healthier option.

3. Can I freeze Easy Macaroni Salad?
It is not recommended to freeze macaroni salad, as the texture of the pasta and vegetables may change after thawing.

Now you are ready to enjoy your homemade Easy Macaroni Salad!

Easy Macaroni Salad

A classic and customizable macaroni salad, perfect for summer barbecues and family gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 280 kcal

Ingredients

  

Pasta and Base Ingredients

• 1 lb elbow macaroni Cooked until al dente
• 6 oz cheddar cheese, cubed Choose sharp or mild based on preference
• 1/2 unit red onion, minced Can substitute with green onions for milder flavor
• 4 stalks celery, diced
• 1 unit red bell pepper, diced For added color and sweetness
• 1 cup frozen peas Fresh peas can also be used

Dressing Ingredients

• 1/2 cup mayo Adjust to taste, or substitute with Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped Can use dried dill if fresh is unavailable
• 2 tablespoons sugar Can adjust according to sweetness preference
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

Cooking Pasta

• Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until it is al dente, then drain and rinse it under cold water.

Mixing Ingredients

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cubed cheddar cheese, minced red onion, diced celery, diced bell pepper, and frozen peas.

Preparing Dressing

• In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayo, apple cider vinegar, fresh dill, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Combining Salad

• Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss to coat everything evenly.

Chilling

• Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving.

Notes

To save time, use pre-chopped vegetables or frozen diced bell peppers and onions. For added crunch, consider adding diced pickles or shredded carrots. This salad serves well either cold or at room temperature.

Keyword Easy Salad Recipe, Macaroni Salad, Potluck Salad, Quick Dish, Summer Recipe