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.
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.