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A classic American side dish perfect for picnics and barbecues. Creamy, tangy, and loaded with crunchy vegetables and tender macaroni, this salad is always a crowd-pleaser and comes together in no time.
Cook the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt, then stir in the elbow macaroni. Cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain immediately in a colander and rinse thoroughly with cold running water until completely cool. This stops the cooking process and prevents the pasta from becoming mushy. Shake well to remove excess water.
Prepare the Dressing: While the pasta cooks, prepare the dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, white vinegar, Dijon mustard, granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled macaroni, finely chopped celery, diced red onion, diced red bell pepper, and chopped hard-boiled eggs.
Mix and Chill: Pour the prepared dressing over the macaroni and vegetable mixture. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld. For the best flavor, chill for 4 hours or overnight.
Serve: Just before serving, give the salad a final stir. If it seems a bit dry after chilling (the pasta will absorb some dressing), you can stir in an extra tablespoon of mayonnaise to restore creaminess. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika and serve chilled.
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A classic American side dish perfect for picnics and barbecues. Creamy, tangy, and loaded with crunchy vegetables and tender macaroni, this salad is always a crowd-pleaser and comes together in no time.
This american recipe takes 30 minutes to prepare and yields 8 servings. At 563.97 calories per serving with 11.72g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for lunch or dinner or side.
Add 1 cup of diced cooked chicken, ham, or a can of drained tuna for a more substantial salad.
Mix in 1/2 cup of sweet pickle relish or chopped sweet pickles for a classic sweet and tangy flavor.
Incorporate 1/2 cup of frozen peas (thawed), shredded carrots, or black olives for more color and nutrients.
Stir in 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped dill, parsley, or chives for a fresh, herby flavor.
The hard-boiled eggs in this salad provide high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body maintenance.
Vegetables like red bell peppers and onions are good sources of vitamins, particularly Vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant and supports the immune system.
The pasta serves as a primary source of carbohydrates, providing the body with readily available energy to fuel daily activities.
A typical one-cup serving of this macaroni salad contains approximately 350-450 calories, primarily from the mayonnaise and pasta. The exact number can vary based on the type of mayonnaise used.
Macaroni salad is generally considered an indulgent side dish due to its high calorie and fat content from mayonnaise. However, it does provide some nutrients from the vegetables and protein from the eggs. To make it healthier, you can use light mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, or add more vegetables.
Yes, this salad is perfect for making ahead. In fact, the flavor improves after it has chilled for several hours or overnight. Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance for best results.
Store leftover macaroni salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Do not leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours due to the mayonnaise and eggs.
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic, other short pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or rotini work wonderfully in this salad.
Pasta naturally absorbs moisture from the dressing as it sits, which can make the salad seem dry. To fix this, simply stir in a tablespoon or two of mayonnaise or a splash of milk right before serving to restore its creamy texture.