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Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe Easy Homemade Mayo Dressing Classic

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A creamy and fresh macaroni salad with a homemade mayo dressing that balances tanginess and sweetness, perfect for potlucks and weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (about 170g) uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup (240ml) mayonnaise (preferably Hellmann’s or Duke’s)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • ½ teaspoon celery seed
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ½ cup finely diced red bell pepper
  • ½ cup chopped celery stalks
  • ¼ cup thinly sliced green onions
  • 2 large hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups (170g) of dry elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions, about 8 to 9 minutes, until just tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain the cooked macaroni in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta down. Let it drain completely.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup (240ml) mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon yellow mustard, ½ teaspoon celery seed, and a pinch of salt and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
  4. Finely dice ½ cup red bell pepper, chop ½ cup celery, thinly slice ¼ cup green onions, and chop 2 hard-boiled eggs. If using parsley, chop 2 tablespoons.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled macaroni, chopped vegetables, eggs, and parsley. Pour the mayo dressing over and gently fold everything together until well coated. Avoid stirring too vigorously to keep the pasta intact.
  6. Taste and add more salt, pepper, or a splash more vinegar if needed.
  7. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld and the salad chill thoroughly.
  8. Give the salad a gentle stir before serving. Serve cold.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta; aim for al dente or slightly undercooked as it softens in the fridge. Rinse pasta with cold water to stop cooking and remove excess starch. Drain well to avoid watery salad. Use room temperature ingredients for better blending. Mix gently to avoid breaking pasta. Season gradually and taste as you go. Chill for at least 1 hour for best flavor. If salad seems dry after chilling, add a splash of milk or extra mayo.

Nutrition

Keywords: macaroni salad, creamy macaroni salad, mayo dressing, potluck side, easy macaroni salad, classic macaroni salad

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/creamy-macaroni-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-mayo-dressing-classic/