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Classic Macaroni Salad

Classic Macaroni Salad: Creamy Southern Delight for Gatherings

Classic Macaroni Salad is a creamy, customizable dish brimming with vibrant flavors, perfect for gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 cup Elbow Macaroni or any pasta shape
  • 1/2 cup Red Onion finely diced
  • 1 cup Celery finely diced
  • 1 cup Green Bell Pepper finely diced
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise preferably Duke's mayo
  • 2 tablespoons Yellow Mustard
  • 2 tablespoons White Vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon White Sugar optional

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • colander
  • Whisk

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, yellow mustard, white vinegar, black pepper, and white sugar. Whisk until smooth.
  3. Finely dice red onion, celery, and green bell pepper. Soak the onion in cold water to reduce sharpness.
  4. In a large bowl, combine cooled macaroni with half of the dressing. Toss and fold in chopped vegetables.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let flavors meld. For optimal flavor, chill overnight if possible.
  6. Before serving, stir the salad and add the remaining dressing to taste. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 5gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For a richer flavor, you can also add hard-boiled eggs or diced pickles. Reserve some dressing for serving to maintain moisture.

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