Description
The best classic macaroni salad with a creamy, tangy dressing, tender pasta, and crisp vegetables. This easy make-ahead side dish is perfect for picnics, potlucks, and barbecues.
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 3 celery stalks, finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced
- 4 large hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
- 1.5 cups mayonnaise (good quality, full-fat)
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Do not overcook.
2. Drain the macaroni in a colander and immediately rinse under cold running water until completely cool to stop the cooking process. Allow it to drain very well.
3. While the pasta cools, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl until smooth.
4. Add the completely drained macaroni, diced celery, red bell pepper, red onion, and chopped hard-boiled eggs to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold until everything is evenly coated.
5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2–4 hours, or ideally overnight, so the flavors fully develop.
6. Before serving, gently stir the macaroni salad, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled.
Notes
For an extra creamy salad, reserve a small portion of the dressing and stir it in just before serving since the pasta absorbs some dressing while chilling.
To mellow the sharp bite of raw onion, soak the diced red onion in cold water for about 10 minutes, then drain well before adding.
Ensure the pasta is thoroughly drained before mixing with the dressing to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 120mg