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A close-up spoonful of creamy macaroni salad, showing the rich texture of the dressing mixed with elbow pasta, celery, and hard-boiled egg.
FL Recipes

Macaroni Salad Recipe (The Creamiest & Easiest)

This classic Macaroni Salad Recipe is incredibly easy, perfectly creamy, and always a crowd-pleaser. Learn how to make the best homemade macaroni salad for your next picnic or potluck!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 380

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Elbow Macaroni
  • 2 Celery Stalks finely diced
  • 1/2 cup Red Onion finely diced
  • 1/2 cup Red Bell Pepper finely diced
  • 4 Hard-Boiled Eggs peeled and chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups Mayonnaise good quality, full-fat
  • 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
  • 1 tbsp Granulated Sugar
  • 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper freshly ground

Equipment

  • 1 Large Pot
  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Whisk

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and rinse with cold water until the pasta is completely cool. This stops the cooking process and prevents a gummy salad.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper until the dressing is completely smooth.
  3. To the bowl with the dressing, add the cooled macaroni, diced celery, red onion, red bell pepper, and chopped hard-boiled eggs.
  4. Gently stir until all ingredients are well combined and evenly coated in the dressing. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Nutrition

Calories: 380kcalProtein: 7gFat: 25gFiber: 2g

Notes

Make-Ahead Tip: This salad can be made up to 24 hours in advance. If it seems a little dry before serving, stir in an extra tablespoon of mayonnaise to loosen it up.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Keyword macaroni salad,pasta salad,potluck recipes

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