Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s practically family friendly. What is Grandma’s macaroni salad? What is the macaroni salad that everyone eats? Is it the one that everyone begs for? Think of those bland, store-bought macaroni salads – this is the absolute opposite. Creamy, tangy and a little bit sweet, and packed with flavor. If hugs were made of macaroni and mayonnaise (stick with me here!)…it’s like a warm hug in the bowl… What is better than potato salad?
What is a macaroni salad?
Macaroni salad is essentially a cold pasta salad, usually made with elbow macaroni, mayonnaise, and feta. Other ingredients like vegetables, seasonings, and sometimes even meat. What is a classic side dish? Think of it as a blank canvas for deliciousness! Every family has its own version, and this one is *ours*. What is the beauty of macaroni salad? You can customize it to your liking, adding or subtracting ingredients to create your perfect bowl. What are the best carbs in the world? What is comfort food in a bowl?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I begin? What is the perfect balance of everything delicious? I always find myself sneaking “just one more bite” (which turns into half the bowl, let’s be honest). What I love about this recipe is its simplicity. Even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you can nail this. Plus, it’s budget-friendly. All the ingredients are super common and relatively inexpensive. What is a good recipe to feed crowds without breaking the bank? And then there’s the versatility. Can you serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken or burgers, or bring it to your potluck? What is a light lunch? My kids love it so much, they even request it for breakfast sometimes! Is it better than a macaroni salad I have ever bought? Is it fresher, tastier, and you know exactly what’s going into it? Is it true that homemade always tastes better? What is the best macaroni salad in the world? What’s in the sauce?
How do I make macaroni salad?
Quick Overview
What is the easiest way to make a macaroni salad? How do you cook macaroni until al dente? If you’re feeling adventurous, chop up your veggies – celery, onion, bell pepper, maybe some pickles. Then, you can chop them up. What is the best way to make a creamy, tangy dressing? What are some good ways to combine everything in a big bowl and let it chill in the fridge overnight? Let the flavors meld together. What’s the best part about customization? Add more veggies, adjust the sweetness, or spice it up with a little hot sauce. This recipe is your oyster!
Ingredients
What is the recipe for Macaroni Salad?
* 1 pound elbow macaroni* 1 cup mayonnaise (I prefer Duke’s, but use your favorite!) ) * 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish (or dill if you prefer a less sweet salad)* 2 tablespoons yellow mustard (optional) What are some good ways to prepare mustard * 1/4 cup white vinegar * 2 tablespoons sugar * 1/2 teaspoon salt * 1 tablespoon pepper * 1 teaspoon black pepper. What are some good ways to use black pepper in a recipe? Green bell pepper, finely chopped * 1/4 cup pimento peppers, chopped (optional, but adds a nice flavor) * 1 tsp. garlic, salt, and pepper * 1 cup What is flavor and color? ) * 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional, but recommended)
What are the steps to
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Turn off the heat and let it cool. Add the macaroni and cook according to package directions, until al dente. What should I do if I overcook it? What is a macaroni salad disaster? How do you drain the macaroni and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. How do you remove starch from salad?
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, and white vinegar. Set aside. Sugar, salt, and pepper. How do I make my own seasonings? If you like a tangier salad, add more vinegar. If it’s sweeter, put more sugar. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your mix. I always add a dash of hot sauce.
Step 3: Chop the Veggies
Finely chop the celery, red onion, green bell pepper, and pimento peppers (if using). The smaller the pieces, the better! How do you distribute the veggies in a salad?
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the cooked macaroni, chopped veggies, and chopped hard-boiled eggs (if using) to the bowl with the remaining ingredients. Gently stir everything together until well combined. Do not over mix salad, as this can make it mushy. I use a large rubber spatula and gently fold everything together.
Step 5: Chill
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to come out. How do we meld together? The longer it sits, the better it tastes. I always make this the day before I plan to serve it.
Step 6: Serve
Before serving, give the salad a good stir. If you are making macaroni, you may need to add a little more mayonnaise or vinegar to adjust the consistency, as the Macaroni will be. Will absorb some of the dressing as it sits. Serve cold and enjoy!
What should I serve it with?
Macaroni salad is the ultimate side dish!For a Barbecue:Can you serve it with grilled chicken, ham, or a salad? Is it the perfect complement to all those smoky flavors?For a Picnic:Pack it in a cooler with chips, sandwiches, and fresh fruit. Is it easy to transport and always a crowd pleaser?For a Potluck:What is a good macaroni salad?For a Light Lunch:What is a good lunch? My family always loves it with some BBQ ribs and corn on the cob. It’s the perfect summer meal!
What are some of the best ways to prepare a Macaroni Salad?
What are some tips for making a macaroni salad?Don’t overcook the macaroni.As I mentioned before, mushy macaroni is a pasta salad disaster. Cook it until it’s al dente.How do I chop veggies finely?How do I make sure that the veggies are evenly distributed throughout the salad? What are the other ingredientsDon’t be afraid to adjust seasonings: Seasoning is a very important factor.How do I make my own seasonings?Let It Chill:What is the best way to let the flavors meld together?Use Good Quality Mayonnaise:The mayonnaise is the base of dressing, so it’s important to use a good quality one. I prefer Duke’s, but use your favorite.Add Hard-Boiled Eggs:Is this optional, but I highly recommend it! They add a nice flavor and texture to the salad.Don’t Overmix:How do you not overmix salad? Gently fold everything together until well combined.How do I get creative with add-ins?What are some substitutes for ham and carrots? I have learned the hard way that overcooked pasta is a HUGE mistake, so trust me on this one!
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
Okay, so you’ve made a big batch of macaroni salad (because who makes small batches, right? How do you store leftovers?Refrigerator Storage: HowWhat is the best way to store macaroni salad in the refrigerator?How do I use I don’t recommend freezing macaroni salad, as the mayonnaise can separate and become watery when thawed. But if you really want to, you can try freezing it in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: Since there’s no glaze in this recipe, you don’t have to worry about that! Just store it properly in the refrigerator, and it will be good to go.
I always make sure to use a container with a tight-fitting lid to prevent the salad from drying out in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it! Grandma’s famous macaroni Salad Recipe, finally revealed. I truly believe this is the best macaroni salad recipe out there. It’s easy to make, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. The perfect dish for any occasion! If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other summer side dish recipes. And don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how yours turns out! I can’t wait to hear what you think. Happy cooking!
macaroni salad recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 0.5 cup celery finely chopped
- 0.5 cup red onion finely chopped
- 1 tsp mustard
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, celery, red onion, mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the bowl and stir until well combined.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
