Classic Creamy Macaroni Salad

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever wondered what makes a picnic truly sing ? It's gotta be a killer macaroni salad recipe , right? I swear, the right creamy pasta salad side dish can make or break a BBQ.

It's all about that perfect balance of flavors.

Brief Overview

This classic picnic salad has roots that stretch back across the States. Think church socials and family reunions. This recipe is seriously easy.

Takes about 50 minutes total, and serves 6-8 hungry folks.

Main Benefits

Honestly, it's just pure comfort food. But hey, sneak in some extra veggies and you've got yourself a sneaky serving of goodness! This macaroni salad recipe is perfect for any get-together.

What makes it special? You can totally personalize it!

What You Need for the Best Macaroni Salad Ever

Alright, before we dive in, let's gather our bits and bobs. For this easy pasta salad with mayo , you'll need macaroni, obvs.

Then, celery, red onion, and a red bell pepper. Don't forget fresh parsley!

Now, for that dreamy mac salad dressing recipe : mayo, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper. Sweet pickle relish is totally optional, but I reckon it adds a certain je ne sais quoi .

Let's Get Crackin': Makin' That Macaroni Magic

First things first, get your macaroni cookin' till it's al dente . That's Italian for "to the tooth." About 8- 10 minutes should do it.

Don't overcook it! Drain it and rinse it under cold water. Next up, chop those veggies nice and small. Think dinky squares.

Now, whisk together all your dressing ingredients. Give it a good ol' mix! Toss everything together. Let that creamy pasta salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

This lets all the flavors get to know each other. The longer, the better, tbh! Before serving, have a wee taste.

Add more salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed. Adjust that seasoning to your liking!

Tips and Tricks: Level Up Your Macaroni Game

Don't add dressing to warm pasta! It'll get soggy. This make-ahead macaroni salad is even better the next day.

Add a pinch of cayenne for a kick . This celery pasta salad version is seriously addictive! Swap some of the mayo with greek yogurt for a lighter summer pasta salad recipes .

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Macaroni Salad Recipe

So, you're thinking about making some macaroni salad recipe ? Fab! I'm so ready to share my secrets. Let's gather what we need.

This is for that classic picnic salad flavour we all know and love.

Main Players: The Ingredients

Alright, here's the rundown. This makes a big bowl. Enough for 6-8 hungry souls.

• Elbow Macaroni: 1 pound (454g) . Get the good stuff. It makes a difference, honestly!
• Celery: 1 cup (113g) , diced tiny. For the crunch!
• Red Onion: 1/2 cup (57g) , also diced small. Adds a bit of zing.
• Red Bell Pepper: 1/2 cup (75g) , diced. Colour and sweetness, you know?
• Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup (30g) , chopped fine. Freshens things up.

Now, the star. The dressing!

• Mayonnaise: 1 cup (237ml) . Full fat is best for that creamy pasta salad side dish feel.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Tanginess is key!
• Yellow Mustard: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Adds a bit of a kick.
• Granulated Sugar: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Gotta balance the flavours!
• Salt: 1 teaspoon (6g) . Always needed!
• Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (3g) . For a little extra something.
• Sweet Pickle Relish: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Optional, but adds a nice sweetness.

Seasoning Secrets

For that mac salad dressing recipe , balance is everything. Salt and pepper are a must. Don't be shy! Mustard gives it a nice little bite.

Vinegar adds a zing. Plus, easy pasta salad with mayo is always a crowd pleaser.

Essential Equipment

Okay, don't stress. You don't need fancy kit here!

• A big pot. For boiling pasta, duh!
• A colander. To drain the pasta.
• A big bowl. For mixing everything.
• A small bowl. Just for the dressing.
• A whisk. Get that dressing smooth.
• A knife. For chopping those veggies!

That's it. Sorted! Let's move on to the actual making of the How To Make Creamy Macaroni Salad . It's going to be delicious, I promise! This celery pasta salad is an absolute staple for summer.

And who doesn't love pasta salad for BBQ parties? Plus, you can make-ahead macaroni salad , which is a total lifesaver, honestly.

These summer pasta salad recipes are just the best, aren't they?

Classic Creamy Macaroni Salad (Perfect for Potlucks!)

This macaroni salad recipe is like a warm hug on a plate. It's the quintessential American side dish. Think picnics, BBQs, and potlucks.

Honestly, who doesn't love a good creamy pasta salad side dish ? It's a tangy, slightly sweet blend of elbow macaroni and crunchy veg, all smothered in a rich mayo dressing.

Its origins? Shrouded in mystery! Much like trying to find a decent parking spot on a Saturday. But it's a beloved staple across the US.

This version nails the balance between comfort and fresh, vibrant flavors. We want macaroni salad with relish !

Prep Steps: Let's Get Organized!

Essential Mise en Place

Before you even think about boiling water, chop your veggies. Dice one cup of celery, one half cup of red onion, and one half cup of red bell pepper.

Finely chop one quarter cup of fresh parsley. Got it? Good.

Time Saving Organization Tips

Honestly, dicing all those veggies can be a pain. Do it the day before. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge.

Boom! You've saved yourself 15 minutes. make-ahead macaroni salad is a game changer.

step-by-step: The Macaroni Magic

1. Cook the Macaroni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add one pound of elbow macaroni. Cook until al dente . About 8- 10 minutes .

2. Drain and Rinse

Drain the macaroni. Rinse under cold water. This stops the cooking. No one likes mushy pasta!

3. Veggie Power

Remember those veggies you prepped? If not, chop them now !

4. Dressing Time

In a bowl, whisk together: one cup of mayonnaise, one quarter cup of apple cider vinegar, two tablespoons of yellow mustard, two tablespoons of sugar, one teaspoon of salt, and one half teaspoon of pepper.

Optional: one quarter cup of sweet pickle relish. This is your mac salad dressing recipe .

5. Combine and Conquer

In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, diced vegetables, and parsley.

6. Drizzle and Toss

Pour the dressing over the macaroni. Gently toss to coat. Don't be shy with that easy pasta salad with mayo !

7. Chill Out

Cover. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes . The longer, the better. Classic picnic salad needs to be cold.

8. Taste and Adjust

Before serving, have a taste. Need more salt? Go for it! A splash of vinegar? You do you.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Salad

Secret Ingredient

Adding a pinch of sugar gives this summer pasta salad recipes a certain je ne sais quoi.

Don't Overcook!

Overcooked pasta is the enemy. Al dente is key. Seriously.

Taste and Tweak

Macaroni salad is all about personal taste. Adjust the how to make creamy macaroni salad to your liking.

So there you have it. The perfect macaroni salad. Ready for your next BBQ, picnic, or just a Tuesday night! Enjoy!

Recipe Notes For Your Classic Creamy Macaroni Salad

Right then! So, you're ready to whip up this classic picnic salad . Fantastic! Before you dive in, here are a few extra bits and bobs I've learned over the years, that will make your macaroni salad recipe absolutely banging.

These tips are proper, honest, and come straight from my kitchen to yours!

Serving Suggestions: Ace Your Plating!

Presentation matters, innit? Think about how you're going to serve this easy pasta salad with mayo . For a casual BBQ, chuck it in a big bowl and let everyone dig in.

Fancy it up a bit? Individual ramekins are the way to go.

This creamy pasta salad side dish goes brilliantly with grilled chicken or burgers. And honestly? A crisp glass of lemonade or iced tea is the perfect bevvy to wash it all down.

Storage Tips: Keep It Fresh, Mate!

Pop any leftover Celery pasta salad straight into an airtight container. It'll keep happily in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Easy peasy! I wouldn't recommend freezing it, though. The mayo can get a bit weird when it thaws, if you know what I mean.

For reheating, there's no need! It's best served cold, straight from the fridge. Perfect for a quick lunch or snack.

Variations: Mix It Up!

Feeling adventurous? You can make a Hawaiian style summer pasta salad recipes by adding pineapple chunks. It adds a proper tropical twist.

I know what you are thinking? You want to make it veggie? Just ensure your mayo is egg-free! Simple as that.

Got some leftover roast chicken or ham from the Sunday roast? Chop it up and bung it in for a more substantial pasta salad for BBQ .

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl!

Each serving is roughly 350-400 calories. It is also packing about 5g of protein and 25-30g of fat. There is also 30-35g of carbs and around 8-10g of sugar.

The sodium is estimated at 400-500mg.

This salad is a decent source of energy and provides some vitamins from the vegetables. The mayo, it's got fat, but hey, everything in moderation, right?

So there you have it! A macaroni salad with relish that's sure to be a crowd pleaser. Remember to taste as you go and adjust the mac salad dressing recipe to your liking.

Now get in the kitchen and have a go. You will be cooking up a storm. I can't wait to show you how to make creamy macaroni salad .

Don't forget that you can make-ahead macaroni salad