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Creamy Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe Easy Homemade Picnic Favorite

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A creamy, tangy, and crunchy macaroni salad perfect for picnics, barbecues, and potlucks. This easy homemade recipe combines simple ingredients for a comforting and refreshing side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (8 oz / 225 g) uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup (240 ml) mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 cup finely chopped celery (about 2 stalks)
  • ¼ cup finely diced red onion
  • 2 large hard-boiled eggs, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish (optional but recommended)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or dill (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 3 cups (8 oz / 225 g) of elbow macaroni and cook for 7–8 minutes until just tender but still firm to the bite (al dente). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain well in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Drain thoroughly to prevent sogginess.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup (240 ml) mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Whisk together until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust vinegar or sugar if desired.
  4. Finely dice 1 cup celery, ¼ cup red onion, and chop 2 hard-boiled eggs. Chop about 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill if using.
  5. Add the cooled macaroni to the dressing bowl. Toss in celery, onion, eggs, and 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish (optional). Gently fold everything together with a silicone spatula or wooden spoon to avoid breaking the pasta.
  6. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix again and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld and the salad chill.
  8. Before serving, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or dill for garnish.

Notes

Rinse pasta under cold water after cooking to prevent stickiness. Fold gently when mixing to keep macaroni intact. Chill for at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor. Use gluten-free pasta for gluten-free version. Swap half mayo with Greek yogurt for lighter version. Vegan version possible with vegan mayo and no eggs.

Nutrition

Keywords: macaroni salad, creamy macaroni salad, picnic salad, easy side dish, classic macaroni salad, homemade macaroni salad, barbecue side dish

Find it online: https://cooltastes.com/creamy-classic-macaroni-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-picnic-favorite/