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Easy Macaroni Salad

Easy Macaroni Salad for a Perfect Summer BBQ Delight

This Easy Macaroni Salad is a creamy and crunchy side perfect for summer BBQs.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 16 ounces uncooked macaroni This is the heart of your Easy Macaroni Salad, giving it structure and satisfaction.
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup mayo A creamy base that promises to coat all the ingredients perfectly; Greek yogurt can be a lighter swap.
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar Adds a pop of acidity; try apple cider vinegar for a tasty twist.
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard Elevates the flavor with a tangy kick; honey mustard works well for sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon sugar Balances the creamy and tangy elements; feel free to adjust according to your taste.
  • 1/2 teaspoon celery salt Infuses the dressing with a subtle celery flavor; regular salt is a good alternative.
  • pepper Adds just the right amount of seasoning; consider red pepper flakes for a spicy touch.
For the Salad
  • 1/2 cup chopped sweet or dill pickles These add a delightful tang; substitute with olives for a different flavor profile.
  • 2 sticks celery, chopped small Brings a fresh crunch; bell peppers can be a colorful alternative.
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion Offers a sharp bite; green onions can be used for a milder taste.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • mixing bowl
  • Colander
  • salad bowl
  • spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Macaroni Salad
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 16 ounces of uncooked macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 7–9 minutes. Drain the macaroni in a colander, then rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside in the colander to drain completely while you prepare the rest of your Easy Macaroni Salad ingredients.
  2. While the macaroni cooks, place 3 eggs in a small pot and cover them with water. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Afterward, transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water to cool. Once cooled, peel the eggs and chop them into desired sizes. Set aside to add to your Easy Macaroni Salad.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of mayo, 1 tablespoon of white vinegar, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of celery salt. Stir these ingredients together until fully blended and creamy. Add freshly cracked pepper to taste, ensuring your dressing is perfectly seasoned for your Easy Macaroni Salad.
  4. In a large salad bowl, mix the cooled macaroni, chopped eggs, 1/2 cup of chopped pickles, 2 sticks of chopped celery, and 1/4 cup of finely chopped red onion. Gently fold the ingredients together until evenly distributed.
  5. Pour the prepared dressing over the macaroni and vegetable mixture. Using a large spoon or spatula, toss everything together until the salad is well-coated and the dressing is evenly distributed.
  6. For the best flavor, cover your Easy Macaroni Salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg

Notes

This Easy Macaroni Salad can be customized with ingredients like crispy bacon or fresh herbs for added flavor.

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