Description
This Simple Macaroni Salad is a delightful blend of creamy and crunchy textures, featuring tender pasta enveloped in a tangy dressing. Each bite bursts with the freshness of crisp vegetables and the savory notes of seasonings, making it a perfect side dish for any gathering.
Ingredients
- Macaroni Pasta: 2 cups, uncooked
- Mayonnaise: 1 cup
- Mustard: 2 tablespoons
- Celery: 1 cup, diced
- Red Onion: 1/2 cup, finely chopped
- Green Bell Pepper: 1 cup, diced
- Sweet Pickles: 1/2 cup, chopped
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes or until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Add the cooled macaroni, celery, red onion, green bell pepper, and sweet pickles to the bowl. Stir gently to combine.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
- Before serving, sprinkle with paprika for garnish and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Notes
- This salad can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: side dish
- Method: boiling and mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3 grams
- Sodium: 500 milligrams
- Fat: 20 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 35 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 6 grams
- Cholesterol: 10 milligrams
Keywords: Simple Macaroni Salad Recipe, creamy macaroni salad, easy pasta salad, summer side dish, picnic recipes, cold pasta salad, quick salad recipes, vegetable macaroni salad, homemade macaroni salad, classic macaroni salad, side dish recipes, creamy dressing, no-cook salad