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To make a tasty macaroni salad, you need some key items. Here’s what you’ll need: - 2 cups elbow macaroni - 1 cup mayonnaise - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 teaspoon sugar - 1 cup celery, finely diced - 1 cup red bell pepper, diced - 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1 cup frozen peas, thawed - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish These ingredients come together to create a creamy and colorful dish. The elbow macaroni serves as a base, while the veggies add crunch and color. The right seasonings make all the difference in flavor. In this salad, you use: - Salt - Pepper These simple seasonings enhance the taste without overpowering it. The balance is key to a perfect macaroni salad. Feel free to get creative! You can add extra flavors with these optional ingredients: - Chopped hard-boiled eggs - Cooked bacon bits - Diced pickles - Shredded cheese These add-ins can make your salad more hearty and fun. Just mix and match based on what you like! For the full recipe, check out the instructions above. Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt to the water. When the water bubbles, add 2 cups of elbow macaroni. Cook it until it's al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the macaroni and rinse it under cold water. This cools it down and stops the cooking. Set the macaroni aside in a bowl. Now let's make the dressing. In a big mixing bowl, add 1 cup of mayonnaise. Then pour in 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Next, add 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This dressing gives the salad its rich flavor. It's time to combine everything. Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl with the dressing. Next, fold in 1 cup of finely diced celery, 1 cup of diced red bell pepper, 1/2 cup of finely chopped red onion, and 1 cup of thawed frozen peas. Mix gently until all ingredients are well coated in the dressing. Season your salad with salt and pepper to taste. Now, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling time helps all the flavors blend together. For a great finish, garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy this classic dish! To enhance the taste of your macaroni salad, use fresh ingredients. Fresh herbs, like parsley, add a nice touch. I also suggest adding a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. For texture, consider adding crunchy veggies, like diced cucumbers or radishes. These will give you that satisfying crunch. Mixing the salad a few times during chilling helps the flavors grow deeper. Macaroni salad is perfect for outdoor events. Serve it in a large bowl with a spoon for easy serving. You can also divide it into small cups for guests to grab. If you want to keep it cool, use a bowl on ice. Pair your salad with grilled meats or veggie skewers. A cold drink like lemonade goes well with it too. One mistake is overcooking the macaroni. You want it al dente, so it stays firm. Another mistake is not chilling the salad long enough. Letting it sit for at least one hour helps the flavors blend well. Avoid skipping the seasoning step; salt and pepper are key for taste. Lastly, don't forget to taste your salad before serving. Adjusting flavors can make a big difference. For the full recipe, check out the Classic Macaroni Salad section above! {{image_2}} Classic macaroni salad is creamy and packed with flavor. It often includes mayo, celery, and peppers. Modern takes add new flavors and textures. You might see ingredients like avocado or a spicy dressing. These twists give the dish a fresh feel. You can also swap out elbow macaroni for spiral or shell pasta. Each shape brings a different bite and look to your salad. If you want a lighter version, try Greek yogurt instead of mayo. It cuts down on fat but keeps creaminess. Adding more veggies can boost nutrition too. Think about adding carrots, cucumbers, or even broccoli. You can also use whole-grain pasta for extra fiber. This keeps the dish filling and satisfying. If you need gluten-free options, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands make great alternatives that taste just as good. For a dairy-free version, use vegan mayo. This keeps your salad creamy without using eggs. If you want to reduce sugar, skip the sugar in the dressing. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for a fresh taste. These swaps make it easy to adapt the recipe to fit your needs. For the full recipe, check out Classic Macaroni Salad 🥗! After making your classic macaroni salad, let it cool. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. This keeps the salad fresh and prevents smells from other foods. Store it in the fridge. The cool air helps maintain its taste and texture. I don’t recommend freezing macaroni salad. The pasta can become mushy when thawed. If you still want to freeze it, pack it in an airtight container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Thaw it in the fridge when you’re ready to eat it. When stored in the fridge, your macaroni salad lasts about 3 to 5 days. Check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. If you see any signs of spoilage, it's best to toss it. Enjoy your salad while it’s fresh for the best taste! Yes, you can use other pasta shapes. Fusilli, penne, or shells work well too. Just ensure they cook well and hold the dressing. Each type adds a unique twist to the salad. Try different shapes to find your favorite. You can make macaroni salad a day in advance. Just follow the recipe and store it in the fridge. This gives the flavors time to blend. When you're ready to serve, stir it lightly. If it seems dry, add a bit more mayo. To keep your salad creamy, use enough mayonnaise. Mix mayonnaise with apple cider vinegar and mustard for extra flavor. Whisk them until smooth before adding to the pasta. If needed, add a bit of pasta water for a smoother texture. Macaroni salad is easy to make with the right ingredients and steps. We covered classic components, seasonings, and tasty optional add-ins. I shared tips for flavor and common mistakes to avoid. We explored fun variations and best storage practices. Macaroni salad can fit any meal. With this knowledge, you can enjoy it at home or share with friends.

Classic Macaroni Salad

Discover the ultimate classic macaroni salad recipe that's perfect for picnics and gatherings! This easy dish features tender elbow macaroni tossed in a creamy dressing with crisp veggies and a touch of sweetness. Ready in just 15 minutes plus chilling time, it's a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your friends and family with this delicious classic macaroni salad!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups elbow macaroni

1 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon sugar

1 cup celery, finely diced

1 cup red bell pepper, diced

1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped

1 cup frozen peas, thawed

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Macaroni: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.

    Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and sugar until smooth.

      Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked macaroni to the bowl with the dressing. Then, fold in the diced celery, red bell pepper, red onion, and thawed peas.

        Season: Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

          Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.

            Serve: Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Servings: 6-8