Description
This delicious small batch macaroni salad is a creamy, tangy, and crunchy side dish perfect for picnics, barbecues, or family gatherings. Combining tender elbow macaroni with a flavorful dressing of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and sugar, this salad is packed with colorful bell peppers, red onion, celery, and fresh parsley. Optional add-ins like diced ham, boiled eggs, or shredded cheese can be added for extra heartiness. The salad is best when chilled for a couple of hours to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Ingredients
Scale
Macaroni Salad
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked and cooled
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Optional Add-ins
- Diced ham
- Boiled eggs
- Shredded cheese
Instructions
- Cook Macaroni: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta, then set aside.
- Prepare Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined to form the dressing.
- Combine Macaroni with Dressing: Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl with the dressing and toss gently to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Add Vegetables and Herbs: Add diced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, celery, and chopped fresh parsley to the macaroni mixture. Mix thoroughly to distribute all ingredients evenly.
- Add Optional Ingredients: If desired, incorporate optional mix-ins like diced ham, boiled eggs, or shredded cheese for additional flavor and texture.
- Chill Salad: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the macaroni salad for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill properly.
- Final Seasoning: Before serving, gently stir the salad again and taste for seasoning. Adjust salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve: Serve the macaroni salad chilled as a refreshing and flavorful side dish, ideal for picnics, barbecues, or casual family meals.
Notes
- For best results, use elbow macaroni or another small pasta shape that holds dressing well.
- Make sure to rinse the cooked pasta under cold water to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- The salad can be made a day ahead; flavors improve after resting overnight in the refrigerator.
- To keep the salad gluten-free, verify that the pasta used is gluten-free.
- Optional add-ins can be customized to your preference or omitted for a vegetarian option.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
