Absolutely! Here’s a classic, creamy macaroni salad that’s perfect for BBQs, picnics, or potlucks.
🍝 Classic Macaroni Salad
Servings: 6–8
Time: ~25 minutes (plus chilling)
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon or yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tsp sugar (optional)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- ½ red bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup shredded carrot (optional)
- 2–3 green onions, sliced
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook pasta
- Boil macaroni until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
2️⃣ Prepare dressing
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
3️⃣ Combine
- Toss cooled macaroni with celery, bell pepper, carrot, green onions, and eggs.
- Pour dressing over pasta and stir until coated.
4️⃣ Chill
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld.
🔹 Tips & Variations
- Extra tang: Add a little pickle juice or more vinegar.
- Creamier: Mix in a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Add protein: Diced ham, tuna, or shredded chicken works well.
- Herbs: Parsley, dill, or chives add freshness.
- Make ahead: Can be made a day in advance; stir before serving.
This recipe gives a creamy, tangy, and crunchy macaroni salad—perfect for nearly any summer meal.
If you want, I can also give a Southern-style sweet macaroni salad version or a light vinaigrette macaroni salad for a lighter option.
Do you want me to do one of those?
