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Macaroni Salad

Southern Comfort Macaroni Salad That's Perfect for Gatherings

This macaroni salad is a delightful Southern classic, combining creamy dressing with crunchy vegetables for a perfect crowd-pleaser.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 2 cups Elbow Macaroni Cook until al dente.
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Consider Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
  • 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar Adds tanginess.
  • 1 tablespoon Yellow Mustard Swap in Dijon for a zesty upgrade.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Enhances flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper For spice.
For the Crunch
  • 1 cup Celery (finely diced) Adds crunch.
  • 1 cup Sweet Pickles or Relish Dill pickles can be used for tang.
  • 1/2 cup Onion (finely chopped) For aromatic depth.
  • 1 cup Green Bell Pepper (diced) Adds color and crispness.
For Added Richness
  • 4 Hard-Boiled Eggs (chopped) Adds protein.
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar (optional) Balances acidity.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • spatula

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Cook the pasta: Boil salted water, cook elbow macaroni for 8-10 minutes until al dente, drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Prepare the vegetables and eggs: Chop celery, sweet pickles, onion, green bell pepper, and hard-boiled eggs.
  3. Make the dressing: Whisk mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, salt, black pepper, and optional sugar in a bowl.
  4. Combine ingredients: Mix the cooled macaroni with chopped vegetables and eggs.
  5. Dress the salad: Pour dressing over the mixture and fold gently to combine.
  6. Chill and serve: Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Rinse pasta to prevent stickiness. Customize to taste, and keep in airtight container for up to 4 days.

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