Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe: A Crowd-Pleasing Delight
Ingredients:- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 cup cooked and diced ham or chicken (optional)
- Hard-boiled eggs, sliced, for garnish (optional)
- Paprika, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Cook the Macaroni:
Cook the Macaroni:
- Boil the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Add a pinch of salt to the boiling water for flavor. Cook until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, white vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasonings to your taste.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add the cooked and cooled macaroni to the dressing. Gently toss to coat the macaroni thoroughly.
- Add Vegetables:
- Mix in diced celery, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, red onion, and chopped parsley. This combination adds crunch, color, and freshness to the salad. Optional Protein:
- If you desire, fold in diced ham or chicken for added protein and flavor.
- Chill:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the macaroni salad for at least 2 hours or overnight. Chilling allows the flavors to meld.
Serve:
Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir. Garnish with sliced hard-boiled eggs and a sprinkle of paprika if desired.
Enjoy:
Serve your classic macaroni salad as a delightful side dish at picnics, barbecues, or family gatherings. It's a versatile and crowd-pleasing addition to any meal.
Feel free to customize the recipe by adding ingredients like shredded cheese, pickles, or olives to suit your taste. Macaroni salad is a versatile dish, and this recipe serves as a fantastic base for your creative twists.