Macaroni Salad Recipe
Classic creamy macaroni salad with tender elbow pasta, crisp red bell pepper, carrot and green onion in a tangy-sweet mayonnaise dressing.
Contains: Egg · Milk · Wheat
Check the labels of the elbow macaroni and mayonnaise you use. Formulations vary, and mayonnaise may contain mustard or other allergens in addition to egg.
WHY IT WORKS
Why This Recipe Works
01
Balanced Creamy Dressing
Mayonnaise, a little milk, apple cider vinegar and sugar make a smooth dressing that is creamy without tasting flat or overly heavy.
02
Crisp Vegetables
Finely diced red bell pepper, shredded carrot and green onion add color, freshness and gentle crunch without overwhelming the macaroni.
03
Time to Chill
A short rest in the refrigerator lets the macaroni absorb some of the dressing and gives the flavors time to come together.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
Equipment
THE RECIPE
Ingredients & Method
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Ingredients
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Method
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Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until just tender, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain it in a colander, rinse briefly under cold running water until cool, then shake and drain very thoroughly.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, milk, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt and black pepper until smooth.
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Add the cooled macaroni, red bell pepper, carrot and green onions. Fold everything together until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with dressing.
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving so the salad is fully chilled and the flavors can come together.
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Stir the macaroni salad well before serving. Serve chilled or cool, and return leftovers to the refrigerator promptly.
COOKING GUIDANCE
Practical Cooking Notes
Make Ahead
Prepare the macaroni salad up to 1 day ahead, cover it and keep it refrigerated. Stir it well before serving; if the dressing has tightened after chilling, a small spoonful of mayonnaise or a splash of milk can loosen it.
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Recipe Notes
Ingredient Notes
Cook the elbow macaroni only until just tender, then rinse it briefly under cold water and drain it very thoroughly. Excess water can thin the dressing, while overcooked pasta becomes soft after chilling.
Useful Substitutions
White wine vinegar can replace the apple cider vinegar for a slightly sharper flavor. Two-percent milk can replace whole milk; the dressing will be a little less rich but will still loosen and coat the pasta well.
INGREDIENT QUALITY
Quality Note
Drain the rinsed macaroni very thoroughly before adding the dressing. Water clinging to the pasta can dilute the mayonnaise mixture and leave the finished salad loose instead of creamy.
SPEND LESS
Cost-Saving Tip
Store-brand elbow macaroni and mayonnaise work well here. Compare unit prices rather than package prices, especially when larger containers of mayonnaise are on promotion.
COOKING TIPS
Tips
Don’t Overcook the Pasta
Cook the macaroni only until just tender. Pasta that is already very soft when hot can turn mushy once it sits in the creamy dressing.
Drain It Thoroughly
After rinsing the macaroni, shake off as much water as possible. Extra water dilutes the dressing and can make the salad watery.
Chill Before Serving
Give the finished salad at least 1 hour in the refrigerator so the dressing settles into the pasta and the flavors become more rounded.
Stir Before Serving
The dressing thickens as the salad chills. Stir it well before serving so the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated again.
MAKE IT LAST
Storing & Freezing
Storing
Refrigerate the macaroni salad within 2 hours in a covered container and use it within 3 to 4 days. Stir well before serving.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended. The pasta can become soft after thawing and the mayonnaise-based dressing may separate, so the salad is best made fresh or refrigerated.
ESTIMATED PER SERVING
Nutrition
1 of 8 servings
Nutrition information is an estimate. Where shown, % Daily Value uses standard US Daily Values for adults and children aged 4+; actual values vary with ingredient brands, exact quantities and portion size.
QUESTIONS
Macaroni Salad FAQs
Can I make macaroni salad ahead of time?
Yes. This salad is well suited to making ahead because it benefits from chilling. Prepare it up to 1 day in advance, keep it covered in the refrigerator and stir it well before serving.
Should I rinse the macaroni for macaroni salad?
For this cold salad, a brief rinse under cold water stops the pasta cooking and cools it quickly. Drain it thoroughly afterward so excess water does not thin the dressing.
Why does macaroni salad sometimes seem dry after chilling?
The pasta continues to absorb some dressing while it rests. Stir the salad well before serving; if it has become firmer than you like, a small spoonful of mayonnaise or a splash of milk can loosen it.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes. Small shells or another short pasta can work, although elbow macaroni gives the most familiar macaroni-salad texture and appearance. Cook any substitute only until just tender.
How long can macaroni salad sit out?
Because the dressing contains mayonnaise and milk, keep the salad chilled until serving and refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours. In very hot conditions, return it to refrigeration sooner.
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