An old-fashioned macaroni salad is a classic and comforting dish, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a side for a summer barbecue. Here’s a traditional recipe:
Old-Fashioned Macaroni Salad Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
- Paprika (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the macaroni: Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it cool completely.
- Prepare the dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper until well combined. Adjust the seasonings to taste.
- Combine ingredients: Add the cooled macaroni to the dressing in the bowl. Add in the chopped celery, red bell pepper, red onion, and hard-boiled eggs (if using). Gently toss everything together until the macaroni is well coated with the dressing and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Chill and garnish: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the macaroni salad for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together. Before serving, garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of paprika for added color and flavor if desired.
- Serve: Serve the old-fashioned macaroni salad chilled as a side dish alongside your favorite main courses or enjoy it on its own.
Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Some variations include adding diced pickles, olives, or a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor. This classic macaroni salad is versatile and always a crowd-pleaser!
