Creamy Macaroni Salad
Creamy Macaroni Salad is a delightful dish that brings comfort and joy to any meal. It combines the satisfying taste of macaroni with a rich and creamy dressing, making it a perfect side dish for barbecues, picnics, or family gatherings. This recipe is easy to prepare and is sure to become a favorite among your friends and family.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Creamy Macaroni Salad is a great choice for several reasons. First, it’s quick to prepare, taking only about 30 minutes, plus chilling time. It’s also versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite ingredients. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs well with many main dishes. Whether you’re feeding a big group or just looking for a tasty side, this salad fits the bill!
How to Make Creamy Macaroni Salad
Ingredients:
- Short macaroni of your choice
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Finely chopped celery
- Finely chopped bell pepper
- Finely chopped red onion
- Mayonnaise
- Sweet pickles
- Pickle brine
- Dijon mustard
- Sugar
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Directions:
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, chopped hard-boiled eggs, celery, bell pepper, and red onion.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, pickle brine, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the macaroni mixture and stir to combine.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Creamy Macaroni Salad
Creamy Macaroni Salad can be served on its own or as a side dish. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or fried foods. To serve, simply scoop the salad into bowls or on plates, and enjoy!
How to Store Creamy Macaroni Salad
To store Creamy Macaroni Salad, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days. If you notice that the dressing has thickened over time, you can add a little extra mayonnaise or pickle brine to loosen it up.
Tips to Make Creamy Macaroni Salad
- Use a mix of colorful bell peppers to make your salad more visually appealing.
- Adjust the amount of mayonnaise and mustard according to your taste preferences.
- For added crunch, consider adding chopped nuts or sunflower seeds.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can add a burst of flavor.
Variation
You can easily customize this salad by adding other ingredients like peas, corn, or even diced ham or chicken. You may also substitute Greek yogurt for some or all of the mayonnaise for a lighter version.
FAQs
Q: Can I make Creamy Macaroni Salad ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the salad up to a day in advance. Just make sure to keep it stored in the refrigerator.
Q: How long will Creamy Macaroni Salad last in the fridge?
A: The salad will stay fresh for about three days when stored in an airtight container.
Q: Can I freeze Creamy Macaroni Salad?
A: It’s not recommended to freeze this salad, as the texture of the macaroni and veggies may change when thawed.
Enjoy making your Creamy Macaroni Salad! It’s a simple and delicious recipe that everyone will love.
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Creamy Macaroni Salad
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful macaroni salad with a rich and creamy dressing, perfect for BBQs, picnics, and family gatherings.
Ingredients
- Short macaroni of your choice
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Finely chopped celery
- Finely chopped bell pepper
- Finely chopped red onion
- Mayonnaise
- Sweet pickles
- Pickle brine
- Dijon mustard
- Sugar
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, chopped hard-boiled eggs, celery, bell pepper, and red onion.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, pickle brine, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the macaroni mixture and stir to combine.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Can be customized with additional ingredients like peas, corn, or diced ham. Store in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: macaroni salad, creamy salad, picnic side dish, easy recipes