Name: Macaroni Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: . Macaroni Salad Ingredients; 8 ounces dry elbow macaroni noodles; Extra-virgin olive oil ((for drizzling)); 1 red bell pepper ((stemmed, seeded, and diced)); 2 stalks celery ((diced)); ½ cup diced dill pickles; ⅓ cup diced red onion; . Dressing Ingredients; ¾ cup mayonnaise; 3 tablespoons dill pickle juice; 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar; 1 tablespoon sugar; 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; 2 cloves garlic ((grated)); ¼ teaspoon sea salt; Freshly ground black pepper

Welcome to a delightful twist on a classic dish! This Macaroni Salad is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or just a refreshing meal at home. Trust me, you'll love how easy and satisfying it is to whip up!

Tips for Perfection

Make sure to cool your macaroni thoroughly before mixing it with the dressing; this helps keep everything fresh and crisp!

Why You'll Love It

This salad is not only colorful but packed with crunchy veggies and a creamy dressing that ties everything together beautifully. Enjoy every bite!

Ingredients

Instructions

Prepare the Macaroni:
Step 1

- Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Prepare the macaroni according to the package instructions, cooking until slightly past al dente. Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking, then set aside to cool.
Make the Dressing:
Step 2

- Combine dressing ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, pickle juice, vinegar, sugar, mustard, garlic, salt, and several grinds of pepper.
Assemble the Salad:
Step 3

- Mix salad ingredients: Add the macaroni, red pepper, celery, pickles, and red onion to the bowl with the dressing and stir to combine. Season to taste and chill until ready to serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 320, Fat: 20g, Carbs: 30g, Protein: 6g

Cooking techniques

Boiling the pasta until slightly past al dente ensures that it absorbs the dressing flavors without becoming mushy. Mixing the salad while the macaroni is still slightly warm can enhance the flavor.

Variations or substitutions

Feel free to swap out the veggies based on what you have on hand. Try adding peas or carrots for a twist! For a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.

Storage tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier!

Notes

For a vegan option, substitute mayonnaise with a plant-based alternative. Always adjust seasoning to your taste!