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Classic Creamy Grandma’s Macaroni Salad

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A timeless, easy homemade macaroni salad with a creamy mayo-based dressing and crunchy veggies, perfect for summer picnics and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (about 200g) elbow macaroni
  • 3/4 cup (180ml) mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) sweet pickle relish
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
  • 1/4 cup finely diced red onion (optional)
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups (200g) of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions, usually about 7-8 minutes until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine 3/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon granulated sugar. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper starting with 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper.
  4. Finely dice 1/2 cup celery and 1/4 cup red onion (if using). Chop 2 hard-boiled eggs into small pieces.
  5. Add the cooled macaroni, chopped celery, onion, and eggs into the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold everything together until evenly coated, being careful not to mash the eggs or crush the pasta.
  6. Stir in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for color and brightness.
  7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld. It tastes even better the next day.
  8. If the salad looks dry after chilling, add a tablespoon of mayo or a splash of milk to loosen it before serving.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente and rinse under cold water to prevent sogginess. Mix dressing ingredients thoroughly before combining with pasta. Chill at least 1 hour for best flavor. Add extra mayo or milk if salad is dry after chilling. Variations include using Greek yogurt for lighter dressing, gluten-free pasta, or vegan mayo for dietary needs.

Nutrition

Keywords: macaroni salad, creamy macaroni salad, classic macaroni salad, picnic side dish, summer salad, easy side dish, homemade macaroni salad

Find it online: https://lyrafeast.com/classic-creamy-grandmas-macaroni-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-side-dish/