Name: macaroni salad recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 lb Elbow Macaroni; 1 cup Mayonnaise; 0.5 cup Celery (finely chopped); 0.25 cup Red Onion (finely chopped); 1 tsp Mustard; 0.5 tsp Salt; 0.25 tsp Black Pepper

Let’s talk comfort food. What is my Grandma Lucy’s recipe for macaroni salad? What is a macaroni salad? Is it the kind of food that shows up at every family picnic, potluck, and summer barbecue? The first to disappear. Is it creamy, tangy, and a little sweet? What is potato salad? What is the best macaroni Salad Recipe?

What is a macaroni salad?

Macaroni salad is basically a cold pasta salad, starring elbow macaroni (of course!) Think of it as a blank canvas for deliciousness. It’s essentially cooked macaroni tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing, usually with some crunchy crunchy bits. What’s a little extra, like ham or hard-boiled eggs? What are some good Side Dishes for warmer weather? What is my grandma’s What’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, and just the right consistency – not too thick. Is it too thick or runny?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

There are so many reasons to adore this macaroni Salad Recipe! First off, the flavor is just incredible. It’s that perfect mix of creamy, tangy, and a little bit sweet, with the crispness of the celery and onion cutting through the richness. The little bits of hard-boiled egg add a lovely textural element too. But what I really love most about this macaroni salad recipe is how unbelievably easy it is to make. Seriously, you can throw this together in about 20 minutes, which is a lifesaver when you’re prepping for a party or just need a quick side dish for dinner. The ingredients are all super affordable and easy to find too.
Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can enjoy it as a side with grilled burgers or chicken, pack it in a picnic basket, or even eat it straight from the bowl (guilty!). It’s also endlessly customizable, so you can add your favorite veggies, cheeses, or proteins to make it your own. You might also enjoy trying my classic coleslaw or even a simple cucumber salad for other easy side dish ideas. I always double the recipe, because it disappears so fast!

How do I make macaroni salad?

Quick Overview

Grandma Lucy’s macaroni Salad Recipe is a breeze! What is the best way to cook macaroni, chop veggies, boil eggs, whisk together a super smooth sauce? Simple dressing. If you toss everything together and let it chill in the fridge for a bit, the flavors will meld together. What is the beauty of this method is that it’s almost impossible to mess up, and the chilling time actually works. Why does it taste so good? What are some good and simple recipes for this dish?

Ingredients

What is the main salad?
* 1 pound elbow macaroni (I always use the classic size, but you can use small shells too)
* 4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (make sure they’re not overcooked – nobody likes that greenish ring! )
* 1 cup mayonnaise (I prefer full-fat for the creamiest texture, but light mayo works too)
* 1/2 cup sweet pickle relish (this is key for that signature sweetness)
* 1/4 cup yellow mustard (a little goes a long way)
* 1/4 cup finely chopped celery (adds a nice crunch) * 3/4 cup canned tomatoes (optional)
* 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion (for a little zing)
* 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (balances the tanginess)
* 1 tablespoon of white vinegar (adds a bit of acidity)
* 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
* 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground is always best)

How do I follow

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions, but be sure to cook it *al dente*. Why don’t you want mushy macaroni salad? I usually shave off about a minute from the recommended cooking time. Once a vegetable is cooked, drain it well and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. How do you prevent a piece of wood from sticking together? Let it drain completely while you prep the other ingredients. I always do this over a colander, just in case.

Step 2: Prepare the Eggs and Vegetables

While the macaroni is cooking, chop the hard-boiled eggs, celery, and red onion. I like to chop them pretty fine so they’re evenly distributed throughout the salad. For the eggs, I use an egg slicer and then give them a rough chop. This makes it super quick! If you’re sensitive to the strong flavor of red onion, you can soak it in cold water for a few minutes. Just a few minutes to mellow it out.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, sugar, and salt. Set aside. Is vinegar, salt, and pepper good for you Make sure everything is well combined and smooth. Give it a taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. I sometimes add a little cayenne pepper to my salad. What is the best way to use it? My grandma always said the secret to a good dressing is to taste it and adjust until it’s *just* right. What is right for you?

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cooked and drained macaroni, chopped eggs, celery, and red onion to the bowl with the remaining ingredients. Set aside. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated in the dressing. If you overmix the macaroni, it will break apart. I like to use a large rubber spatula for this.

Step 5: Chill

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight. How do I make a salad to chill? What is the best way to make macaroni more flavorful? Before serving, give it another gentle toss and add a little mayonnaise if it seems dry. I’ve found that sometimes, especially if I’m using a lower-fat mayo, it needs sprinkling of extra fat. What is the moisture after chilling?

Step 6: Serve

Serve the macaroni salad cold. What are some great side dishes to serve at a barbecue? Is it okay to garnish with fresh parsley or paprika? My family loves it with grilled burgers, hot dogs, or Pulled Pork sandwiches. I just eat it straight out of the fridge with a spoon – no judgement!

What should I serve it with?

What are some good recipes for macaroni salad?

For a BBQ:What are some good side dishes to serve at a barbecue? Serve it alongside grilled burgers, hot dogs, chicken, ribs or Pulled Pork. Is it good with watermelon and corn on the cob?

For a Picnic:Pack it in a picnic basket with sandwiches, fruit, and some cookies for an outdoor meal. It’s easy to transport and doesn’t require any heating.

As a side dish: What are some examples?What is a good side dish for dinner? What are some good ways to serve this sandwich with baked ham, roasted chicken, or just a Grilled Cheese Sandwich?

For a Potluck:What is the best way to bring this to your next potluck and watch it disappear! Is it easy to make a big batch?

What is my favorite way to serve it with a slice of crusty bread and iced tea? What is the perfect summer meal?

How do I make a Macaroni Salad?

What are some tricks to make this macaroni Salad Recipe even better?

Don’t overcook Macaroni: DonWhat is the best tip for a good macaroni salad? Cook al dente and rinse well with cold water.

How do I chop veggies finely?How do I get a little bit of salad? Is there crunch in every bite?

What is the best dressing to make?What is the best dressing for a salad? What are some good seasonings to add to a recipe? What is the best way to balance the flavors of mustard?

Chill It Well:Is it safe to chill the salad for at least 2 hours? How do you mix the macaroni and the dressing? This is crucial for a truly delicious macaroni salad.

Don’t be afraid to experiment.What are some ideas for a recipe that is blank canvas? What are some good Side Dishes to serve with ham, cheese, green pepper, or bacon?Mayonnaise Matters: I find that full-fat mayonnaise really gives the best flavor and texture. You can use light, but know that the taste will be different. Also, avoid salad dressing (like Miracle Whip) – it’s just not the same!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Here’s how to store your macaroni salad recipe to keep it fresh and delicious:

Refrigerator Storage: Store the macaroni salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. After that, the quality starts to decline. I always write the date on the container so I know when it was made.

Freezer Instructions: I don’t recommend freezing macaroni salad, as the mayonnaise can separate and become watery when thawed. It’s best to make it fresh.

Room Temperature: Don’t leave macaroni salad at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as this can increase the risk of bacterial growth. If you’re serving it at a picnic or barbecue, keep it chilled in a cooler.

Glaze Timing Advice: Since there’s no glaze, this doesn’t apply!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily make this macaroni salad gluten-free by using gluten-free elbow macaroni. Just be sure to cook it according to the package directions, as gluten-free pasta can sometimes be a bit trickier to cook. I’ve tried it with a brown rice-based pasta and it worked really well. Just don’t overcook it or it will get gummy!

Do I need to peel the hard-boiled eggs?

Yes, definitely peel the hard-boiled eggs! Nobody wants eggshells in their macaroni salad. For easy peeling, try adding a teaspoon of baking soda to the water when you boil the eggs. It makes the shells slip right off! Also, make sure you cool the eggs immediately after boiling to prevent that greenish ring from forming around the yolk.

Can I add meat to this macaroni salad recipe?

Absolutely! Diced ham, cooked bacon, or shredded chicken are all great additions. Just make sure the meat is fully cooked and chopped into small pieces. I especially love adding crispy bacon for a smoky flavor.

How can I make this macaroni salad recipe less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet macaroni salad, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the dressing. Start with just 1 tablespoon of sugar and add more to taste. You can also use a less sweet pickle relish or even substitute it with dill pickle relish for a tangier flavor.

Can I use a different kind of mustard?

Yes, you can experiment with different mustards to change the flavor profile. Dijon mustard will add a bit of a kick, while honey mustard will add a touch of sweetness. I personally like to stick with yellow mustard for that classic macaroni salad flavor, but feel free to get creative!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – Grandma Lucy’s famous macaroni salad recipe! It’s a classic for a reason: it’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. I truly hope you give this recipe a try, and I promise it will become a staple in your family too! If you love this kind of classic comfort food, you might also enjoy my easy chicken pot pie or my creamy tomato soup recipe. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Let me know in the comments if you try it, and don’t forget to rate the recipe! What’s your favorite thing to add to macaroni salad? I’m always looking for new ideas!

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