basic mac salad recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best basic mac salad recipe

I’ve been making this basic mac salad recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The dish is a staple in many American households, and for good reason – it’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and can be customized to suit any taste. I love how the creamy macaroni is balanced by the tangy dressing, and the crunch of the vegetables adds a nice textural element.

My kids adore helping me make this recipe, as it’s one of the few times they get to play with cooked pasta without getting into trouble. We often have it for lunch or as a side dish for dinner, and it never fails to bring a smile to our faces. The best part?

It’s incredibly versatile – you can add your favorite protein, veggies, or even nuts to make it your own. I’ve served it at potlucks, picnics, and even just a regular Tuesday night dinner. It’s that good!

One time I added some diced ham and chopped hard-boiled eggs for extra protein, and another time I tossed in some chopped fresh parsley for an extra burst of flavor. The possibilities are endless! My family loves this recipe because it’s comforting yet easy to make.

We often have leftovers for days, which means I can enjoy the convenience of a pre-made meal without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.

Classic Macaroni Salad

4.7 from 1457 votes

A creamy and tangy macaroni salad with tender pasta, crunchy vegetables, and a rich dressing. This classic side dish is perfect for picnics, barbecues, and potlucks.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time25 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 320 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

2 cups elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon salt

For the Vegetables

1/2 cup finely chopped celery
1/2 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1/4 cup grated carrot

For the Dressing

1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2Add 1 tablespoon of salt and the elbow macaroni, then cook until tender but firm to the bite, about 8 minutes.
3Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse with cold water until cool to stop the cooking process.
4While the pasta cooks, prepare the vegetables.
5Finely chop the celery, red bell pepper, and red onion, and grate the carrot.
6Set these aside in a large mixing bowl.
7In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
8The dressing should be creamy and slightly tangy.
9Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl with the vegetables.
10Pour the dressing over the top and stir gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
11The salad should look creamy with colorful vegetable pieces distributed throughout.
12Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
13Before serving, stir the salad again and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
14The salad should be cold and creamy.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Large mixing bowl
Small bowl
Whisk
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 320 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 3.5g❤️Cholesterol: 15mg🧂Sodium: 520mg🌾Total Carbs: 28g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 5g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, substitute half the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt. Add 2 tablespoons of sweet pickle relish for extra sweetness and tang. This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Watch Video Of How Classic Macaroni Salad Works

This basic mac salad recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a party or just need a quick lunch on-the-go. My family loves how versatile this recipe is – we can add our favorite ingredients to make it our own.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s so easy to scale up or down depending on the number of people you’re serving. For instance, if we’re having company over for dinner, I can easily triple the ingredients without breaking a sweat.

And when we’re short on time during the week? This recipe is always there for us – simply reheat the leftovers in the microwave and serve as usual.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Macaroni Salad

Q: What is macaroni salad?

Macaroni salad is a type of pasta salad made with cooked macaroni, mayonnaise or other creamy dressing, and various vegetables such as onions, bell peppers, and hard-boiled eggs.

Q: What ingredients do I need for basic mac salad recipe?

You’ll need 8 oz macaroni, 1 cup mayonnaise or Miracle Whip, 1/2 cup chopped onion, 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper, 1/2 cup chopped hard-boiled egg, salt and pepper to taste.

Q: Can I customize this recipe?

Yes! Feel free to add your favorite protein sources like diced chicken or tuna, or mix in some chopped nuts for added crunch.

Q: How long does macaroni salad keep?

This salad will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I use different types of pasta?

Sure! While traditional elbow macaroni is the most common choice, you can experiment with other shapes like penne or rotini if you prefer.

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