Delicious Creamy American Macaroni Salad for Every Occasion

This Creamy American Macaroni Salad is a nostalgic crowd-pleaser perfect for any occasion, combining creamy mayonnaise with crisp vegetables and elbow macaroni.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Chill Time 1

Total Time 1 25

Course Appetizers

Cuisine American

Servings servings

Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

Large pot
Mixing bowl
Spatula

Ingredients

For the Pasta

2 cups elbow macaroni providing that delightful chewy texture

For the Dressing

1 cup mayonnaise the creamy base for rich flavor
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar adds a zesty kick
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard elevates the dressing with depth
1 teaspoon sugar balances flavors
¼ teaspoon salt enhances savory elements
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper adds seasoning to taste

For the Vegetables

½ cup diced celery adds crunchy texture
½ cup chopped red bell pepper offers sweet, colorful pop
¼ cup chopped red onion brings mild tang
¼ cup chopped dill pickle infuses briny flavor

For the Protein

2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped provides richness

For Garnish

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley adds brightness and color

Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions

In a large pot, bring a generous amount of salted water to a roaring boil over high heat. Add 2 cups of elbow macaroni and cook until tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water.
While the macaroni cools, whisk together 1 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of sugar, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper until smooth.
Once the macaroni has cooled, gently add it to the bowl with the dressing and fold it in, ensuring every piece is evenly coated.
Fold in ½ cup of diced celery, ½ cup of chopped red bell pepper, ¼ cup of chopped red onion, ¼ cup of chopped dill pickle, and 2 chopped hard-boiled eggs into the pasta mixture.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
Before serving, stir the salad gently and sprinkle 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley on top.

Notes

Chill time enhances flavor and texture. You can customize veggies to your liking.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 7gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Keyword Classic Salad, Creamy American Macaroni Salad, easy recipe, Make-Ahead Dish, pasta salad, summer salad

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