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#### **Ingredients:**
– 1 lb elbow macaroni (or pasta of your choice)
– 1 cup mayonnaise (preferably full-fat for a creamy texture)
– 2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional for added creaminess)
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional for extra flavor)
– 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar (or lemon juice for a tangier flavor)
– 2 teaspoons sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
– 1 cup celery, diced
– 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
– 1/2 cup carrots, shredded
– 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
– 4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/2 cup peas, 1/2 cup pickles, or 1/2 cup diced cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
#### **Instructions:**
**1. Cook the Pasta:**
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until it is al dente (firm to the bite). Be careful not to overcook the pasta, as it can become mushy when mixed with the dressing.
Once the pasta is done, drain it and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. This will stop the cooking process and help the pasta maintain its firm texture. Set the pasta aside to drain completely.
**2. Prepare the Vegetables and Eggs:**
While the pasta is cooking, prepare your vegetables. Dice the celery, red bell pepper, and onion into small pieces. You can also shred the carrots if you’re using whole carrots instead of pre-shredded. If you’re adding peas or pickles, make sure to prepare them as well.
Next, hard-boil the eggs. Place them in a saucepan with water and bring to a boil. Once the water is boiling, turn off the heat and cover the saucepan. Let the eggs sit in the hot water for about 10-12 minutes. Afterward, transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water to cool down. Once cooled, peel the eggs and chop them into small pieces.
**3. Make the Dressing:**
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until they are smooth and well combined. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you prefer a tangier dressing, you can add more vinegar or lemon juice.
**4. Combine the Ingredients:**
Add the cooled pasta to the mixing bowl with the dressing. Gently stir the pasta into the dressing, making sure it’s evenly coated. Then, add the chopped vegetables, eggs, and any optional ingredients like peas, pickles, or cheese. Stir everything together until well combined.
**5. Chill the Salad:**
Once the macaroni salad is fully mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate it for at least 1-2 hours before serving. Chilling the salad allows the flavors to meld together and gives the salad a refreshing, cool texture. You can also make the salad a day ahead of time to let the flavors develop even further.
**6. Garnish and Serve:**
Before serving, give the macaroni salad a quick stir to make sure the dressing hasn’t separated. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Taste the salad again and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
Serve the macaroni salad as a side dish with your favorite barbecue meats, sandwiches, or even grilled vegetables. It’s the perfect accompaniment to summer meals and will definitely be a crowd favorite at your next gathering.
### **Tips for the Perfect Macaroni Salad**
– **Use Quality Mayonnaise**: Since mayonnaise is the base of the dressing, it’s important to use a high-quality mayonnaise for the best flavor. Look for a full-fat, creamy mayonnaise for a rich and smooth texture.
– **Customize the Ingredients**: Feel free to add your favorite ingredients to the salad, such as olives, cheese, bacon, or fresh herbs. Macaroni salad is highly customizable, so you can make it your own.
– **Let It Chill**: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least a few hours before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and improves the overall taste.
– **Avoid Overcooking the Pasta**: Be sure to cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy once mixed with the dressing. Rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process immediately after draining.
### **Conclusion**
Macaroni salad is a delicious, versatile, and easy-to-make dish that brings together a mix of fresh vegetables, creamy dressing, and tender pasta. With this simple yet flavorful recipe, you can create the best macaroni salad that’s perfect for any occasion, from summer picnics to family gatherings. The best part? It’s easy to customize
, so you can make it your own by adding different vegetables, seasonings, and proteins. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, this macaroni salad recipe is a surefire way to impress your guests and enjoy a refreshing, satisfying side dish.
