Description
A classic creamy macaroni salad featuring perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, crunchy fresh vegetables, and a tangy homemade dressing with mayonnaise and a hint of pickle juice. This refreshing side dish is ideal for picnics, barbecues, and potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni
- 3 large hard boiled eggs, whites and yolks separated
- 1 rib celery, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 2 tbsp dill pickles, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise (can also substitute half sour cream or Greek yogurt)
- 1 tbsp pickle juice
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp sugar
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the noodles.
- Prepare the eggs: Peel the hard boiled eggs and cut them in half. Chop the egg whites finely and place them in a large mixing bowl. Transfer the egg yolks to a small bowl and set aside.
- Mix the salad ingredients: To the bowl with egg whites, add diced celery, red onion, red bell pepper, and dill pickles. Stir until well combined and set aside.
- Make the dressing: Mash the reserved egg yolks with a fork until crumbly. Add mayonnaise, pickle juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and sugar. Stir thoroughly until the dressing is smooth and uniform.
- Combine salad and dressing: Pour the dressing over the macaroni and salad mixture. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the macaroni salad for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld. Just before serving, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for garnish if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half or all mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- Adjust the sugar in the dressing to your taste for desired sweetness.
- Make sure to cool the pasta completely before mixing to prevent a watery salad.
- The salad can be prepared a day ahead to enhance the flavors.
- Optional additions include chopped pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick or shredded cheddar cheese for extra richness.
