Macaroni Salad (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
01 -
1/2 lb (250 g) elbow macaroni pasta.
02 -
1 stalk of celery, thinly chopped (1 cup).
03 -
1 small red bell pepper, chopped into fine pieces (3/4 cup).
04 -
1 large green onion, sliced very thin (3/4 cup).
05 -
1 carrot, shredded with a standard grater (medium size).
06 -
1/2 cup whole egg mayonnaise (S&W, Best Foods, Hellmann's, etc.).
07 -
1/2 cup sour cream or yogurt, regular or lighter options both work.
08 -
1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
09 -
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard.
10 -
2 teaspoons granulated sugar.
11 -
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder.
12 -
1 1/4 teaspoons salt.
13 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
# Instructions:
01 -
Fill a big pot with 4-5 liters of water and bring it to a boil. Stir in about 1 1/2 tablespoons of salt. Cook the macaroni following the time on the package. Once done, drain and let the pasta cool off completely.
02 -
Combine the mayonnaise, sour cream or yogurt, cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, garlic powder, pepper, and salt in a mixing bowl. Stir until smooth and everything is well blended.
03 -
In a big bowl, add the cooled macaroni. Then, toss in the chopped celery, minced red bell peppers, thinly sliced green onion, and shredded carrot. Pour the dressing over everything and mix well so the pasta and all veggies are evenly coated.
04 -
Taste and adjust seasoning by adding extra salt, vinegar, sugar, or even more mayonnaise if needed. Let the salad sit for about 20 minutes so the flavors can really come together. Serve it at room temperature for the best taste, though it also works great the next day.
# Notes:
01 -
Elbow macaroni is the ideal pasta choice for this dish.
02 -
Crunchy celery, red bell peppers, green onion slices, and grated carrot give it great flavor and texture.
03 -
The creamy dressing is lightened up thanks to the yogurt or sour cream mix.
04 -
Letting the pasta cool helps avoid it becoming too soft or sticky.
05 -
Make it your own by tossing in extras like diced egg, cooked bacon, or pickles.
06 -
Swap out the mayo with a no-mayo dressing for a lighter option.