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+ servings
Bowl of Classic Macaroni Salad with fresh vegetables and creamy dressing

Macaroni Salad

A classic, creamy macaroni salad with crunchy veggies and hard-boiled eggs, perfect for summer picnics and potlucks.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Eggs
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 3 large hard boiled eggs, chopped For perfect hard-boiled eggs: bring to a full boil, cover, remove from heat, and let sit 9 minutes. Shock in an ice bath for 5 minutes, then peel.
Dressing
  • 15 ounces Miracle Whip or mayonnaise Use mayonnaise for a richer, less sweet result.
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 3 tablespoons sugar or a sugar substitute Adjust to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon celery seed
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
Vegetables
  • 3/4 cup diced red onion
  • 3/4 cup diced celery
  • 3/4 cup diced bell peppers Mix colors for visual appeal.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
  2. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and spread the pasta on a rimmed sheet pan or large bowl to cool quickly.
Dressing
  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Miracle Whip or mayonnaise, sugar, celery seed, garlic salt, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, plus a pinch of salt and some black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Combine
  1. Fold in the chopped hard-boiled eggs, diced red onion, celery, and bell peppers into the dressing until evenly coated.
  2. Add the cooled pasta and toss gently to combine without breaking the noodles. Keep the texture fluffy.
  3. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving so the flavors meld.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 8gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4g

Notes

Swap Greek yogurt for part of the mayo for a tangy, lighter dressing. Add 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish for extra sweetness and texture. Chill the pasta on a single layer for faster cooling. This salad is best served chilled.

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