Ah, macaroni salad—like a picnic hug in a bowl. Summer barbecues, family gatherings, or honestly, just a Tuesday night craving, it’s a dish that transcends seasons. This extra creamy version? Oh, it’s like your taste buds are taking a casual stroll down comfort lane, with a detour through Flavortown.
Steps
- Cook the elbow macaroni in salted water following the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cool water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch.
- In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, yellow mustard, white vinegar, granulated garlic, onion powder, white sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir in the finely diced red onion, celery, and green bell pepper until well mixed.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled macaroni with half of the prepared dressing, making sure the pasta is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate both the pasta and the remaining dressing for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld.
- Before serving, add the rest of the dressing to the macaroni salad and toss until fully coated. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Ingredients
- 3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1/2 medium red onion, finely diced (approximately 1 cup)
- 1 rib of celery, finely diced (about 1/3 cup)
- 1/2 green bell pepper, finely diced (around 1/3 cup)
- 1 cup mayonnaise (such as Duke’s)
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 3 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2382kcal | Carbohydrates: 252g | Protein: 42g | Fat: 132g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 78g | Monounsaturated Fat: 30g | Trans Fat: 0.6g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 2964mg | Potassium: 930mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 300IU | Vitamin C: 42mg | Calcium: 114mg | Iron: 6mg
FAQ
- What makes Classic Macaroni Salad a staple in Southern potlucks?
- Classic Macaroni Salad is a staple at Southern potlucks due to its creamy texture and tangy, savory flavors. It is commonly made with elbow macaroni pasta combined with a creamy dressing that includes ingredients like mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, sugar, and seasonings. This dish is a beloved side at picnics, barbecues, and potlucks.
- How can I prevent the macaroni from sticking together when making macaroni salad?
- To prevent the macaroni from sticking together, rinse the cooked pasta with cold water immediately after draining. This stops the pasta from cooking further and removes excess starch, helping to ensure the pasta remains separate.
- Why should I soak red onion before adding it to the macaroni salad?
- Soaking diced red onion in cold water for about 5 minutes before adding it to the salad helps to reduce its sharpness without altering its flavor. This step ensures that the onion doesn’t overpower the salad’s taste.
- What are some variations I can make to the classic macaroni salad ingredients?
- While elbow macaroni, red onion, celery, and green bell pepper are traditional, you can vary this recipe by adding ingredients like hard-boiled eggs, sweet relish, or diced pickles. Different types of bell peppers can also be used, each offering a unique flavor.
- How can I keep the macaroni salad from becoming dry when refrigerated?
- To keep the macaroni salad from becoming dry after refrigeration, add only half of the dressing initially and refrigerate. Before serving, mix in the remaining dressing to restore its creamy texture. Additionally, taste and adjust the salt and pepper before serving.
Tips
- Immediately rinse the pasta with cold water after cooking to stop further cooking and remove excess starch, preventing the pasta from sticking together.
- To soften the sharp flavor of red onions, soak them in cool water for about 5 minutes before adding them to the salad.
- Add only half of the dressing initially and refrigerate the salad. Pour the remaining dressing just before serving to maintain a creamy texture, as the pasta will absorb some of the dressing while resting.
- Before serving, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt and pepper if necessary, as the flavors may change during refrigeration.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowls
- Fine mesh strainer or colander (for draining pasta)
- Chef’s knife (for chopping vegetables)
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk (for mixing the dressing)
