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Easy Macaroni Salad

Easy Macaroni Salad: Your Ultimate Summer Picnic Side

Easy Macaroni Salad is a delightful and creamy dish perfect for summer picnics and gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 16 ounces Elbow Macaroni Can substitute with small shells
  • 2 stalks Celery Finely chopped
  • 1 cup Red Bell Pepper Chopped
  • 1 small Red Onion Finely chopped
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Can substitute with Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar Substitutes: white vinegar or lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Mustard Adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Pepper Adjust to taste

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Cutting Board
  • mixing bowl
  • spatula
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook for 8–10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Finely chop the celery, red bell pepper, and red onion into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
  4. Add drained macaroni and chopped vegetables to the dressing, and gently fold until well-coated.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill.
  6. Stir before serving, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 8gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 450mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For optimal flavor, prepare ahead of time and keep chilled until serving. Personalize by adding proteins like chicken or herbs.

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