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Creamy Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe Easy Crunchy Veggie Twist

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A creamy classic macaroni salad with crunchy veggies that balances soft noodles with fresh, crisp vegetables and a tangy, slightly sweet dressing. Perfect for summer cookouts and easy to make with simple pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (about 200g) elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
  • 3/4 cup (180ml) mayonnaise, preferably full-fat
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) honey
  • 1 cup (about 100g) celery, finely diced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 3 stalks green onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 small carrot, shredded (optional)
  • 2 large hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill or parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups (200g) of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions, usually 7-8 minutes for al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain the macaroni in a colander and rinse under cold water until completely cool. Shake off excess water.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup (180ml) mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon (15ml) yellow mustard, 1 tablespoon (15ml) apple cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon (5ml) honey until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.
  4. Finely dice 1 cup (100g) celery, 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly slice 3 green onions, and shred 1 small carrot. If using, chop 2 hard-boiled eggs.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled macaroni, chopped veggies, and eggs. Pour the dressing over and toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
  6. Stir in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill or parsley.
  7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld. Overnight is even better.
  8. Before serving, give it a gentle stir and taste, adding more salt, pepper, or a splash of vinegar if needed.

Notes

Rinse pasta with cold water to stop cooking and prevent mushiness. Chill salad for at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor. Chop veggies uniformly for balanced crunch. Vegan mayo can be used for a vegan version. Gluten-free pasta can substitute regular elbow macaroni.

Nutrition

Keywords: macaroni salad, creamy macaroni salad, classic macaroni salad, crunchy veggies, summer salad, picnic salad, easy pasta salad, elbow macaroni salad

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