This Classic Macaroni Salad with Egg is a staple for summer potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings. With its creamy homemade dressing and a delightful combination of simple, fresh ingredients, this salad is both comforting and refreshing. It's easy to make ahead, allowing flavors to meld beautifully over time.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 8 ounces dried macaroni pasta
- ½ red bell pepper, diced small (about ¾ cup)
- 2 stalks celery, diced small
- ⅓ cup red onion, finely diced
- 5 sweet gherkins, finely diced
- 4 ounces cheddar cheese, cubed small
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and finely diced
For the Dressing
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle juice
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: ⅛ teaspoon paprika for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss the pasta with a teaspoon or two of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta with red bell pepper, celery, red onion, gherkins, cheddar cheese, and hard-boiled eggs. Mix well to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, sweet pickle juice, cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine and Chill
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture in the large bowl. Toss everything together until well coated. For the best flavor, cover and refrigerate the salad for at least a couple of hours before serving.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Before serving, give the salad a final stir and garnish with a sprinkle of paprika if desired. This enhances both the flavor and presentation.
Chef's Tips
- Consistency: Adjust the creaminess of the salad by adding more or less mayonnaise or sour cream based on your preference.
- Add-ins: Feel free to add other ingredients like diced ham, bacon, or different vegetables to suit your taste or make the salad more hearty.
- Storage: This macaroni salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It's perfect for making in advance for events.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 464 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 11g
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 37mg
- Sodium: 602mg
- Potassium: 218mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 9g
- Vitamin A: 819IU
- Vitamin C: 14mg
- Calcium: 180mg
- Iron: 1mg
Conclusion
This Classic Macaroni Salad with Egg is the perfect side dish for any occasion, offering a comforting taste with a balance of textures and flavors. It's ideal for those looking for a reliable and delicious recipe that everyone can enjoy. Whether you're hosting a summer BBQ or need a dish to bring to a potluck, this macaroni salad is sure to please.
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Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes plus chilling
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic Macaroni Salad is a beloved picnic staple, featuring tender pasta, crisp vegetables, and a creamy dressing. It's the perfect side dish for any outdoor event.
Ingredients
8 ounces elbow macaroni
1 cup mayonnaise
¼ cup white vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup diced celery
½ cup diced red onion
½ cup diced bell pepper (red or green)
¼ cup diced carrots
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
In a large bowl, mix together mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
Add the cooled macaroni, celery, red onion, bell pepper, carrots, and eggs to the bowl with the dressing. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
Customize your macaroni salad by adding pickles, olives, or fresh herbs according to your preference.
For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for part or all of the mayonnaise.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling, Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
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