Macaroni Salad is one of the classic salad made using macaroni pasta, vegetables, herbs and seasoning. This macaroni pasta salad is one of the comforting and demanding salads as it is so creamy, rich and delicious. The mayonnaise along with herbs dressing makes this salad irresistibly delicious. Learn to make Macaroni Salad with the help of video and step by step pictures.
Macaroni Salad is easy and quick to make yet tastes delicious and filling too. Made with classic and kitchen staple ingredients this salad is sure to be a crowd pleaser so perfect to make for parties and get together. Do try this easy and healthy salad and enjoy!
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About Macaroni Salad
Macaroni Salad is a party or pot luck staple that can be made quickly and easily. It comes together so quickly that you can get ready with the ingredients ahead of time, mix and serve it instantly. Macaroni Salad uses elbow macaroni mixed with a creamy dressing that tastes so good.
The recipe for macaroni salad that I’ve shared here uses onion, carrots, bell pepper and a creamy dressing to mix with elbow macaroni. Some classic version even include boiled eggs, pickles or even sweet relish. It is basically customizable according to your liking and preference.
I usually make this salad with regular elbow macaroni but this time found mini and it was spot on for this recipe. The smaller ones absorb flavors so well and its fun to eat too especially with kids. I am really not fond of salad recipes but this creamy salad is my favorite.
Classic Macaroni Salad has a mix of tangy and savory taste making it unique. This salad is a must for picnics and potlucks as it comes together easily. Get your cooked pasta ready, chop the vegetables, prepare the dressing – mix everything together and the salad is ready to eat. You can add pasta cooked water or milk if it is too dry.
Macaroni Salad Video
Macaroni Salad Ingredients
- Elbow Macaroni pasta – is perfect for salad recipes. Choose the mini ones if you get it . I would highly recommend it for the taste and looks.
- Mayonnaise – Any non flavored mayonnaise can be used, You can even garlic flavored mayonnaise too.
- Vegetables – Onion, carrot and bell pepper is used for this salad. I have used green and red bell pepper for making the salad look more colorful.
- Garlic powder – one of the main ingredient that gives taste and flavor.
- Mustard powder – You can use readymade mustard powder or crush mustard seeds at home and use it.
- Pepper powder – adds spice and flavor. You can use coarsely crushed pepper flakes or pepper powder.
- Vinegar – is used for a tangy taste. Use white vinegar which works best for salads.
- Salt, Sugar – used to balance the taste.
Why this recipe works?
- Uses simple and kitchen staple ingredients.
- Easy and quick to make.
- Looks appetizing and filling.
- Can be made ahead of time.
- Creamy and delicious.
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How to make Macaroni Salad Step by Step
To cook pasta
1.To a sauce pan add around 3 to 4 cups of water. Add salt to taste.
2.Add 1 and 1/2 cups mini elbow macaroni pasta.
3.Let it cook in medium flame.
4.Cook until fork tender.
5.Transfer to a strainer, rinse with cold water to avoid further cooking.
6.Set aside to cool down a bit.
Salad Dressing
7.To a bowl add 1/2 cup mayonnaise along with 1 teaspoon vinegar, salt to taste, 1/2 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon mustard powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon pepper powder.
8.Mix it well until creamy.
9.To a mixing bowl add cooked pasta along with 2 tablespoon onion, 2 tablespoon green bell pepper, 2 tablespoon onion red bell pepper, 2 tablespoon onion carrot and prepared dressing.
10.Mix it well. Add little milk or pasta cooked water if it is too dry.
Macaroni pasta salad is ready!
Expert Tips
- Cold water shock – Always strain pasta after cooking and wash it with cold water to avoid further cooking and to wash off excess starch. This ensures less sticking.
- Dressing – Add little milk to thin down the dressing. Add 2 tablespoon fresh cream to make it more rich and creamy. You can add half of dressing first then add the rest while serving.
- Vegetables – You can add other vegetables like cooked peas, corn etc. You can even add sauteed mushrooms.
- Consistency – The salad should be creamy, if you feel it a bit dry add little milk to make it creamy. Alternatively you can add pasta cooked water too.
- Taste test – Taste it first and add more spices if you like.
Serving and Suggestion
Serve it warm or chilled. You can serve it as a part of meal or serve it for breakfast too.
You can refrigerate until serving time. This salad tastes great when served chilled. It stays good in fridge for about 2 days.
FAQS
1.Can I use any other pasta variety?
Yes you can use other pasta varieties like shell type macaroni, mini penne, fusilli etc
2.How should I serve this salad?
You can serve this salad at room temperature or serve chilled. Either ways it tastes great.
3.Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes you can make it ahead and refrigerate it. The flavors blend well when stayed in fridge for sometime.
If you have any more questions about this Macaroni Salad Recipe do mail me at sharmispassions@gmail.com. In addition, follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, Youtube and Twitter .
Tried this Macaroni Salad Recipe? Do let me know how you liked it. Also tag us on Instagram @sharmispassions and hash tag it on #sharmispassions
📖 Recipe Card
Macaroni Salad Recipe
Ingredients
To cook pasta
- 4 cups water
- 1 and 1/2 cups macaroni
- salt to taste
For dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper powder
- salt to taste
Vegetables
- 2 tablespoon onion
- 2 tablespoon green bell pepper
- 2 tablespoon onion red bell pepper
- 2 tablespoon onion carrot
Instructions
- To a sauce pan add around 3 to 4 cups of water. Add salt to taste.
- Add 1 and 1/2 cups mini elbow macaroni pasta.
- Let it cook in medium flame.
- Cook until fork tender.
- Transfer to a strainer, rinse with cold water to avoid further cooking.
- Set aside to cool down a bit.
- To a bowl add 1/2 cup mayonnaise along with 1 teaspoon vinegar, salt to taste, 1/2 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon mustard powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon pepper powder.
- Mix it well until creamy.
- To a mixing bowl add cooked pasta along with 2 tablespoon onion, 2 tablespoon green bell pepper, 2 tablespoon onion red bell pepper, 2 tablespoon onion carrot and prepared dressing.
- Mix it well. Add little milk or pasta cooked water if it is too dry.
- Macaroni pasta salad is ready!
Video
Notes
- Cold water shock – Always strain pasta after cooking and wash it with cold water to avoid further cooking and to wash off excess starch. This ensures less sticking.
- Dressing – Add little milk to thin down the dressing. Add 2 tablespoon fresh cream to make it more rich and creamy. You can add half of dressing first then add the rest while serving.
- Vegetables – You can add other vegetables like cooked peas, corn etc. You can even add sauteed mushrooms.
- Consistency – The salad should be creamy, if you feel it a bit dry add little milk to make it creamy. Alternatively you can add pasta cooked water too.
- Taste test – Taste it first and add more spices if you like.
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