Description
This classic Macaroni Salad combines tender elbow macaroni with a creamy, tangy dressing enhanced by a hint of sweetness and crunchy vegetables. Perfectly chilled and easy to prepare, it’s a delicious side dish ideal for picnics, barbecues, or potlucks.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 pound elbow macaroni pasta
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1½ cups finely chopped celery
- 3 green onions, finely chopped
Dressing
- 1¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1½ tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions, typically about 9 to 11 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it thoroughly with cool water to stop the cooking process and cool the noodles.
- Make the dressing: While the pasta cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, granulated sugar, honey, onion powder, freshly cracked black pepper, and kosher salt in a large mixing bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Combine salad ingredients: Add the cooked and cooled pasta to the dressing bowl along with grated carrots, sweet pickle relish, finely chopped celery, and green onions. Toss everything gently but thoroughly until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill the salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill before serving.
- Serve and store leftovers: Serve the macaroni salad chilled as a refreshing side dish. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Notes
- Use mayonnaise of your choice—full-fat for creamier texture or light for lower calories.
- Rinsing the pasta after cooking stops it from overcooking and prevents sticking.
- Sweet pickle relish adds a nice tangy crunch, but finely chopped dill pickles can be a good substitute.
- Adjust sugar and honey according to your preferred level of sweetness.
- For added protein, consider mixing in diced hard-boiled eggs or cooked chicken.
- This salad tastes even better when rested overnight.
- To keep it gluten free, verify that the pasta is made from gluten free ingredients.
