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Classic Macaroni Salad

Classic Macaroni Salad

Classic Macaroni Salad is a creamy, flavorful side dish made with tender pasta, crunchy vegetables, and a sweet tangy dressing. It’s easy to make, perfect for BBQs and picnics, and always a family favorite.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 380
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • ⅔ cup white sugar or to taste
  • ¼ cup distilled white vinegar
  • 2 ½ tablespoons prepared yellow mustard
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 stalks celery chopped
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper seeded and chopped
  • ¼ cup grated carrot optional
  • 2 tablespoons chopped pimento peppers optional

Method
 

Cook the Macaroni
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until tender according to the package instructions.
  2. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it cool completely.
Make the Dressing
  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, yellow mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
  2. Taste the dressing and adjust the sugar or vinegar if needed.
Add the Vegetables
  1. Stir in the chopped celery, onion, green bell pepper, grated carrot, and pimento peppers.
  2. The vegetables add crunch, color, and freshness to the salad.
Combine Everything
  1. Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl and mix gently until all the pasta is evenly coated in the dressing.
  2. Make sure every bite gets plenty of creamy sauce.
Chill Before Serving
  1. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Chilling helps the flavors blend together and gives the salad its classic creamy texture.