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+ servings
Macaroni Salad

Creamy Macaroni Salad That Steals the Summer Show

This creamy, colorful Macaroni Salad is a versatile dish perfect for summer gatherings, easily customizable to suit your taste.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6 cups
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 oz Dry Macaroni Noodles Cook al dente
  • 1 cup Sweet Gherkins Can swap with dill pickles
  • 1 medium Red Bell Pepper Any bell pepper variety
  • 1 stalk Celery Can substitute with cucumber
  • 1 medium Red Onion Green onions are a milder alternative
  • 2 large Hard-Boiled Eggs Skip for vegan option
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Use vegan mayo if dairy-free
  • ½ cup Sour Cream Greek yogurt is a healthier option
  • 2 tbsp Sweet Pickle Juice Apple cider vinegar can be used
  • 2 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar White wine vinegar is a substitute
  • 1 tbsp Sugar Coconut sugar or honey can replace
  • 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard Yellow mustard is a milder alternative
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper
  • to taste Garlic Powder Fresh garlic can replace for more flavor
  • to taste Crushed Red Pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Plastic wrap

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook macaroni noodles for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain, rinse, and drizzle with olive oil.
  2. Finely dice sweet gherkins, red bell pepper, celery, red onion, and hard-boiled eggs into small, even pieces.
  3. Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, sweet pickle juice, red wine vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, and seasonings to create a smooth dressing.
  4. Fold cooled macaroni noodles into the dressing, then add diced vegetables and hard-boiled eggs, ensuring everything is well coated.
  5. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 8gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 450mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Experiment with toppings and variations to create your perfect macaroni salad masterpiece. Adjust spices to your liking after chilling.

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