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Close-up shot of creamy macaroni salad featuring glossy mayonnaise mustard dressing, celery, and red bell peppers.

The Ultimate Classic Creamy Macaroni Salad

This classic, creamy Macaroni Salad features plump elbow noodles coated in a thick, glossy mayonnaise and mustard dressing, intimately mixed with crisp red onions, bright celery, bell peppers, and hard-boiled eggs.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 385
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Macaroni Salad Ingredients
  • 16 oz elbow macaroni noodles Cooked slightly past al dente and cooled.
  • 1.5 cups real mayonnaise Full fat recommended.
  • 2 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp kosher salt Plus more for pasta water.
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 cup red onions Finely diced.
  • 1 cup green celery Chopped.
  • 1 cup red bell peppers Diced.
  • 4 large hard-boiled eggs Chopped into distinct chunks.
  • 1 tsp red paprika powder For garnish.
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley flakes Finely chopped, for garnish.

Equipment

  • 1 Large stockpot For boiling the macaroni.
  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl For whisking the dressing and tossing the salad.

Instructions
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook 1 minute past al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water until completely cooled.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, kosher salt, and black pepper until thick and glossy.
  3. Add the cooled macaroni noodles to the dressing and toss gently. Fold in the finely diced red onions, chopped green celery, diced red bell peppers, and chopped hard-boiled eggs until intimately mixed.
  4. Transfer the mixture to a simple round ceramic bowl. Garnish with a light dusting of red paprika powder and a scattered sprinkle of fresh green parsley flakes. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

Notes

Tip 1. Rinse your pasta thoroughly in cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent a gummy texture.
Tip 2. Allow the salad to chill for at least two hours in the refrigerator so the flavors can properly meld together.
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