Classic Macaroni Salad

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Introduction:
Classic Macaroni Salad is a timeless side dish that’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, potlucks, or any casual gathering. This creamy, tangy salad is filled with tender pasta, crunchy vegetables, and a deliciously seasoned dressing. Easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser, it’s a must-have recipe for any cook.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (220g) elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup (150g) diced celery
  • 1/2 cup (75g) diced red bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup (75g) diced red onion
  • 1/2 cup (60g) shredded carrot
  • 1/2 cup (75g) diced pickles or relish (optional)
  • 1 cup (240ml) mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)
  • Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Optional Additions:

  • 1/2 cup (75g) frozen peas, thawed
  • 1/4 cup (40g) diced cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup (40g) cooked bacon bits

Instructions:

1. Cook the Macaroni:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
  • Drain the macaroni and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Vegetables:

  • While the macaroni is cooking, dice the celery, red bell pepper, red onion, and shred the carrot.
  • If using, dice the pickles or prepare the relish.

3. Make the Dressing:

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using).
  • Whisk until smooth and well combined.

4. Assemble the Salad:

  • Add the cooked and cooled macaroni to the bowl with the dressing.
  • Add the diced celery, red bell pepper, red onion, shredded carrot, and pickles or relish (if using).
  • Gently fold the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.

5. Add Optional Ingredients:

  • If desired, fold in the chopped hard-boiled eggs, thawed peas, diced cheddar cheese, or cooked bacon bits.

6. Chill the Salad:

  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container.
  • Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.

7. Serve:

  • Before serving, give the macaroni salad a good stir.
  • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
  • Serve chilled as a side dish to your favorite meals.

Tips for Success:

  • Make sure to rinse the cooked macaroni with cold water to cool it quickly and prevent it from sticking together.
  • Adjust the seasoning of the dressing to your taste by adding more salt, pepper, or vinegar as needed.
  • For the best flavor, prepare the macaroni salad a few hours in advance or the night before serving.

Nutritional Estimate:
(Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

  • Calories: Approximately 250-300 per serving (based on 8 servings)
  • Total Fat: Approximately 18-22g
  • Saturated Fat: Approximately 3-5g
  • Cholesterol: Approximately 50-70mg
  • Sodium: Approximately 400-600mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25g
  • Dietary Fiber: Approximately 2-3g
  • Sugars: Approximately 4-6g
  • Protein: Approximately 4-6g

Recommendation:
Classic Macaroni Salad is versatile and can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as part of a buffet spread. For a healthier version, you can use Greek yogurt in place of some of the mayonnaise. Enjoy this creamy and refreshing salad as a delightful addition to your meal!

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