Macaroni Salad Recipe – Easy Classic Side Dish for BBQs & Potlucks!

mayonnaise

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

Greek yogurt provides a creamy texture with fewer calories.

elbow macaroni

🥗Healthier: whole wheat elbow macaroni

💰Cheaper: shell pasta

Whole wheat offers more fiber, while shell pasta can be more affordable.

Boil water in a large pot (at least 4 quarts) with 1 teaspoon of salt.

Add 8 oz (about 2 cups) of elbow macaroni to the boiling water.

Cook the macaroni for 1 minute less than the package instructions, testing for al dente texture.

Drain the macaroni but do not rinse; let it cool for 5 minutes.

If the pasta clumps, drizzle with 1 teaspoon of olive oil and toss gently.

In a large bowl, combine the cooled macaroni, 1/2 cup diced celery, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, and 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish.

In a separate bowl, mix together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon vinegar, 1 teaspoon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

Fold the dressing into the macaroni mixture gently to coat without breaking the pasta.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to blend.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens