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+ servings

cold macaroni salad recipe

A refreshing and creamy cold macaroni salad perfect for picnics and barbecues.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni uncooked
Vegetables
  • 1 cup celery diced
  • 1 cup red bell pepper diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion diced
Dressing
  • 1 cup mayonnaise preferably light
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins
  • 1/2 cup sweet pickle relish optional
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs chopped optional

Method
 

Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
Prepare the Dressing
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.
Combine Ingredients
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled macaroni, diced celery, red bell pepper, red onion, and any optional add-ins. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix until well combined.
Chill and Serve
  1. Cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 8gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite vegetables or proteins.

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