What are the ingredients of macaroni salad?

Classic macaroni salad includes elbow macaroni, finely chopped celery, red bell pepper, green onions, and grated carrot. The dressing combines mayonnaise, plain yogurt or sour cream, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This mix creates the creamy, tangy base that defines the dish.

What are some common macaroni salad mistakes?

Mistakes often stem from overcooked or under-seasoned pasta, too little dressing, or skipping the resting period. To avoid dryness, dress the pasta while it’s slightly warm and reserve some extra dressing for later. Always salt your pasta water, and let the salad sit before serving to let flavors develop fully.

What makes macaroni salad sweet?

Sweetness comes from a touch of sugar in the dressing and the natural sugars in vegetables like carrot and red bell pepper. Optional ingredients like sweet relish or crushed pineapple can enhance that profile without overpowering the balance of tangy and savory flavors.

How do you make Martha Stewart macaroni salad?

Martha Stewart’s version uses elbow pasta, cucumber, celery, fresh dill, mayo, sour cream, and lemon juice. It’s lighter, herb-focused, and tangy. You can adapt her style by using yogurt or sour cream in place of some mayo, and by adding fresh herbs to brighten the overall taste.

Macaroni Salad: The Creamy Side Dish Everyone Loves

Description

Macaroni Salad made creamy, crunchy, and irresistible with easy ingredients and pro tips.

Ingredients

- 1/2 lb (about 2 cups) elbow macaroni
- 1 1/2 tablespoons salt (for boiling pasta)
- 1 cup finely sliced celery (about 1 stalk)
- 3/4 cup finely diced red bell pepper (about 1 small pepper)
- 3/4 cup thinly sliced green onions (about 1 large stalk)
- 1 medium carrot, grated

For the Dressing:

- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt or sour cream (low-fat or full-fat)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Bring 4 to 5 quarts of water to a boil. Add the salt and cook the macaroni according to the package directions until just tender. Drain and set aside to cool.
While the pasta is cooling, whisk together all dressing ingredients in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled macaroni with celery, bell pepper, green onions, and carrot.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Taste and adjust the seasoning—add more salt, vinegar, or sugar to balance the flavors as desired.
Let the salad rest for at least 20 minutes at room temperature before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve at room temperature. This salad also tastes even better the next day.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Pasta and Grain Salads
Method: Boiled
Cuisine: American