Description
A classic macaroni salad recipe that is creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a side dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups elbow macaroni
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp. red wine or distilled vinegar
- 3 tsp. sugar, plus more to taste
- 1/4 tsp. salt, plus more to taste
- Plenty of black pepper
- 1/4 cup milk, plus more if needed
- Splash of pickle juice, plus more to taste
Add-Ins:
- 3 whole roasted red peppers, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, finely chopped
- 6 sweet/spicy pickle slices, diced
- 3 green onions, sliced (white and dark green parts)
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Cook the macaroni in lightly salted water according to the package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, milk, and pickle juice. Adjust seasonings to taste. Set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: Place the cooled macaroni in a large bowl. Pour in three-fourths of the dressing and toss. Add more dressing as needed. Stir in roasted red peppers, olives, pickles, and green onions. Adjust ingredients to preference.
Notes
- You can customize this salad by adding ingredients like diced ham, shredded cheese, or boiled eggs.
- For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
