This Macaroni Salad is a classic side dish with pasta, celery, red bell pepper, and onions in a creamy dressing. You can add hard boiled eggs if you want.
MACARONI SALAD RECIPE
Here’s the deal. Macaroni salads are all so different. Some people like them on the savory side and some people like them sweet as candy. I prefer mine more on the savory side.
INGREDIENTS
- ELBOW MACARONI – Any short pasta will work here but elbow macaroni is traditional.
- CELERY – This gives the salad crunch and texture.
- BELL PEPPERS – You can use any color pepper here. It adds crunch and vibrant color.
- GREEN ONIONS – I love the flavor of onion. Green onions offer a more mild flavor but red onion can be used as well.
- MAYONNAISE – This is the base for a creamy salad.
- MUSTARD – Adds a little bite and acidity.
- VINEGAR – This sounds weird but the vinegar gives the dressing some bite.
- HARD BOILED EGGS – Not every pasta salad has hard boiled eggs in it but I really love the flavor.
- PAPRIKA – Not only does paprika add color but it also adds flavor.
OTHER PASTA SALAD RECIPES
Yield: 4 servings
This Macaroni Salad is a classic side dish with pasta, celery, red bell pepper, and onions in a creamy dressing. You can add hard boiled eggs if you want.
-
8
ounces
elbow macaroni
(about 2 cups) -
1/2
cup
diced celery
(about 2 stalks) -
1/2
cup
diced red bell pepper
(or any color) -
1/2
cup
green onions -
2
hard boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
(optional) -
1
cup
mayonnaise -
1
Tablespoon
yellow mustard -
2
Tablespoons
white or red wine vinegar -
1
teaspoon
salt -
1/4
teaspoon
pepper - paprika
-
In a large pot of salted water, prepare pasta according to package directions. Drain and cool.
-
Add cooled pasta to a large bowl along with the rest of the ingredients except the paprika. Stir well. Sprinkle with paprika. Chill until serving.