Add some grilled chicken or shrimp, and you've got the what really sets a good pasta apart though is a great, creamy dressing.
Chef John's Classic Macaroni Salad
And watch it be the first bowl to go empty.
Recipe Summary Chef John's Classic Macaroni Salad
Whether it's sitting next to some smoky ribs or just a humble hot dog, this deli-style macaroni salad will always be a crowd favorite, as long as you pay attention to a few key details.Ingredients | Creamy Pasta Pasta Salad Recipes Easy
1 cup mayonnaise (Optional)
¼ cup white vinegar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons kosher salt, or more to taste
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon white sugar, or more to taste
1 cup finely diced celery
¾ cup diced red bell pepper
½ cup grated carrot
½ cup chopped green onions, white and light parts
¼ cup diced jalapeno pepper
¼ cup diced poblano pepper
1 (16 ounce) package uncooked elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon mayonnaise (Optional)
1 tablespoon water (Optional)
Directions
Whisk 1 cup mayonnaise, vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper together in a bowl until well blended; whisk in sugar. Stir in celery, red bell pepper, carrot, onions, and jalapeno and poblano peppers. Refrigerate until macaroni is ready to dress.
Bring a large pot of well salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain but do not rinse. Allow macaroni to drain in a colander about 5 minutes, shaking out moisture from time to time. Pour macaroni into large bowl; toss to separate and cool to room temperature. Macaroni should be sticky.
Pour dressing over macaroni and stir until dressing is evenly distributed. Cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or, ideally, overnight to allow dressing to absorb into the macaroni.
Stir salad before serving. Mix 1 tablespoon mayonnaise and 1 tablespoon water into salad for fresher look.
You can use the tops of the green onions to chop up and use as a garnish.
Info | Creamy Pasta Pasta Salad Recipes Easy
prep:
20 mins
cook:
8 mins
additional:
4 hrs 5 mins
total:
4 hrs 33 mins
Servings:
12
Yield:
12 servings
TAG : Chef John's Classic Macaroni Salad
Salad, Pasta Salad Recipes, Macaroni Salad Recipes,
Creamy Pasta Pasta Salad Recipes Easy - Just like any pasta salad recipe, this one is easy to prepare and you can throw in whatever ingredients you love or have on hand!
