Macaroni salad recipe. The ultimate summer side for BBQs, this salad is sure to please just about everyone. Pasta salads are a hit at any time, but the boiled eggs give it the signature deviled egg flavor. The tantalizing flavor of the balanced creamy dressing add the mouthwatering taste. Best of all, it takes the stress out of feeding a crowd, it’s budget-friendly, and the prep is so easy.
Why I Love This Quintessential BBQ Side
In a world full of food trends, here’s a simple timeless salad that’s an inevitable part of backyard barbecues, lazy summer weekend lunches, and holiday spreads. The best part? It’s endlessly adaptable. In fact, every family has its own secret twist, but the base flavors remain the same, al-dente pasta, creamy dressing, and lots of veggies.
The quiet hero of this salad - eggs. They bring in the protein and velvety texture that complements the mayo dressing. Chop or mash the eggs, and add to the salad. Either way, it transforms the simple pasta salad to next level side. The veggies used in the salad make it pop, and the crunch comes from classic additions like celery, red bell pepper (capsicum), carrots and onion. The star of the dish is, obviously, macaroni ready to absorb all the flavors. The creamy and tangy mayo dressing brings everything together. With mayo as the base, the creamy dressing is a combination of yogurt, dijon mustard, sugar, apple cider vinegar, and onion powder.
This salad is one of those dishes you can make ahead. Well, to be exact, the resting time gives it the signature flavor. Store it in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld and thicken the dressing. This is the perfect summer salad, refreshing, easy to prepare ahead, and ideal for gatherings.
Key Ingredients In Macaroni Salad
- Macaroni - The base of the pasta salad.
- Vegetables - For crunch and color.
- Eggs - Hard boil and chop or slice.
- Herbs - Dill.
- Mayonnaise - Key element of dressing.
- Yogurt - Makes the salad lighter.
- Vinegar - Apple cider vinegar adds tang to the dressing.
Macaroni Salad Recipe
Prep - Cook macaroni and let it cool completely. Chop veggies very finely. Hard boil eggs, peel and chop into small pieces. Mix all the ingredients to make the dressing.
Make the salad - Combine all the ingredients, and pour in the dressing. Toss.
Macaroni Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Salad:
- 2 cups cooked macaroni
- ¾ cup chopped celery
- ¾ cup chopped carrot
- ½ cup chopped red bell pepper (capsicum)
- 2 boiled eggs, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped dill
Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon granulated caster sugar
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place macaroni, celery, carrot, bell pepper (capsicum), eggs and dill in a large bowl.
- To make the dressing, combine together mayonnaise, yogurt, dijon mustard, vinegar, sugar, and onion powder in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour dressing over salad.
- Cover and rest in the refrigerator for about an hour.
Video
Notes
- Make ahead - Make this salad a day ahead.
- Other veggies - You can chopped red onions, green peas, green bell pepper (capsicum).
- Herb - Replace dill with parsley if you like.
- Yogurt - Substitute yogurt with sour cream if you like.
Nutrition
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