how to make macaroni salad

To make macaroni salad, follow these basic steps:

1. Cook the elbow macaroni noodles until tender but firm to the bite. Drain and rinse with cool water to stop further cooking.
2. Prepare the add-ins, which can include diced celery, red onion, red bell pepper, frozen peas, cheese cubes, and sometimes diced ham.
3. Make the dressing by whisking together mayonnaise, vinegar (white or apple cider), sugar, Dijon mustard, sweet pickle relish, salt, and pepper.
4. Toss the cooled macaroni with the add-ins and dressing until everything is evenly coated.
5. Chill the macaroni salad in the refrigerator for at least a few hours before serving, stirring again just before serving.

Here's a simple ingredient list and recipe outline: Ingredients:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni noodles (uncooked)
• 1/4 cup diced celery
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup cubed sharp cheddar cheese

For the dressing:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup distilled vinegar (white or apple cider)
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and rinse under cold water.
2. Combine macaroni and add-ins in a large bowl.
3. Whisk dressing ingredients together until smooth.
4. Pour dressing over macaroni and mix until evenly coated.
5. Chill for at least 1-2 hours, stir before serving.

This classic macaroni salad is creamy, light, and perfect for barbecues or potlucks. Variations include adding boiled eggs, carrots, or substituting some mayo with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter dressing. The salad often tastes even better the next day when flavors meld.