Description
Classic Picnic Macaroni Salad is a quintessential summer side dish that brings together the creamy goodness of a homemade dressing with tender elbow macaroni and a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables. Perfect for outdoor gatherings, barbecues, or family picnics, this salad is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup diced bell pepper (any color)
- ½ cup diced red onion
- 1 cup sweet pickle relish
- 2 large hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl along with chopped celery, bell pepper, red onion, sweet pickle relish, and hard-boiled eggs. Mix gently until combined.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour to let the flavors meld together. Just before serving, fold in fresh parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 95mg