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4.9 from 234 votes

New York Deli Macaroni Salad

New York deli macaroni salad is a simple side dish that's loaded with flavor and is perfect alongside sandwiches, burgers, and other warm weather food!

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
refrigerator time
12 hrs
Total Time
12 hrs 15 mins
Servings: 12
Calories: 254 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the brine
  • 1/3 cup white vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup onion grated or pureed
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons fine sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
Remaining ingredients
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise plus more to achieve a smooth consistency
  • 1/2 small green or red bell pepper finely diced
  • 1 rib celery finely diced

Instructions

For the brine
    Cup of Yum
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together all of the brine ingredients and set aside.
For the macaroni salad
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook elbow macaroni to al dente. Drain and run the pasta under cold water to cool it off and stop the cooking process.
  2. Whisk the brine again then add the elbow macaroni along with the bell pepper and celery. Mix well to coat. At this time it is best to refrigerate the macaroni overnight so that the flavors absorb.
  3. The next day, add the mayo and mix well again. Add more mayo as required to get a creamy consistency. Taste test and season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!

Notes

  • The key to getting that New York deli macaroni salad flavor is the brine.  If you can wait let the macaroni sit in the brine for 1-2 days before mixing with mayo.  This is how most delis do it.
  • White pepper can be used for appearance.
  • Leftovers can be saved for up to 5 days and taste even better after a few days.

Nutrition Information

Calories 254kcal (13%) Carbohydrates 38.2g (13%) Protein 5.2g (10%) Fat 8.9g (14%) Saturated Fat 1.5g (8%) Cholesterol 4mg (1%) Sodium 355mg (15%) Potassium 120mg (3%) Fiber 1.4g (6%) Sugar 8.1g (16%) Calcium 13mg (1%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 12Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 254

% Daily Value*

Calories 254kcal 13%
Carbohydrates 38.2g 13%
Protein 5.2g 10%
Fat 8.9g 14%
Saturated Fat 1.5g 8%
Cholesterol 4mg 1%
Sodium 355mg 15%
Potassium 120mg 3%
Fiber 1.4g 6%
Sugar 8.1g 16%
Calcium 13mg 1%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.