Small Macaroni Salad
User Reviews
4.9
Small Macaroni Salad
Description
The salad combines tender boiled elbow macaroni with a smooth dressing of mayonnaise complemented by white vinegar, mustard, sugar, and a pinch of cayenne for subtle warmth. The dressing coats the macaroni evenly and is mixed with diced green onion, finely diced bell pepper, crisp celery, and grated carrot to add fresh texture and slight sweetness. Chilling the salad allows flavors to meld and the pasta to fully cool, improving the overall texture.
This salad is suitable as a side for picnics, barbecues, or casual meals. It can be prepared ahead of time and stirred again before serving to refresh the dressing’s creaminess if it slightly dries out in the fridge.
If green onions are unavailable, finely diced white or yellow onions can substitute. Additional mayonnaise can be stirred in just before serving to restore creaminess if the salad has absorbed dressing during storage.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 4 ounces macaroni 1 cup
Dressing
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise 52 g
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 granulated sugar up to 2 teaspoons
- 1 Dijon mustard or yellow mustard, heaping teaspoon
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- cayenne pepper pinch
Vegetables
- 1 green onion diced, use green and white parts, small
- 1/2 cup bell pepper any color, finely diced
- 1/4 cup celery finely diced
- 1/4 cup carrot finely grated
Instructions
- Bring a medium pot of generously salted water to boil and cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool completely. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together too badly.
- In a medium bowl, combine all of the dressing ingredients and whisk together until smooth. Add vegetables and toss to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until pasta is cool.
- Once pasta is cooled, stir pasta into the dressing. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- If green onions are unavailable, finely diced white or yellow onions can be used as a substitute.
- For make-ahead preparation, stir in an extra spoonful of mayonnaise before serving to counteract dryness from dressing absorption.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 205 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 205kcal | 10% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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