Alma's Classic Macaroni Salad
Discover the delightful taste of Alma's Classic Macaroni Salad, inspired by the family recipe of the Wahlbergs. This creamy and colorful pasta salad, popularized by chef Paul Wahlberg's acclaimed eatery, Alma Nove, blends simplicity with vibrant fresh ingredients, creating a dish that's perfect for summer picnics, barbecues, or as a refreshing side for any meal. With a nod to memorable family gatherings, this version retains the spirit of Alma's original preparation while allowing for personal touches, such as the addition of olives or a mix of seasonal vegetables. Embrace the freshness of summer with each creamy bite!
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
elbow macaroni
1 lb (cooked and cooled)
garlic powder
1 teaspoon (none)
celery salt
1 teaspoon (none)
mayonnaise
1 cup (none)
green bell pepper
1/2 cup (finely diced)
celery
1/2 cup (finely diced)
red onions
3 tablespoons (diced (optional))
fresh parsley
3 tablespoons (chopped)
salt
to taste (none)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
ground cayenne pepper
1 dash (optional)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-9 minutes until al dente. Taste and adjust cooking time if needed.
2
Once cooked, drain the macaroni and rinse immediately under cold water to stop the cooking process. Ensure the macaroni is well-drained and set aside to cool completely.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the garlic powder, celery salt, and mayonnaise. Add the cooled macaroni to this mixture and toss gently until every piece is well coated. If desired, sprinkle in a dash of cayenne pepper for a hint of spice.
4
Fold in the diced green bell pepper, celery, optional red onion, and parsley. Gently mix to combine all ingredients evenly. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
12.5g
Fat
16.7g
Carbs
4.2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Alma's Classic Macaroni Salad?
It is a creamy and colorful pasta salad inspired by the family recipe of the Wahlbergs.
Who popularized this recipe?
Chef Paul Wahlberg popularized this recipe at his eatery, Alma Nove.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 lb of elbow macaroni.
How long should I cook the macaroni?
Cook the macaroni for 8 to 9 minutes until it is al dente.
Should the macaroni be rinsed after cooking?
Yes, rinse the macaroni immediately under cold water after draining to stop the cooking process.
What is the base of the salad dressing?
The dressing is made from 1 cup of mayonnaise combined with garlic powder and celery salt.
How much garlic powder is required?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
What amount of celery salt is needed?
You should use 1 teaspoon of celery salt.
Can I make this macaroni salad spicy?
Yes, you can add a dash of ground cayenne pepper for a hint of spice.
What vegetables are included in the salad?
The salad includes finely diced green bell pepper, celery, and optional red onions.
How much green bell pepper should I use?
Use 1/2 cup of finely diced green bell pepper.
What is the quantity of celery needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of finely diced celery.
Is red onion a required ingredient?
No, the 3 tablespoons of diced red onions are optional.
What fresh herb is added to the salad?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley.
How long should the salad be refrigerated before serving?
The salad should be refrigerated for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
Can I add olives to this recipe?
Yes, the recipe description suggests that olives can be added as a personal touch.
Is this salad suitable for a picnic?
Yes, it is described as a perfect dish for summer picnics and barbecues.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is 12.5g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 16.7g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this salad provide?
The salad contains 4.2g of protein per serving.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total.
Should the macaroni be warm when adding the dressing?
No, the macaroni should be cooled completely before being added to the mayonnaise mixture.
What kind of pepper is used for seasoning?
The recipe calls for freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Can I add other vegetables to the salad?
Yes, you can include a mix of seasonal vegetables.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to bring salted water to a rolling boil and cook the macaroni.
How is the parsley prepared?
The fresh parsley should be chopped before being folded into the salad.
What category does this recipe fall under?
It is categorized as a macaroni salad, pasta salad, and side dish.
Is salt added to the pasta water?
Yes, the instructions specify bringing salted water to a boil.
Does this recipe use a specific brand of mayonnaise?
The recipe specifies 1 cup of mayonnaise but does not require a specific brand.