Classic Summer Macaroni Salad
This Classic Summer Macaroni Salad is the perfect dish to bring to your next picnic, BBQ, or potluck. With its creamy, tangy dressing and vibrant mix of fresh vegetables, this salad not only satisfies your taste buds but is also a breeze to prepare. Using just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up this delightful salad in under 30 minutes, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the sunshine. Customize with your favorite add-ins or leave it as is; either way, it's bound to become a family favorite during the warm months.
6
Servings
200
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
dry pasta shell macaroni
2 cups (uncooked)
celery
1/3 cup (diced)
red onion
1/4 cup (soaked in cold water for 5 minutes, drained, and diced)
fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 tablespoon (chopped)
diced tomato
1/2 cup (optional)
prepared mayonnaise
1/2 cup (n/a)
dry mustard
3/4 teaspoon (n/a)
sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons (n/a)
cider vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons (n/a)
sour cream
3 tablespoons (n/a)
kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon, plus more to taste (n/a)
fresh ground black pepper
to taste (n/a)
Instructions
1
Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled macaroni, diced celery, drained red onion, chopped parsley, and diced tomato (if using).
3
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, dry mustard, sugar, cider vinegar, sour cream, and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt until well blended.
4
Pour the dressing over the macaroni salad and toss gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
5
Season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as desired.
6
Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
12.67g
Fat
16g
Carbs
4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Classic Summer Macaroni Salad?
It is a creamy and tangy pasta salad featuring fresh vegetables like celery and red onion, designed for summer gatherings like BBQs and picnics.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields 6 servings.
How long does it take to prepare this salad?
The salad can be prepared in under 30 minutes, though it requires an additional 30 minutes of refrigeration.
What type of pasta should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of dry pasta shell macaroni.
Is this macaroni salad vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 200 calories per serving.
What are the primary ingredients in the dressing?
The dressing is made from mayonnaise, dry mustard, sugar, cider vinegar, and sour cream.
Why should I rinse the macaroni under cold water?
Rinsing under cold water stops the cooking process and cools the pasta down immediately for the salad.
How do I prepare the red onions for this recipe?
The red onions should be soaked in cold water for 5 minutes, drained, and then diced to mellow their flavor.
Can I add tomatoes to this salad?
Yes, adding 1/2 cup of diced tomato is an optional suggestion in this recipe.
How much fat is in each serving?
Each serving contains 12.67g of fat.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 16g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this salad provide?
This salad provides 4g of protein per serving.
What type of vinegar is recommended?
Cider vinegar is recommended for the best flavor profile.
Is fresh or dried parsley used?
The recipe specifies 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley.
What is the purpose of the sugar in the recipe?
The sugar helps balance the tanginess of the cider vinegar and mustard.
Should the macaroni be cooked all the way through?
The macaroni should be cooked until al dente to maintain a good texture in the salad.
How long should the salad chill before serving?
It should be covered and refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Can this salad be served at room temperature?
Yes, it can be served chilled or at room temperature.
How much celery is needed?
The recipe requires 1/3 cup of diced celery.
What type of mustard is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses 3/4 teaspoon of dry mustard.
Can I customize this recipe?
Yes, you can customize it with your favorite add-ins according to the description.
Is this recipe suitable for a potluck?
Yes, it is described as a perfect dish to bring to picnics, BBQs, or potlucks.
What kind of salt is used?
The recipe specifies kosher salt.
How much mayonnaise is needed?
You will need 1/2 cup of prepared mayonnaise.
How much sour cream is used?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of sour cream.
Is this a quick recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick salad and an easy recipe.
How do I season the salad?
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste after tossing with the dressing.
Does this recipe include dietary fiber info?
Fiber information is not provided for this specific recipe.
Is this recipe considered a side dish?
Yes, it is tagged under sides and is intended as a side dish for summer meals.