Creamy Macaroni and Egg Delight
Indulge in this Creamy Macaroni and Egg Delight, a refreshing twist on classic egg salad. This dish marries the comforting flavors of elbow macaroni with the protein-packed richness of hard-boiled eggs. Enhanced with crisp cucumber and a blend of vegetables, it's tossed in a zesty homemade dressing and creamy mayonnaise. Perfect for picnics, gatherings, or a light lunch, this salad offers both nourishment and satisfaction, bringing smiles to the table. Serve it atop a bed of fresh lettuce and garnish with cucumber slices for an eye-catching presentation.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
elbow macaroni
8 ounces (cooked, cold water rinse and drained)
medium cucumber
1 (diced, reserve small portion for garnish)
chopped celery
1/2 cup (chopped)
chopped red onion
1/4 cup (chopped)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
dill weed
1/4 teaspoon (dried)
vinegar
3 tablespoons (preferably white or apple cider)
oil
2 tablespoons (preferably olive or vegetable oil)
hard-boiled eggs
8 (4 chopped, 4 halved for garnish)
mayonnaise
2/3 cup (for creaminess)
lettuce
as needed (for lining the bowl)
Instructions
1
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
2
While the macaroni is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Dice three-quarters of the cucumber and set aside the remaining quarter for garnishing. Chop the celery and red onion finely.
3
In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, dill weed, vinegar, and oil to create a flavorful dressing. Whisk together until well blended.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked elbow macaroni, diced cucumber, chopped celery, and red onion. Pour the dressing over the macaroni mixture and toss gently until everything is coated evenly.
5
Chill the combined salad mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
6
After chilling, coarsely chop four of the hard-boiled eggs and gently fold them into the macaroni salad along with the mayonnaise. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep some texture.
7
To serve, line a serving bowl with lettuce. Spoon the macaroni salad into the bowl, and decorate the top with the halved remaining hard-boiled eggs and the reserved cucumber slices. Enjoy your delicious Creamy Macaroni and Egg Delight!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Macaroni and Egg Delight?
It is a refreshing twist on classic egg salad that combines elbow macaroni, hard-boiled eggs, crisp cucumber, and a zesty homemade dressing.
How much elbow macaroni is required?
The recipe requires 8 ounces of elbow macaroni.
How many eggs are used in this recipe?
A total of 8 hard-boiled eggs are used.
What vegetables are included in the salad?
The salad includes cucumber, chopped celery, and red onion.
How should the macaroni be prepared?
Cook it until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing consists of salt, black pepper, dill weed, vinegar, and oil.
How do I prepare the cucumber?
Dice three-quarters of the cucumber for the salad and reserve the remaining quarter for garnish.
What type of vinegar is recommended?
White vinegar or apple cider vinegar is preferred.
What kind of oil should I use?
The recipe suggests olive oil or vegetable oil.
How long should the salad chill?
The salad should be chilled in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
When is the mayonnaise added?
Mayonnaise is added after the macaroni and vegetable mixture has finished chilling.
How should the hard-boiled eggs be divided?
Four eggs are coarsely chopped to be folded into the salad, and four are halved for garnish.
Why shouldn't I overmix the salad?
You should avoid overmixing to maintain a pleasant texture in the final dish.
How is the dish served?
Serve it in a bowl lined with fresh lettuce, topped with halved eggs and cucumber slices.
What are the primary seasonings?
The primary seasonings are salt, black pepper, and dried dill weed.
Is this recipe good for gatherings?
Yes, it is perfect for picnics, gatherings, or a light lunch.
How much celery do I need?
You need 1/2 cup of chopped celery.
What is the amount of red onion used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of chopped red onion.
What is the role of the oil in this recipe?
The oil is used to create the flavorful dressing that coats the macaroni before chilling.
Why is the salad chilled before adding mayo?
Chilling allows the flavors of the dressing and vegetables to meld and intensify.
Can I use apple cider vinegar?
Yes, apple cider vinegar is a suggested option for the dressing.
How much mayonnaise is needed?
The recipe uses 2/3 cup of mayonnaise.
What is the garnish for this dish?
The garnish consists of reserved cucumber slices and halved hard-boiled eggs.
How much dill weed should I add?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of dried dill weed.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 total ingredients listed.
Should the macaroni be hot or cold when mixing?
The macaroni should be rinsed in cold water and drained before mixing.
How finely should the red onion be chopped?
The red onion should be chopped finely.
Is the salt and pepper amount fixed?
The recipe provides measurements but suggests adjusting to taste.
What provides the creaminess in this salad?
The mayonnaise provides the primary creaminess.
What type of pasta is best for this salad?
Elbow macaroni is the specific pasta recommended for this recipe.