Creamy Southern-Style Macaroni Salad
Experience the classic comfort of this Creamy Southern-Style Macaroni Salad, a perfect balance of flavors and textures. This delightful dish features tender elbow macaroni coated in a luscious, tangy dressing, complemented by crunchy vegetables and the rich flavor of a hard-boiled egg. Ideal for summer picnics, barbecues, or as a side for any meal, this macaroni salad is a crowd-pleaser that can be made ahead of time. Enjoy the ease of preparing a dish that gets better as it chills, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve it up at your next gathering and watch it disappear!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
elbow macaroni
2 cups (uncooked)
fat-free mayonnaise
1 cup
sweet pickle relish
2 tablespoons
sugar substitute
equivalent to 2 teaspoons
ground mustard
3/4 teaspoon
salt
1/4 teaspoon
pepper
1/8 teaspoon
celery
1/2 cup (chopped)
carrot
1/3 cup (chopped)
onion
1/4 cup (chopped)
hard-boiled egg
1 (sliced)
paprika
1 dash
Instructions
1
Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow it to cool completely.
2
In a small bowl, whisk together the fat-free mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, sugar substitute, ground mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled macaroni, chopped celery, chopped carrot, and chopped onion. Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables, then gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
4
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the macaroni salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop and the salad to chill.
5
Before serving, slice the hard-boiled egg and arrange it on top of the salad. Sprinkle a dash of paprika for color and a hint of spice. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Southern-Style Macaroni Salad?
It is a classic comfort dish featuring tender elbow macaroni coated in a luscious, tangy dressing with crunchy vegetables and hard-boiled egg.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of uncooked elbow macaroni.
How should I prepare the macaroni?
Cook it according to package instructions, drain it, and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing consists of fat-free mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, sugar substitute, ground mustard, salt, and pepper.
How much mayonnaise is needed?
You will need 1 cup of fat-free mayonnaise.
What kind of relish is recommended?
The recipe specifies using 2 tablespoons of sweet pickle relish.
What sweetener is used in the dressing?
A sugar substitute equivalent to 2 teaspoons of sugar is used.
What vegetables provide crunch to the salad?
Chopped celery, carrots, and onions provide the crunchy texture.
How much celery should I add?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of chopped celery.
How are the carrots prepared?
You should use 1/3 cup of chopped carrots.
What amount of onion is needed?
Use 1/4 cup of chopped onion.
Is there egg in this macaroni salad?
Yes, one sliced hard-boiled egg is used as a garnish on top.
What is the purpose of the paprika?
A dash of paprika is sprinkled on top for color and a hint of spice.
How long should the salad chill before serving?
Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, it is an ideal make-ahead dish that gets better as the flavors meld while chilling.
Is this recipe suitable for outdoor events?
Yes, it is perfect for summer picnics and barbecues.
How do I stop the macaroni from overcooking?
Rinse the drained macaroni with cold water immediately after cooking.
What kind of mustard is used?
The recipe uses 3/4 teaspoon of ground mustard.
How much salt and pepper are required?
The salad needs 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper.
How do I mix the dressing?
Whisk the mayonnaise, relish, sweetener, and spices in a small bowl until smooth.
When do I add the dressing?
Pour the dressing over the cooled macaroni and chopped vegetables and toss gently.
Is this recipe low-fat?
The recipe uses fat-free mayonnaise to help keep the fat content lower.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 total ingredients listed for this macaroni salad.
What is the category of this dish?
It is categorized as a side dish, specifically a pasta or vegetable salad.
Is this a family-friendly recipe?
Yes, it is described as a crowd-pleaser and a classic family recipe.
What should I do with the egg?
Slice the hard-boiled egg and arrange it on top of the salad before serving.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
It features a balance of tender macaroni and crunchy vegetables in a creamy dressing.
Is the salad served hot or cold?
The salad should be served chilled.
Does the recipe use real sugar?
No, it specifically calls for a sugar substitute.
What is the first step in making this salad?
The first step is cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions.