Deluxe Creamy Crunch Macaroni Salad
This delightful Deluxe Creamy Crunch Macaroni Salad is a beloved classic that brings together the comforting satisfaction of macaroni with a zesty, creamy dressing and a medley of crunchy vegetables. Originating from my treasured San Giorgio recipe, it has become a staple at family gatherings and picnics. The creamy mayonnaise mingles beautifully with the sweet relish and the subtle spice of mustard, while the hard-boiled egg adds a rich texture. Perfect for serving at barbecues or as a side dish for weekday meals, this dish is not only tasty but also visually appealing. Whether you keep it simple or double up on the recipe to serve a crowd, you're guaranteed to impress with its savory flavors and satisfying crunch!
4-6
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
elbow macaroni
2 cups (uncooked)
mayonnaise
1 cup
celery
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
carrot
1/3 cup (finely chopped)
hard-boiled egg
1 (chopped)
onion
1/4 cup (finely minced (dehydrated onion))
sweet relish
2 tablespoons
dry ground mustard
3/4 teaspoon
salt
1/4 teaspoon
ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon
paprika
1 dash
water
3 quarts
salt
1 1/2 teaspoons
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring 3 quarts of water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2
Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt to the boiling water to enhance the flavor of the pasta.
3
Gradually add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the pot, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4
Allow the water to return to a boil, then cook the macaroni uncovered for 6-8 minutes or until al dente, stirring occasionally.
5
Once cooked, drain the macaroni well in a colander and rinse under cold running water to cool it down. Allow it to drain again thoroughly.
6
In a separate medium mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, chopped celery, chopped carrot, chopped hard-boiled egg, minced onion, sweet relish, dry ground mustard, salt, black pepper, and a dash of paprika. Stir until well combined.
7
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled macaroni and pour the creamy mixture over it. Toss everything together until the macaroni is evenly coated with the dressing and all ingredients are well distributed.
8
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the macaroni salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together. For the best taste, prepare it a few hours in advance.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Deluxe Creamy Crunch Macaroni Salad?
It is a classic, comforting side dish featuring elbow macaroni, a zesty creamy dressing, and a variety of crunchy vegetables.
What type of pasta is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of uncooked elbow macaroni.
How long should the macaroni be cooked?
The macaroni should be cooked for 6 to 8 minutes or until it reaches an al dente texture.
Why should I rinse the macaroni under cold water?
Rinsing under cold water cools the pasta down quickly and stops the cooking process before mixing with the dressing.
What vegetables are included for the crunch?
The salad includes finely chopped celery and finely chopped carrots for its signature crunch.
Does this recipe include eggs?
Yes, it includes one chopped hard-boiled egg which adds a rich texture to the salad.
How much mayonnaise is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses 1 cup of mayonnaise to create the creamy base.
What kind of onion is recommended?
The recipe suggests 1/4 cup of finely minced onion, specifically mentioning dehydrated onion.
What gives the dressing its zesty flavor?
The zesty flavor comes from a combination of sweet relish, dry ground mustard, and black pepper.
How much sweet relish is added?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of sweet relish.
What is the recommended refrigeration time?
The salad should be refrigerated for at least 1 hour, though preparing it a few hours in advance allows flavors to meld better.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe yields approximately 4 to 6 servings.
Is this macaroni salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, this recipe is vegetarian.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe originated from a treasured San Giorgio recipe.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, the description suggests doubling the recipe if you need to serve a larger crowd.
How much water is needed to boil the pasta?
You should use 3 quarts of water to boil the elbow macaroni.
How much salt should be added to the boiling water?
Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt to the water to enhance the pasta flavor.
What seasoning is used as a garnish?
A dash of paprika is used to add flavor and visual appeal.
What is the specific amount of dry ground mustard needed?
The recipe requires 3/4 teaspoon of dry ground mustard.
Should the macaroni be covered or uncovered while boiling?
The macaroni should be cooked uncovered.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
Stir the macaroni occasionally while it is boiling.
What is the texture of the celery and carrots?
Both the celery and carrots should be finely chopped.
Is this dish suitable for potlucks and barbecues?
Yes, it is a staple for family gatherings, picnics, and barbecues.
How much black pepper is in the dressing?
The recipe uses 1/8 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
Does the recipe provide nutritional information?
No, the specific calorie, fat, and protein counts are not listed in the provided data.
How should the dressing be mixed?
In a separate medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, vegetables, egg, and spices before tossing with the pasta.
What should I do once the salad is mixed?
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator.
Is the onion preparation specific?
Yes, it should be finely minced.
What is the primary flavor profile of this salad?
The profile is savory, creamy, and slightly sweet with a crunch.
Can this be served immediately after mixing?
While it can be, it is highly recommended to chill it first for at least an hour for the best flavor.