5 Ingredient Macaroni Salad Recipe You'll Love

When summer rolls around, or you just crave a refreshing and easy-to-make side dish, a macaroni salad becomes the go-to choice for many households. With only 5 simple ingredients, you can whip up a delicious, creamy, and flavorful macaroni salad that your family and friends will adore. Let’s dive into this simple yet irresistible recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 cups of elbow macaroni
• 1 cup of mayonnaise
• ¹⁄₂ cup of finely chopped celery
• ¹⁄₄ cup of finely chopped red onion
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon of garlic powder

Steps to Create Your Macaroni Salad

Follow these steps to ensure your macaroni salad is not only flavorful but also perfectly textured:

1. Cook the Macaroni: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta down.
2. Mix the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, celery, red onion, and garlic powder. Stir until all ingredients are well mixed.
3. Combine Pasta and Dressing: Add the cooled macaroni to the dressing mix. Stir gently to ensure the pasta is well coated with the creamy dressing.
4. Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is crucial for a cold, creamy salad.
5. Serve: Once chilled, give the salad a good stir, adjust the seasoning if needed, and serve it chilled.

💡 Note: To add more crunch and flavor, you might want to add in some chopped fresh parsley or a dash of paprika on top before serving.

Variations and Add-Ins

If you’d like to add more texture or flavor to your macaroni salad, consider these options:

• Cooked and chopped bacon for a smoky touch
• Diced pickles or pickle relish for a briny, tangy kick
• Shredded cheddar cheese for extra creaminess
• Sliced cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for color and freshness

Tips for Perfect Macaroni Salad

Here are some pro tips to make your macaroni salad stand out:

• Use good quality mayonnaise for the best flavor.
• Ensure the pasta is fully cooled before mixing with dressing to prevent the pasta from absorbing too much of the dressing.
• Be conservative with salt initially; remember that the flavors will intensify as the salad chills.
• Let the salad rest for a few hours for the flavors to develop fully.

The simplicity of this 5 ingredient macaroni salad does not mean a compromise on taste. With fresh ingredients, the right preparation, and a bit of patience, you can create a dish that's both comforting and elegant. Enjoy the creamy texture, the subtle crunch from the veggies, and the burst of flavors with every bite. This salad is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or even as a light dinner option. Whether you stick to the basic recipe or add in extra ingredients, your homemade macaroni salad is sure to be a hit, loved by kids and adults alike.

Can I use any pasta shape for this recipe?

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While elbow macaroni is traditional for macaroni salad, you can certainly use other shapes like shells, rotini, or farfalle. Keep in mind that the texture and sauce absorption might slightly alter.

How long does this salad keep in the fridge?

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When stored in an airtight container, this macaroni salad can last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

What can I use instead of mayonnaise for a lighter option?

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You can use Greek yogurt or a combination of Greek yogurt and light mayo to reduce calories and fat while keeping the creaminess. Some people also like using a vinaigrette for an oil-based alternative.