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My Mom’s Macaroni Salad

My Mom's Macaroni Salad: The Creamy Summer Side Delight

My Mom’s Macaroni Salad is a creamy, nostalgic summer side dish that features colorful veggies and delivers a burst of flavor.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni classic pasta base
  • 1 cup frozen green peas for bursts of sweetness
  • 1/2 cup red onions soaked in ice water
  • 2 stalks celery for crunch
  • 1 cup carrots grated or shredded
  • 1 medium red bell pepper finely chopped
For the Dressing
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar for tanginess
  • 1 tablespoon sugar to balance flavors
  • 1 cup mayonnaise key for creaminess
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard adds zest
  • to taste salt for seasoning
  • to taste freshly ground black pepper for seasoning

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • mixing bowl
  • Colander
  • whisk
  • spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cool water.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the frozen green peas, red onions, celery, red bell pepper, and grated carrots with the cooled macaroni.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together red wine vinegar and sugar until the sugar dissolves. Add mayonnaise and Dijon mustard; whisk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Pour the dressing over the macaroni and veggie mixture. Fold gently to coat everything evenly.
  5. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld.
  6. Stir the salad before serving, adding more mayonnaise if needed. Transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 6gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

This salad is best enjoyed the same day it's made; store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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