Macaroni Salad (Print Version)

Ingredients:

01 - 250 g / 1/2 lb macaroni elbow pasta.
02 - 1 cup celery, finely sliced (1 stalk).
03 - 3/4 cup red capsicum / bell peppers, finely diced (1 small).
04 - 3/4 cup green onions, finely sliced (1 large stem).
05 - 1 medium carrot, grated (using standard box grater).
06 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise (Hellmann's, Best Foods, S&W or other whole egg mayonnaise).
07 - 1/2 cup yoghurt or sour cream, full or low fat.
08 - 1 tbsp cider vinegar.
09 - 2 tsp Dijon mustard.
10 - 2 tsp sugar.
11 - 3/4 tsp garlic powder.
12 - 1 1/4 tsp salt.
13 - 1/2 tsp pepper.

Instructions:

01 - Bring a large pot of water to the boil (4 to 5 litres/quarts). Add 1 1/2 tbsp of salt to the water. Add the macaroni pasta and cook according to the packet directions. Drain the pasta and let it cool.
02 - In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, yoghurt or sour cream, cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
03 - Place the cooled pasta in a large bowl. Add the finely sliced celery, diced red capsicum/bell peppers, sliced green onions, and grated carrot to the bowl with the pasta. Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss everything together until the pasta and vegetables are well coated with the dressing.
04 - Adjust the seasoning if necessary by adding more salt, sugar, vinegar, or mayonnaise to taste. Set the salad aside for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve the macaroni salad at room temperature (not cold). It is also great the next day.

Notes:

01 - The recipe uses a classic choice of macaroni elbow pasta.
02 - Variety of finely sliced and diced vegetables such as celery, red capsicum/bell peppers, green onions, and grated carrot add texture and flavor.
03 - Dressing is creamy yet lighter due to the combination of mayonnaise and yoghurt or sour cream.
04 - Cooking the pasta properly and cooling it prevents mushiness.
05 - Recipe can be customized with other ingredients like bacon, egg, or pickles.
06 - The healthier option can be achieved by using a mayo-free dressing.

Back