Do you ever run out of side dish ideas? I know I do all the time trying to keep meals on the dinner table! This classic macaroni salad recipe is a great idea to add to your side dish list. Also, this dish has always been a popular side for cook outs and gatherings! Macaroni salad is so easy to make and an inexpensive choice. You can even take the leftovers to work for a quick lunch. This delicious salad has simple ingredients: whipped dressing, egg, vegetables, and sweet relish. It only takes about 20-30 minutes to make. Let’s jump into the recipe.
Ingredients
- At least 2 cups of elbow macaroni
- 1 cup of whipped dressing (or you can use your choice of mayo)
- 1/2 cup of red onion chopped
- 1 bell pepper chopped (green or red)
- 2 tbsp of sweet relish
- 1 egg boiled and chopped
- 1 squirt of yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar (optional)
- 1 tbsp of sugar (optional, the whipped dressing makes it sweet)
- Seasonings used: parsley, black pepper, garlic powder, sea salt
- Double Recipe if needed, this recipe is idea for 4-5 people
- Make it hearty and add chicken or tuna
How to make macaroni salad
- Add cold water to a pot and bring to a boil. Add the macaroni, and also add an egg into the boil. If you prefer, you can boil the egg by itself. Boil macaroni for about 8-10 minutes.
- While the macaroni is cooking, prep the vegetables. Chop up the onion and bell pepper. Also, get out the other ingredients.
- When the macaroni is done, drain and set to the side to cool off for about 10-15 minutes.
- While the macaroni is cooling it may stick together, so add about 1 tbsp of Olive Oil to the macaroni, mix the macaroni to loosen.
- In a mixing bowl, add macaroni and seasonings. Then, add vegetables, relish, and mustard. Mix everything together.
- Then add chopped boiled egg and whipped dressing, and apple cider. Mix everything together. Let sit in the fridge for about 45-60 minutes before serving.