Description
Macaroni Salad is a classic American summer side dish. I lightened it up with tangy vegan mayo, but any mayo works. It comes together in about 25 minutes, and it’s best when it sits in the fridge for a few hours to come together. Enjoy!
Ingredients
Units
For the salad:
- 1 pound elbow noodles (or small cut pasta like small shells or ditalini; see note*)
- 1/2 cup minced celery (about 3-4 ribs celery)
- 1 cup minced red bell pepper (about 1 small bell pepper)
- 1/4 cup minced red onion
- 1/4 cup minced sweet pickles (or 3 tablespoons sweet pickle relish)
- 1/4 cup minced black olives
- Optional: 2 tablespoons minced parsley or chives for a little green color
Dressing:
- 1 cup Veganaise (or mayonnaise of your choice)
- 2 tablespoons vinegar (apple cider vinegar or distilled white vinegar)
- 2 tablespoons pickle juice from the sweet pickle jar (or 2 more tablespoons vinegar if you don’t have enough pickle juice)
- 1 tablespoon granulated white sugar (honey also works)
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 teaspoons sea salt or kosher salt (I use Redmond's Real Salt)
- a few spins of freshly ground black pepper (about 1/8 teaspoon)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain well.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients.
- Stir in the pasta and minced vegetables. Mix well to coat everything evenly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. A splash of red wine vinegar or extra mustard can punch things up.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least a couple of hours to allow the flavors to come together.
- Give it a final stir before serving and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Noodle Notes*:
- Macaroni salad is best made with elbow macaroni or cavatappi noodles. Extra small shells or ditalini (small tubes) also work.
- Make this macaroni gluten-free by using gluten-free noodles.
- Make this macaroni salad vegan by using Veganaise.
