🥗 Welcome to the realm of classic comfort foods! Today, we’re diving into the delightful world of Creamy Classic Macaroni Salad. 🍽️ This recipe has stood the test of time, originating from the kitchens of Hellman’s but undergoing a transformation in the hands of creative cooks like you! 🌟 With a creamy base featuring the ever-reliable Kraft Mayo, this dish promises to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Let’s jump into the kitchen and whip up a batch of this beloved salad!
🕒 Time Breakdown:
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 20 mins | 8 mins | 28 mins |
📝 Recipe Details:
Creamy Classic Macaroni Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon prepared mustard
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1 cup green peppers, diced
- 1/4 cup onion, minced
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Dressing:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, vinegar, fresh lemon juice, prepared mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix until the ingredients are well incorporated, forming a creamy dressing that will bind all the flavors together.
-
Cook the Macaroni:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the macaroni and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This will ensure that your macaroni salad has the perfect texture – tender yet firm.
-
Combine Ingredients:
- In the same mixing bowl with the dressing, add the cooked and cooled macaroni, finely chopped celery, diced green peppers, and minced onion. Gently fold the ingredients together until they are evenly coated with the creamy dressing, ensuring that every bite is bursting with flavor.
-
Chill and Serve:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the macaroni salad for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together and develop. Before serving, give the salad a final stir to redistribute the dressing. For an extra touch of color and flavor, sprinkle the top with a dash of paprika.
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Enjoy!
- Serve your Creamy Classic Macaroni Salad chilled as a refreshing side dish at picnics, barbecues, potlucks, or alongside your favorite grilled meats and sandwiches. Watch as it disappears quickly, leaving behind satisfied smiles and empty plates!
👩🍳 Chef’s Tips:
- For added texture and crunch, consider adding diced hard-boiled eggs or shredded carrots to the salad.
- Customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences by adjusting the amount of sugar, vinegar, or mustard in the dressing.
- To make this salad ahead of time, prepare the ingredients separately and assemble them just before serving to prevent the macaroni from absorbing too much of the dressing.
Now, gather your ingredients and get ready to create a batch of Creamy Classic Macaroni Salad that will have everyone asking for seconds! 🥄 Enjoy the timeless flavors and the memories shared around the table with this beloved family favorite. Cheers to good food and great company! 🥂
