Simple Macaroni Salad: A Timeless Favorite
This delightful Simple Macaroni Salad has been a cherished recipe in my family for years, a nostalgic dish that my mother lovingly introduced me to. Now, as I prepare this beloved salad often, I rely on my taste buds rather than strict measurements, which allows for a touch of personalization that makes it all the more enjoyable. With a preparation and cooking time of just 20 minutes, this dish fits perfectly into the under 30-minute category, making it an ideal choice for both beginner cooks and those looking for an easy yet satisfying side dish.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mayonnaise | 1 cup |
| Green onions | 1 bunch |
| Black olives | 3/4 cup |
| Baby shrimp | 1 cup |
| Mustard | 1 tbsp |
| Elbow macaroni | 1 cup |
Nutritional Information
| Nutritional Component | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 353.1 |
| Total Fat | 11.8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.8 g |
| Cholesterol | 37 mg |
| Sodium | 336.9 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 50.6 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.3 g |
| Sugars | 3.1 g |
| Protein | 11.1 g |
Instructions
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Cook the Elbow Macaroni: Begin by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package directions. It’s essential to ensure that the pasta is cooked to al dente, as this will provide the perfect texture for your salad.
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Drain and Rinse: Once the macaroni is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse thoroughly with cold water. This step not only stops the cooking process but also cools the pasta quickly, making it ideal for a salad.
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Combine in a Bowl: Transfer the rinsed macaroni to a large mixing bowl. This will be the base for all the delicious ingredients that will come together to create this wonderful salad.
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Mix in Mayonnaise: Add the mayonnaise to the macaroni, mixing well to coat each noodle generously. It’s essential to ensure that the pasta is adequately moistened, as it will absorb some of the dressing as it chills. If it seems a bit dry, feel free to add more mayonnaise to achieve the desired creaminess.
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Add Mustard: Stir in the prepared mustard, which adds a delightful tang that elevates the overall flavor profile of the salad. Adjust the quantity based on your personal preference for mustard.
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Incorporate the Vegetables and Shrimp: Gently fold in the chopped green onions, sliced black olives, and the baby shrimp. Make sure everything is evenly distributed throughout the salad, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
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Stir and Combine: Use a spatula or wooden spoon to stir the salad gently but thoroughly, ensuring that all ingredients are well combined and evenly coated.
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Chill Before Serving: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the macaroni salad for several hours. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
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Serve and Enjoy: After the salad has chilled, give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute the ingredients. Enjoy this refreshing Simple Macaroni Salad as a perfect side dish for barbecues, picnics, or family gatherings!
With its creamy texture, delightful crunch from the green onions, and a touch of sweetness from the shrimp, this Simple Macaroni Salad is sure to be a hit at any table. Whether you’re serving it at a summer cookout or as a comforting side to your favorite meal, it’s a timeless recipe that brings back fond memories with every bite. Enjoy making it, and don’t hesitate to tweak the ingredients to suit your taste!
