Classic Creamy Macaroni Salad
Easy and Delicious Homemade Macaroni Salad Recipe
Reminiscent of childhood parties and family gatherings, this macaroni salad is a beloved classic! It features tender macaroni pasta coated in a rich, savory mayonnaise dressing, creating a nostalgic and comforting dish. Each bite offers a delightful chewy texture that’s sure to bring a smile to your face. While delicious on its own, feel free to customize it by adding ingredients like cucumbers, carrots, bell peppers, onions, imitation crab meat, or hard-boiled eggs for an even more vibrant and satisfying salad. Let’s get started on making this refreshing and creamy macaroni salad!
Main Ingredients
- Macaroni pasta, 100g
- Mini bell peppers (red, yellow, orange), 1 per color
For Boiling Macaroni
- Coarse salt, 0.5 Tbsp
Mayonnaise Dressing
- Mayonnaise, 4 Tbsp
- Corn syrup, 1 Tbsp (or sugar/oligosaccharide)
- Salt, pinch
- Black pepper, pinch
- Parsley flakes, pinch (optional)
- Coarse salt, 0.5 Tbsp
Mayonnaise Dressing
- Mayonnaise, 4 Tbsp
- Corn syrup, 1 Tbsp (or sugar/oligosaccharide)
- Salt, pinch
- Black pepper, pinch
- Parsley flakes, pinch (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, in a pot, add 1 liter of water and 0.5 Tbsp of coarse salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, add 100g of macaroni pasta and cook for about 12 minutes, or according to package directions. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
Step 2
Once the macaroni is cooked, drain it thoroughly using a colander. It’s important to remove as much water as possible; excess water can make the salad mushy and prevent the dressing from coating the pasta properly. Let the drained macaroni cool slightly.
Step 3
While the macaroni is cooking, prepare the mini bell peppers. Remove the stems and seeds, then finely dice them into small pieces, similar in size to the macaroni or slightly smaller. The colorful bell peppers will add a lovely visual appeal and crunch to your salad.
Step 4
In a large bowl, combine the drained and slightly cooled macaroni. Add all the finely diced, colorful mini bell peppers to the bowl. These vegetables are key for adding both color and texture.
Step 5
Now, let’s make the dressing that will bring this macaroni salad to life! Add 4 Tbsp of mayonnaise to the bowl. Mayonnaise is the heart of this salad, providing its signature creamy and rich flavor. Next, add 1 Tbsp of corn syrup for a touch of sweetness. You can substitute this with sugar or oligosaccharide if preferred.
Step 6
Using corn syrup or oligosaccharide helps the ingredients bind together better than plain sugar, resulting in a more cohesive salad texture. I personally prefer the subtle sweetness of corn syrup. Finally, add a pinch of salt to season and a pinch of black pepper for a hint of spice. For an extra touch of color and flavor, you can sprinkle in some parsley flakes. Gently mix everything together with a spatula or spoon, ensuring the macaroni, bell peppers, and dressing are well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can break down the macaroni.
