Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe by Chef John

Name: Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe by Chef John
Total time: 5 hrs
Ingredients: 1 cup mayonnaise; 0.25 cup white vinegar; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 2 teaspoons kosher salt, or more to taste; 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper; 0.125 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 tablespoon white sugar, or more to taste; 1 cup finely diced celery; 0.75 cup diced red bell pepper; 0.5 cup grated carrot; 0.5 cup chopped green onions, white and light parts; 0.25 cup diced jalapeno pepper; 0.25 cup diced poblano pepper; 1 (16 ounce) package uncooked elbow macaroni; 1 tablespoon water; 1 tablespoon mayonnaise

This easy macaroni salad recipe is guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering, pairing perfectly with grilled ribs or hot dogs. Pay attention to the details when preparing it for the best results. Garnish with sliced green onions for an extra touch.

Total time5 hrs
Prep time30 mins
Cook time15 mins
Yield12

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Servings

Instructions

In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup of mayonnaise, vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined; then, whisk in the sugar.
Incorporate celery, bell pepper, carrot, green onions, jalapeño pepper, and poblano pepper into the dressing. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until the macaroni is cooked and ready.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the macaroni and cook until it's tender but still firm to the bite, approximately 8 minutes. Drain the macaroni in a colander for about 5 minutes, shaking occasionally to remove excess moisture, but avoid rinsing.
Transfer the drained macaroni to a large bowl and toss gently to prevent sticking. Allow it to cool to room temperature, about 10 to 15 minutes. The macaroni should feel slightly sticky.
Add the celery and vegetable mixture to the cooled macaroni and stir until everything is evenly coated with dressing. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the macaroni to fully absorb the flavors.
Before serving, stir the salad. If needed, stir in water and the remaining 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise to refresh the salad and restore its creamy consistency.

Nutrition

Calories: 295 kcal
Fat Content: 16 g
Fiber Content: 2 g
Sugar Content: 3 g
Sodium Content: 508 mg
Protein Content: 5 g
Cholesterol Content: 7 mg
Carbohydrate Content: 32 g
Saturated Fat Content: 2 g
Unsaturated Fat Content: 0 g