Packed with flavor & a zesty italian style dressing, this pasta salad is perfect for picnics.
Chef John's Classic Macaroni Salad
Easy italian pasta salad has the best flavor and will be a hit.
Recipe Summary Chef John's Classic Macaroni Salad
Whether it's sitting next to some smoky ribs or just a humble hot dog, this deli-style macaroni salad will always be a crowd favorite, as long as you pay attention to a few key details.Ingredients | Easy Cold Pasta Salad Recipe
1 cup mayonnaise (Optional)
¼ cup white vinegar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons kosher salt, or more to taste
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon white sugar, or more to taste
1 cup finely diced celery
¾ cup diced red bell pepper
½ cup grated carrot
½ cup chopped green onions, white and light parts
¼ cup diced jalapeno pepper
¼ cup diced poblano pepper
1 (16 ounce) package uncooked elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon mayonnaise (Optional)
1 tablespoon water (Optional)
Directions
Whisk 1 cup mayonnaise, vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper together in a bowl until well blended; whisk in sugar. Stir in celery, red bell pepper, carrot, onions, and jalapeno and poblano peppers. Refrigerate until macaroni is ready to dress.
Bring a large pot of well salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain but do not rinse. Allow macaroni to drain in a colander about 5 minutes, shaking out moisture from time to time. Pour macaroni into large bowl; toss to separate and cool to room temperature. Macaroni should be sticky.
Pour dressing over macaroni and stir until dressing is evenly distributed. Cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or, ideally, overnight to allow dressing to absorb into the macaroni.
Stir salad before serving. Mix 1 tablespoon mayonnaise and 1 tablespoon water into salad for fresher look.
You can use the tops of the green onions to chop up and use as a garnish.
Info | Easy Cold Pasta Salad Recipe
prep:
20 mins
cook:
8 mins
additional:
4 hrs 5 mins
total:
4 hrs 33 mins
Servings:
12
Yield:
12 servings
TAG : Chef John's Classic Macaroni Salad
Salad, Pasta Salad Recipes, Macaroni Salad Recipes,
