SEARCH
More 6 Photos

Chef John's Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe

Recipe by: Chef John

"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."
Share To Twitter
  • Directions
  • Ingredients
  • Nutrition
Directions
  • Prep20 m
  • Cook8 m
  • Ready In4 h 33 m
  • 1Whisk 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.
  • 2Bring 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.
  • 3Pour 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.
  • 4Stir salad before serving. Mix 1 tablespoon mayonnaise and 1 tablespoon water into salad for fresher look.
Footnotes
  • Chef's Notes:
  • You can use the tops of the green onions to chop up and use as a garnish.
Ingredients
  • 12 servings
  • 295 cals
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt, or more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon white sugar, or more to taste
  • 1 cup finely diced celery
  • 3/4 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup grated carrot
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onions, white and light parts
  • 1/4 cup diced jalapeno pepper
  • 1/4 cup diced poblano pepper
  • 1 (16 ounce) package uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon water (optional)
Nutrition

Amount per serving ( 5 total)

  • Calories:
    295
    15%
  • Fat:
    16.1
    25%
  • Carbs:
    32
    10%
  • Protein:
    5.4
    11%
  • Cholesterol:
    7
    2%

Based on a 2,000 calorie diet

6 Photos in the recipe
view all photos
You maybe like