Craving a mouthwatering Southern classic that'll make your taste buds dance? Get ready to dive into the most irresistible macaroni salad that'll be the star of every potluck, picnic, and family gathering! This Easy Southern Macaroni Salad isn't just another side dish - it's a creamy, tangy flavor explosion that takes just 25 minutes to prepare and will have everyone begging for your secret recipe. Whether you're a kitchen newbie or a seasoned cook, this foolproof dish is about to become your new summer sensation!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup mustard
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup sweet pickle relish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the elbow macaroni to the boiling water and cook according to package directions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is tender but still firm (al dente).
- While pasta is cooking, drain the macaroni in a colander and immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta quickly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, mustard, diced celery, diced onion, and sweet pickle relish. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Add the cooled macaroni to the mayonnaise mixture and gently fold until all pasta is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, stirring gently to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled as a perfect side dish for summer gatherings or picnics.
Tips
- For the best texture, make sure to rinse your pasta with cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent the noodles from becoming mushy.
- Use fresh, crisp vegetables like celery and onion for maximum crunch and flavor. Dice them finely for even distribution throughout the salad.
- Let the salad chill for at least an hour before serving - this allows the flavors to meld together and creates an even more delicious result.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of paprika on top or some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives before serving.
- If you prefer a tangier salad, adjust the mustard-to-mayonnaise ratio. Some Southern cooks love an extra kick of mustard!
- This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for meal prep or make-ahead entertaining.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 15mg
