Looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or family gatherings? Look no further than this delightful Macaroni Salad for a Crowd! With its creamy dressing and vibrant mix of fresh vegetables, this recipe is sure to be a hit at any event. In just 35 minutes, you can whip up a generous batch that serves 10 people, making it an easy and delicious choice for entertaining. Dive into this article to discover how to create a macaroni salad that will have your guests coming back for seconds—and asking for the recipe!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup sugar
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous 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 instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, drain excess water and let the pasta cool completely. You can speed up the cooling process by spreading the pasta on a large baking sheet or rinsing with cold water.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine diced celery, bell pepper, and onion. These fresh vegetables will add crunch and flavor to the salad.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper to create a creamy dressing. Ensure all ingredients are well combined.
- Add the cooled macaroni to the vegetable mixture and pour the prepared dressing over the top.
- Gently fold all ingredients together, ensuring the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Stir gently and serve chilled.
Tips
- Cook the Pasta Perfectly: To achieve the ideal texture, cook the elbow macaroni until it's al dente. This will ensure it holds up well when mixed with the dressing and vegetables.
- Cool the Pasta Quickly: After cooking, drain the pasta and spread it on a large baking sheet to cool. Alternatively, rinse it under cold water. This step is crucial to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on your preference. Chopped cucumbers, carrots, or even sweet peas can add extra flavor and color to your salad.
- Make Ahead of Time: For the best flavor, prepare your macaroni salad at least an hour before serving. This allows the ingredients to meld together beautifully.
- Adjust the Dressing: Taste your dressing before mixing it with the pasta. You can adjust the sweetness or acidity by adding more sugar or vinegar according to your taste.
- Serve Chilled: This salad is best served cold, so keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to enjoy. It’s the perfect refreshing side dish on a warm day!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
