Easy Macaroni Salad | Memorial Day Recipe
Video Stats
Recipe Overview
Overview
Macaroni salad is a quintessential summer dish, and this Easy Macaroni Salad recipe captures all the nostalgic flavors we love. The combination of elbow noodles, creamy dressing, and hearty add-ins makes it a satisfying side for any BBQ or picnic. The dressing, made with mayonnaise and Greek yogurt, strikes a perfect balance between richness and tang, ensuring that each bite is flavorful without being overwhelming.
One of the standout features of this salad is the addition of hard-boiled eggs and cheddar cheese. These ingredients not only enhance the texture but also provide a comforting, familiar taste that many associate with summer gatherings. The use of dill and parsley adds a refreshing note, cutting through the creaminess of the dressing and elevating the overall flavor profile.
The preparation is straightforward, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. After cooking the pasta, rinsing it with cold water is a key step that prevents it from becoming mushy. Once combined with the dressing and other ingredients, this salad can be served immediately or chilled for a couple of hours to allow the flavors to meld together. It’s a dish that invites creativity, so feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices.
Whether you’re hosting a Memorial Day BBQ or simply enjoying a meal with family, this Easy Macaroni Salad is sure to be a hit. Its simplicity and deliciousness make it a go-to recipe for summer celebrations.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Boil water in a large pot.
Tip: Salt the water when boiling pasta to season it properly.
Add salt to the boiling water.
Add macaroni to the salted boiling water and cook until done.
Drain the cooked macaroni and let it cool to room temperature.
Rinse the macaroni with cold water.
Tip: Rinse pasta with cold water to stop cooking and remove extra starch.
Combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, honey, cracked pepper, salt, and pickle relish in a bowl.
Tip: Cut mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to lighten the dressing.
Tip: Use honey instead of sugar for a balanced flavor in the dressing.
Tip: Choose a pickle relish you love for the best flavor.
Tip: Let the dressing come together quickly for a simple preparation.
Stir the dressing ingredients together until well mixed.
Add the cooled macaroni to the dressing.
Add chopped hard-boiled eggs to the pasta.
Add chopped scallions to the mixture.
Add cubed yellow cheddar cheese to the salad.
Add chopped dill and parsley to the salad.
Tip: Fresh herbs like parsley and dill cut through the heaviness of the dressing.
Gently fold all ingredients together until combined.
Stir in prepared yellow mustard to the salad.
Tip: Let the pasta salad sit for a couple of hours before serving to enhance flavor.
Transfer the macaroni salad to a serving bowl.
Serve the macaroni salad cold.
Tip: Keep the salad cold by serving it right before eating or placing it on ice.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Dairy
→ Substitution: Coconut Cream
Ingredient: Eggs
→ Substitution: Chia Egg
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Macaroni salad is a popular dish in the Midwest, often served at summer gatherings.
- •Using Greek yogurt in the dressing lightens the texture while adding tanginess.
- •Rinsing pasta with cold water stops the cooking process and removes excess starch.
- •Dill and parsley add freshness to macaroni salad, balancing the heaviness of the dressing.
