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Creamy Macaroni Salad

A delightful creamy macaroni salad that combines tangy mayonnaise with fresh veggies for the perfect comfort food, ideal for family gatherings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni Cook until al dente
Dressing
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Vegetables
  • 1/4 cup chopped celery
  • 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped onion Chop finely for a pleasant crunch

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, in a large bowl, mix mayonnaise with mustard. Add salt, pepper, and paprika, adjusting to your taste.
  3. Once your macaroni has cooled, fold in chopped celery, bell pepper, and onion. Toss gently in the mayo mixture until everything is well coated.
  4. To allow flavors to meld beautifully, let your Creamy Macaroni Salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a lighter version, swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt. If you're short on time, use precooked macaroni. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.