Small Macaroni Salad

There’s something so comforting about a bowl of Small Macaroni Salad. Growing up, my family would whip this up on hot summer days, and it became a staple at every picnic and barbecue. Imagine sitting outside, the sun shining, and a plate piled high with this creamy goodness. I remember my grandmother stirring together the ingredients, her laughter mixing with the sounds of sizzling grills and happy chatter. The best part? This dish always brought everyone together, creating an atmosphere of joy and connection. Whether it was a casual lunch or a big family gathering, Small Macaroni Salad was always there, waiting to be devoured. Each bite is a taste of nostalgia, reminding me of simpler times, laughter, and love.

What to Buy for Small Macaroni Salad

The ingredients for Small Macaroni Salad are simple yet essential for creating a delicious dish. Each component plays a role in the flavor and texture, ensuring a delightful experience with every bite. The key players include the macaroni, which serves as the base, and the mayonnaise, which provides creaminess. Fresh vegetables add crunch and color, making this salad not only tasty but also visually appealing.

• 4 ounces (1 cup) macaroni: This is the base of your salad, providing the necessary carbs for a filling dish. Cooked al dente, it will hold up well against the dressing and vegetables.
• 1/4 cup (52g) mayonnaise: The creamy element that binds everything together. It adds richness and flavor to the salad.
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar: This ingredient adds a tangy flavor that balances the creaminess of the mayonnaise.
• 1 to 2 teaspoons granulated sugar: A hint of sweetness to round out the flavors. Adjust based on your taste preference.
• 1 heaping teaspoon Dijon mustard or yellow mustard: Adds a wonderful depth of flavor and a bit of spice.
• 1/8 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the salad.
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper: Adds slight heat and complexity.
• Pinch of cayenne: Just a touch for a little kick.
• 1 small green onion: Diced, including both green and white parts, for freshness and color.
• 1/2 cup finely diced bell pepper: Adds sweetness and crunch; feel free to use any color.
• 1/4 cup finely diced celery: This brings additional crunch and a refreshing flavor.
• 1/4 cup finely grated carrot: Adds color and a slight sweetness to the salad.

Making This Small Macaroni Salad

Making Small Macaroni Salad is a straightforward process that brings a wonderful medley of flavors together. Let’s dive into the steps to create this delicious dish. Follow along and enjoy the simple joys of cooking.

1. Bring a medium pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. You want it to have a slight bite to it, so it doesn’t get mushy when mixed with the dressing.

2. Once cooked, drain the macaroni and set it aside to cool completely. This is important as you don’t want to warm the dressing ingredients you’ll add later.

3. In a medium bowl, combine all of the dressing ingredients: mayonnaise, white vinegar, granulated sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne. Whisk everything together until smooth. The dressing should be creamy and well combined.

4. Add the finely diced green onion, bell pepper, celery, and carrot to the dressing. Toss to coat the vegetables evenly with the dressing. This is where the salad starts to come alive with color and texture.

5. Once the macaroni has cooled completely, add it to the bowl with the dressing and vegetables. Gently stir everything together until the macaroni is well coated with the dressing. Be careful not to break the pasta.

6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. If you can let it sit longer, even better!

7. After chilling, give the salad a quick stir. Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You might want to add a bit more salt or a dash of vinegar for extra zing.

8. Serve the Small Macaroni Salad in a big bowl. I love to garnish it with a sprinkle of extra green onion on top for a fresh touch. Enjoy it as a side dish or on its own!

Helpful Hints

Creating the perfect Small Macaroni Salad can be a breeze with these helpful hints. These tips will ensure that your salad is as delicious as possible every time.

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days.
• Freezing: It’s best not to freeze this salad due to the mayonnaise. It can separate and affect the texture.
• Pairing: This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or burgers, making it a great addition to your summer barbecues.
• Vegetable variations: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like peas or corn for a different flavor profile.
• Extra creaminess: If the salad seems too dry after sitting, stir in an extra dollop of mayonnaise before serving.

What Complements This Small Macaroni Salad

• Grilled meats: Small Macaroni Salad makes an excellent side for grilled chicken, burgers, or steaks. The creaminess of the salad balances the smoky flavors of grilled dishes.
• Summer picnics: This salad is perfect for picnics or potlucks, where it can be served cold and enjoyed by many.
• Fresh herbs: Consider adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley for an aromatic touch that brightens the dish.
• Seasonal fruits: Serve it alongside seasonal fruits or a fresh fruit salad for a refreshing contrast.
• Storage tips: When packing for a picnic or meal prep, use a cooler to keep it fresh and cool.
• Occasions: Great for family gatherings, barbecues, or even as a quick lunch at home when you want something light and satisfying.

FAQ

Conclusion

Small Macaroni Salad is not just a dish; it’s a nostalgic experience that brings families together. Its creamy texture, vibrant flavors, and easy adaptability make it a beloved recipe for any occasion. I encourage you to try making it for your next gathering. You’ll find that it’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy, and it might just become a staple in your home, just like it was in mine.

Small Macaroni Salad

The ultimate comfort food, Small Macaroni Salad is creamy, crunchy, and oh-so-satisfying! A delightful mix of pasta, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing, it's the perfect side dish for any summer gathering. Make it tonight for a taste of nostalgia!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Side Dishes

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 ounces macaroni
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 to 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 1 heaping teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pinch cayenne
• 1 small green onion diced, use green and white parts
• 1/2 cup bell pepper finely diced, any color
• 1/4 cup celery finely diced
• 1/4 cup carrot finely grated

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Grater
• Wooden Spoon
• Cutting Board
• Whisk

Method

 

1. Bring a medium pot of generously salted water to boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. You want it to have a slight bite to it, so it doesn’t get mushy when mixed with the dressing.
2. Once cooked, drain the macaroni and set it aside to cool completely. This is important as you don’t want to warm the dressing ingredients you'll add later.
3. In a medium bowl, combine all of the dressing ingredients: mayonnaise, white vinegar, granulated sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne. Whisk everything together until smooth. The dressing should be creamy and well combined.
4. Add the finely diced green onion, bell pepper, celery, and carrot to the dressing. Toss to coat the vegetables evenly with the dressing. This is where the salad starts to come alive with color and texture.
5. Once the macaroni has cooled completely, add it to the bowl with the dressing and vegetables. Gently stir everything together until the macaroni is well coated with the dressing. Be careful not to break the pasta.
6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. If you can let it sit longer, even better!
7. After chilling, give the salad a quick stir. Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You might want to add a bit more salt or a dash of vinegar for extra zing.
8. Serve the Small Macaroni Salad in a big bowl. I love to garnish it with a sprinkle of extra green onion on top for a fresh touch. Enjoy it as a side dish or on its own!

Notes

• Tip 1: If you don't have green onions, you can use a tablespoon of very finely diced white or yellow onion.
• Tip 2: If making in advance, stir an extra spoonful of mayonnaise into the pasta just before serving as the pasta will absorb some of the liquid as it sits and start to look a little dry, even tightly covered.

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Meet Molly Brooks

I love mixing nostalgic flavors with fun, fresh twists. My goal is to make cooking the best part of your day. I loved making this recipe, and I hope it becomes a new favorite in your home!