Get ready to transform your summer gatherings with Marge's Basic Macaroni Salad - a classic American side dish that's about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen! This creamy, tangy, and utterly delicious recipe is so simple to make that even novice cooks will look like culinary superstars. Imagine a crowd-pleasing dish that takes just 20 minutes to prepare and will have everyone asking for your recipe - this is that magical creation!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/4 cup onion, diced
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients needed for Marge's Basic Macaroni Salad: 2 cups elbow macaroni, 1 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup diced celery, 1/4 cup diced onion, 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the 2 cups of elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
- While the macaroni is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Dice the celery and onion into small, uniform pieces to ensure even distribution in the salad.
- Once the macaroni is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Allow it to drain thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled macaroni, diced celery, diced onion, and 1/4 cup of sweet pickle relish. Stir gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
- Add 1 cup of mayonnaise to the mixture. Use a spatula or large spoon to fold the mayonnaise into the pasta and vegetables until everything is well coated.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your preference.
- Once fully mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the macaroni salad for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and taste one more time to adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve chilled as a side dish or a light meal.
Tips
- Always rinse your cooked pasta with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent the macaroni from becoming mushy.
- For extra crunch, consider adding finely diced bell peppers or using red onions instead of regular onions.
- Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to fully develop and meld together.
- Use fresh, high-quality mayonnaise for the best taste and creamy texture.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- For added flavor, try mixing in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a splash of apple cider vinegar.
- Always taste and adjust seasonings just before serving to ensure perfect flavor balance.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
