Are you ready to transform your ordinary weekend meal into an extraordinary culinary experience? This Old Fashioned Mac and Pea Salad is about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen! Imagine a creamy, refreshing side dish that combines the classic comfort of macaroni with sweet green peas and a crisp vegetable crunch. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or simply treating yourself to a delightful homemade treat, this recipe is so easy and delicious that you'll want to make it again and again!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, add the 2 cups of elbow macaroni. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- While the macaroni is cooking, prepare the frozen peas. You can either thaw them by placing them in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes or by microwaving them for about 1-2 minutes until heated through. Drain any excess water and set aside.
- Once the macaroni is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta down. Allow the macaroni to drain thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled macaroni, 1 cup of frozen peas, 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of diced onion, and 1/4 cup of diced celery. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure that the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the salad.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad a good stir. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve chilled as a delightful side dish for your weekend meals.
Tips
- For the best texture, make sure to rinse your cooked macaroni with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent clumping.
- Use fresh, crisp vegetables for maximum flavor and crunch. Dice the onions and celery uniformly for an even distribution.
- Let the salad chill for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for half the mayonnaise.
- To make this dish ahead of time, prepare it the night before and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to develop overnight.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or dill before serving.
- If you prefer a bit more tang, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the dressing.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 10mg
