Description
A chilled, creamy pasta salad combining elbow macaroni with crunchy vegetables and a tangy‑sweet mayo‑mustard dressing—perfect for picnics and potlucks.
Ingredients
- 4 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (yields about 10 servings)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ⅔ cup white sugar (adjust to taste)
- ¼ cup distilled white vinegar
- 2½ Tbsp prepared yellow mustard
- 1½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- ¼ cup grated carrot (optional)
- 2 Tbsp chopped pimento peppers (optional)
Instructions
- Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until tender yet firm to the bite (about 8 minutes). Rinse under cold water and drain completely. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
- In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- Stir in celery, onion, bell pepper, carrot, and pimentos. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Add macaroni and toss thoroughly. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours—or overnight—to let flavors meld. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Notes
- This salad improves when made ahead—chill it for at least 4 hours or overnight. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
- Optional ingredients like grated carrot and pimentos add color and texture, but can be omitted if preferred. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
- Adjust sugar and vinegar to taste for a more or less tangy‑sweet balance.
- Soaking raw onion in cold water before adding can mellow its sharpness. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
- Taste before serving—season with additional salt, pepper, or a splash more dressing if needed. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish / Salad
- Method: Boil & Chill
- Cuisine: American / Picnic
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/10 of recipe
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 529 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: approx. 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 49 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 8 mg
