10/04/2026
🥗 Southern Macaroni Salad
Creamy, lightly tangy, and packed with finely chopped crunchy vegetables, this classic Southern macaroni salad is a perfect side dish for BBQs, picnics, family gatherings, and summer meals. The original recipe recommends chilling it before serving so the dressing can soak into the macaroni and the flavors come together.
Ingredients
8 oz (225 g) uncooked elbow macaroni
¾ cup mayonnaise
1½ tbsp apple c***r vinegar
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1½ tsp yellow mustard
1 tsp kosher salt, plus more for the pasta water
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
½ cup finely chopped red onion
½ cup finely chopped celery
½ cup chopped red bell pepper
Celery leaves or sliced scallions, for garnish, optional
Instructions
Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions, about 8 minutes, until tender.
Drain and rinse the macaroni under cold water until completely cooled. Drain well.
Make the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple c***r vinegar, sugar, yellow mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
Combine: Add the cooled macaroni, finely chopped red onion, celery, and red bell pepper. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated in the dressing.
Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 12 hours, allowing the flavors to develop.
Serve: Stir once more before serving. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed, then garnish with celery leaves or sliced scallions. Serve chilled.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Chill Time: 30 minutes | Serves: 6
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