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Creamy Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe with Sweet Pickle and Celery Crunch Easy and Perfect

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A creamy macaroni salad featuring tender pasta, crunchy celery, and sweet pickles, perfect as a refreshing side dish for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (about 200g) uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 3/4 cup (180ml) mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sweet pickles, finely chopped
  • 2 medium celery stalks, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup yellow onion, finely minced (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons sweet pickle juice
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups (200g) of elbow macaroni and cook for 7-8 minutes until al dente. Drain well in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Set aside to drain completely.
  2. While the pasta cooks, finely chop 1/2 cup of sweet pickles, 2 celery stalks, and 1/4 cup yellow onion if using. Peel and chop 2 hard-boiled eggs if adding.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup (180ml) mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons sweet pickle juice, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  4. Add the drained macaroni, chopped pickles, celery, onion, and eggs to the dressing. Gently fold everything together with a spatula until well coated, taking care not to mash the pasta or eggs.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Stir gently before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta to avoid mushiness. Rinse pasta under cold water to stop cooking and prevent clumping. Use sweet pickle juice in the dressing for a balanced tang. Chill salad for at least 1 hour to meld flavors. If too thick after chilling, stir in a splash of milk or more pickle juice. Can be made a day ahead for better flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: macaroni salad, creamy macaroni salad, sweet pickle, celery crunch, easy side dish, picnic salad, potluck recipe

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/creamy-classic-macaroni-salad-recipe-with-sweet-pickle-and-celery-crunch-easy-and-perfect/