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summer macaroni salad recipe

Macaroni Salad

This classic creamy macaroni salad features the perfect balance of tender pasta, crunchy vegetables, and a sweet-tangy dressing. Ideal for summer gatherings, this make-ahead dish combines diced eggs, cheese, and colorful vegetables for a refreshing side that improves with chilling time.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 6 cups macaroni cooked according to package directions
  • 1/2 cup celery diced
  • 1/2 onion diced
  • 1/2 cup cucumber diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 14 ounces peas drained if using canned, thawed if frozen
  • 1 cup cheese cubed
  • 4 jumbo eggs hard-boiled and diced
  • 2 1/2 cups mayonnaise or Miracle Whip
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Cook macaroni according to package directions until tender but still firm. Drain and allow to cool slightly.
  2. While pasta cooks, prepare the vegetables and other ingredients: dice the celery, onion, and cucumber; halve the cherry tomatoes; cube the cheese; and chop the hard-boiled eggs.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise or Miracle Whip, milk, sugar, white vinegar, and salt until smooth and well combined.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the cooled macaroni with the prepared vegetables, cheese, eggs, and peas.
  5. Pour the dressing over the macaroni mixture and gently fold until all ingredients are evenly coated.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld together.
  7. Stir gently before serving cold.

Notes

For best results, allow this salad to chill thoroughly before serving - the flavors develop beautifully with time. The pasta will absorb some of the dressing as it sits, creating that perfect creamy texture everyone loves.
This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If it seems a bit dry after storage, simply stir in a small amount of additional mayonnaise and milk to refresh the creaminess.
Feel free to customize with add-ins like diced bell peppers, bacon bits, or a sprinkle of paprika for color.