American Kitchen Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe

Dive into the creamy, dreamy world of classic American macaroni salad! This recipe, inspired by early 20th-century culinary gems like Delmonico's famous mustard-forward version, delivers the ultimate picnic side dish. Forget bland – this macaroni salad bursts with flavor, thanks to a perfectly balanced mayonnaise dressing and your choice of fresh, vibrant additions. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this timeless crowd-pleaser!

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Calories 282.3 kcal
Protein 16g
Rating 5.0 (1 Reviews)
American Kitchen Classic Macaroni Salad

Recipe Actions

Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for American Kitchen Classic Macaroni Salad

  • Elbow Macaroni
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • Vegetable Oil
  • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • Garlic Clove
  • Hard Cooked Eggs
  • Carrot
  • 1/2 cup chopped red onion
  • Celery Rib
  • Fresh Parsley
  • Pickle Relish
  • Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper

How to Make American Kitchen Classic Macaroni Salad

  1. Bring 2 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 1 teaspoon of salt.
  2. Add 1 pound of elbow macaroni to the boiling water.
  3. Cook for 6-8 minutes, or until al dente. Drain well and rinse under cold water until completely cool.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, and 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar.
  5. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  6. Gently fold in the cooked macaroni.
  7. Add 1 cup chopped celery, 1/2 cup chopped red onion, and 1/2 cup chopped pimiento (and any optional additions).
  8. Stir gently to combine.
  9. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
  10. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Want to unlock deeper, more complex flavors? Try toasting your whole spices before grinding them, or blooming ground spices in a little warm oil to enhance their aroma. Deglazing your pan with a bit of stock, wine, or even water after browning ingredients can capture those tasty caramelized bits, adding richness to your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

10 g

Sugar

22g

Fat

10g

Carbs

11g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)