Ingredients for Apple Mac Salad
- Elbow Macaroni
- Green Bell Pepper
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- Roasted Red Peppers
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- Red Delicious Apples
How to Make Apple Mac Salad
- Cook 1 pound elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- While the pasta cooks, prepare the remaining ingredients. Roast 1 red bell pepper until the skin is blackened (you can do this in the oven at 400°F for about 20 minutes, or over an open flame). Place in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it steam for 10 minutes. Peel, seed, and finely chop the pepper. Dice 2 medium crisp apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith recommended).
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, chopped roasted red pepper, diced apples, mayonnaise (1 cup), celery (1 cup, finely chopped), onion (1/2 cup, finely chopped), sugar (2 tablespoons), salt (1 teaspoon), and black pepper (1/2 teaspoon).
- Gently toss to combine all ingredients evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. The salad might benefit from a squeeze of lemon juice to balance sweetness.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial for the best taste and texture!
- Serve chilled. Enjoy!
Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor
Chef's secret: layers of flavor make a dish truly memorable! Consider what a little extra something could bring – perhaps a touch of acidity like a good vinegar or citrus zest, a hint of smokiness from paprika, a bit of umami from mushrooms or soy sauce, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for texture. Experiment and taste as you go!
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
Sodium
16 g
Sugar
136g
Fat
8g
Carbs
28g