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    Home » Recipes » Salads

    Classic Southern Macaroni Salad (With Video)

    By Chula King · June 29, 2019 · Updated October 12, 2022 Leave a Comment

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    Classic Southern Macaroni Salad

    Classic Southern Macaroni Salad is the perfect make-ahead side dish for your summer barbecues, picnics or potlucks. It’s filled with crunchy vegetables and a simple creamy sauce. Nothing says summertime like this easy to make Classic Southern Macaroni Salad. 

    Classic Southern Macaroni Salad

    Ingredients

    I used the following ingredients for this delicious macaroni salad: Elbow macaroni, mayonnaise, cider vinegar, sweet gherkins with juice, dry mustard, salt, freshly ground black pepper, celery, red onions, red bell pepper, sweet gherkins, carrots and hard boiled eggs. I have also used sweet onions in place of the red onions.

     

    Ingredients for Macaroni SaladMaking the Classic Southern Macaroni Salad

    First, I cooked the macaroni in salted water until it was tender. This took about 10 minutes. When the macaroni was done, I drained it. However, I didn’t rinse the macaroni.

    Cooking macaroni in salted waterNext, I made the sauce. First, I whisked together the mayonnaise, cider vinegar, sweet gherkin juice, dry mustard, salt and pepper, .

    Sauce for Macaroni SaladThen, I added the celery, onion, bell pepper, gherkins, carrots and hard boiled eggs.

    Remaining ingredients for Macaroni SaladI stirred everything together for the sauce. Next, I added the sauce to the cooked macaroni. I stirred everything together. Once everything was well combined, I covered the macaroni salad with some plastic wrap and put it in the refrigerator to chill. That’s it!

    Sauce Added to MacaroniClassic Southern Macaroni Salad is an easy make-ahead side dish is perfect for your summer-time barbecues, picnics or potlucks. It’s filled with crunchy vegetables and covered in a creamy sauce. For an awesome substitute for potato salad, you should try this delicious salad. Yum!

    Classic Southern Macaroni SaladIf you’d rather have an outstanding potato salad, you should try my Southern Style Potato Salad with a Twist.

    Recipe

    Classic Southern Macaroni Salad

    Classic Southern Macaroni Salad

    Classic Southern Macaroni Salad is the perfect make-ahead side dish for your summer barbecues, picnics or potlucks. It's filled with crunchy vegetables and a simple creamy sauce making it an awesome substitute for potato salad. Nothing says summertime like this easy to make Classic Southern Macaroni Salad.
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 25 minutes mins
    Course Salad
    Cuisine American, Southern
    Servings 6 servings
    Calories 373 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
    • ¾ cup mayonnaise
    • 1 ½ Tablespoons cider vinegar
    • 1 ½ Tablespoons gherkin juice (See Tip 1)
    • ½ teaspoon dry mustard
    • ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
    • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    • ¾ cup chopped celery (2 to 3 stalks)
    • ½ cup chopped red onion (½ onion) (See Tip 2)
    • ½ cup chopped red bell pepper (½ bell pepper)
    • ½ cup shredded carrot (1 medium carrot)
    • 4 small sweet gherkins, shredded (about 2 Tablespoons) (See Tip 3)
    • 2 hard boiled eggs, chopped
    • Paprkia and chopped chives or parsley for garnish (optional)

    Instructions
     

    • Cook macaroni in boiling salted water for 8 to 10 minutes or until tender. Drain thoroughly, but do not rinse. Transfer to a large bowl; allow to come to room temperature. (See Tip 4)
    • Whisk mayonnaise, vinegar, gherkin juice, dry mustard, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add remaining ingredients to mayonnaise mixture; stir to combine. Pour over macaroni; toss to thoroughly coat macaroni.
    • Cover and refrigerate for at least four hours.
    • Yield: 6 servings.

    Tips/Notes

    1. If you don't have sweet gherkin juice, you can increase the amount of vinegar to 3 tablespoons and add a tablespoon of sugar. 
    2. Can also use sweet onion.
    3. You can use sweet pickle relish in place of the shredded gherkins.
    4. To prevent macaroni from boiling over, place a wooden spoon in pan with macaroni. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 373kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 7gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 74mgSodium: 459mgPotassium: 222mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 2410IUVitamin C: 17.9mgCalcium: 36mgIron: 0.8mg
    Keyword Macaroni Salad
    Tried this recipe? Tag me today!Mention @PudgeFactor or tag #pudgefactor

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    Filed Under: 4th of July, Labor Day, Pasta, Salads, Southern

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    Photo of Chula - PudgeFactor Blogger

    Chula King is an award-winning photographer and videographer behind Pudge Factor. She’s a professor by day and foodie by night, showcasing her favorite tried and true recipes.

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