Classic Southern Macaroni Salad
Classic Southern Macaroni Salad is a creamy, crunchy, make-ahead side dish that’s perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, and picnics. Made with elbow macaroni, crisp vegetables, sweet gherkins, and a tangy-sweet dressing, this Southern favorite is always a crowd-pleaser.
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 373kcal
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.
Video
Notes
- If you don't have sweet gherkin juice, you can increase the amount of vinegar to 3 tablespoons and add a tablespoon of sugar.
- Can also use sweet onion.
- You can use sweet pickle relish in place of the shredded gherkins.
- To prevent macaroni from boiling over, place a wooden spoon in pan with macaroni.
Nutrition
Calories: 373kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 74mg | Sodium: 459mg | Potassium: 222mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 2410IU | Vitamin C: 17.9mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 0.8mg
