Small Macaroni Salad Recipe
If you’re craving a fresh and delightful dish that’s both satisfying and simple, this Small Macaroni Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. Perfectly tender elbow macaroni tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing with crunchy celery, sweet red bell pepper, and a touch of red onion creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. It’s the ideal little salad to brighten up any meal or serve as a refreshing side that never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Small Macaroni Salad Recipe is all about ingredients that work together effortlessly, making it a quick and pleasing dish. Each component plays a vital role: the macaroni offers a tender base, the creamy dressing brings tang and richness, and the fresh vegetables add the perfect crunch and pop of color.
- 1 cup elbow macaroni: The classic pasta shape that holds the dressing wonderfully, providing a delightful bite.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise: Creates that creamy and luscious texture essential for the salad’s signature mouthfeel.
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar: Adds a gentle tang that lifts the overall flavor balance without overpowering.
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle zing and depth, perfectly complementing the creaminess of the mayo.
- 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped: Provides a refreshing crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft pasta.
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced: Adds sweetness and vibrancy, making the salad visually inviting.
- 2 tbsp red onion, finely chopped: Offers a sharp, slightly spicy bite to balance the creaminess and sweetness.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance and round out all the flavors.
How to Make Small Macaroni Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the macaroni perfectly
Begin by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until it reaches that ideal al dente texture—you want it tender but still with a slight bite for the best salad experience. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly. This step ensures your salad won’t turn mushy when mixed with the dressing.
Step 2: Prepare the dressing
While the pasta cools, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard in a large bowl. This simple combination makes a wonderfully tangy and creamy dressing that is the heart of this Small Macaroni Salad Recipe. Mixing these ingredients well helps integrate the flavors and create a smooth base for the salad.
Step 3: Combine pasta and vegetables
Add the cooled macaroni to the dressed bowl, then toss in the finely chopped celery, diced red bell pepper, and minced red onion. These fresh veggies bring crispness and a burst of flavor to the mix. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly until every piece of macaroni is beautifully coated with the dressing and the vegetables are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Season and chill for flavor
Now, season the salad with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. This final seasoning step is crucial because it elevates the flavors, making them pop. For the best results, cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and deepen, making every bite more delicious.
How to Serve Small Macaroni Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the top for a splash of green and a fresh herbal kick. A few extra diced red bell peppers or a light dusting of paprika also make for colorful and flavorful finishing touches that brighten the presentation and taste.
Side Dishes
This Small Macaroni Salad Recipe pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, juicy burgers, or even a hearty picnic spread. It’s a versatile side that complements BBQ favorites, sandwiches, and seafood, making it an excellent choice for summer gatherings or a casual family dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this salad in individual mini mason jars or colorful bowls to make each portion special. You can also layer it in a glass dish with fresh herbs on top, turning it into a pretty centerpiece that’s sure to spark compliments and requests for the recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Small Macaroni Salad keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s chilled promptly after serving to maintain freshness and safety. Before serving again, give it a gentle stir to redistribute the dressing and refresh the texture.
Freezing
This salad isn’t ideal for freezing due to its mayonnaise base and fresh vegetables, which can separate and become watery upon thawing. To keep the best texture and flavor, it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated only.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, reheating is not recommended. Instead, serve straight from the fridge for that crisp, refreshing bite that makes the Small Macaroni Salad Recipe so delightful.
FAQs
Can I substitute mayonnaise in this Small Macaroni Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo to lighten the dish or cater to dietary preferences. Just keep in mind that these substitutes may slightly alter the flavor and texture.
How can I make this salad ahead of time for a party?
Prepare the entire salad as instructed and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before serving. Give it a good stir before plating to refresh the flavors and texture, making it an easy and effective make-ahead dish.
Is it possible to add protein to this Small Macaroni Salad Recipe?
Yes! Cooked shredded chicken, diced ham, or even canned tuna are great additions that transform this salad into a more filling meal or party appetizer.
What can I do to prevent the macaroni from sticking together?
Rinsing the macaroni with cold water right after cooking is key to stopping the cooking process and washing away excess starch. Tossing it with a little bit of the dressing early on also helps keep it separate and coated evenly.
Can I use other pasta shapes instead of elbow macaroni?
Of course! Small pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or mini penne work wonderfully in this recipe and hold the dressing just as well, giving you flexibility based on what you have in your pantry.
Final Thoughts
This Small Macaroni Salad Recipe is one of those simple yet incredibly satisfying dishes that quickly becomes a staple in your recipe box. Its balance of creamy, tangy, and crunchy elements makes it irresistible, no matter the occasion. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s perfect for those moments when you want something comforting, fresh, and full of flavor, all in one lovely little salad.
Print
Small Macaroni Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
This Small Macaroni Salad is a quick and easy side dish perfect for summer picnics or light lunches. Featuring tender elbow macaroni mixed with a creamy dressing of mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard, it is enhanced with crisp celery, sweet red bell pepper, and sharp red onion, creating a refreshing and flavorful salad that’s ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 2 tbsp red onion, finely chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes. Drain the macaroni and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta completely.
- Prepare the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard until smooth and fully combined, creating a tangy and creamy base for the salad.
- Combine salad ingredients: Add the cooled macaroni, finely chopped celery, diced red bell pepper, and chopped red onion into the bowl with the dressing.
- Toss the salad: Gently toss all the ingredients together until the macaroni is evenly coated with the dressing and the vegetables are well distributed throughout the salad.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning to your preference for a balanced flavor.
- Chill before serving: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill, enhancing the taste and texture before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise to reduce fat content.
- Make the salad a day ahead for even better flavor development.
- This salad can be customized by adding diced cucumbers or shredded carrots.
- Ensure macaroni is completely cooled before mixing to prevent the dressing from becoming too runny.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
