
Try using chopped fresh basil or cilantro in place of the parsley. Herbs: Using different herbs is another way to dress up your classic macaroni salad.Just don’t overdo it on the sweet pickles or it could become too sweet along with the juice in the dressing. Add other ingredients: Some people even like to toss in some chopped deviled egg or chopped sweet pickles.It just depends on your mood and if you want your classic macaroni salad a little more savory or a little sweeter! Add veggies: Tossing in a handful of shredded carrots or even coconut will also do the trick.Try substituting pimentos for bell peppers for an easy flavor twist. Try pimentos: There are so many ways you can change this recipe to suit your personal preference it’ll make your head spin! Changing things up is super simple.Food Safety: If you’d like more info on food safety check out this link.Make-Ahead Tips: This should be made a few hours before serving or overnight in the fridge.The mayo separates and the veggies are just never quite the same after they thaw so it’s best to avoid the freezer with this one. Unfortunately, this is not a recipe that freezes well. Can You Freeze This Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe? No.This means protecting your salad from the air by keeping it properly sealed and below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. How Long Can You Keep In The Fridge? Well, according to the USDA, this classic macaroni salad will stay good for 3-5 days if stored properly.

#Classic macaroni salad ingredients plus
It does make 10-12 decent-sized servings so it may be easier to store it in a gallon Ziploc instead of a large container, plus it will free up room in the fridge. Just put it in an airtight container with a secure lid in the fridge. Here is an article on mayo-based food safety from Food Network for more information. Mayo-based salads must be handled with care and kept at the proper temperature for safety. You want a nicely cooked elbow macaroni that’s not glued together to give you a beautifully finished dish that tastes magnificent in that beautiful dressing.ĭon’t forget that if you are going to a potluck or backyard barbecue, this classic macaroni salad can’t stay out (unrefrigerated) for too long. It helps wash away a lot of that starchy residue that makes the pasta sticky. Rinsing the pasta thoroughly after cooking is also important. Mushy noodles do not a good macaroni salad make! They should still be just a little firm inside but to your liking. Next, you’ll want to ensure that you only cook your elbow macaroni al dente. You are just letting the pasta absorb the salt as it cooks so that the flavor is evenly dispersed throughout the finished dish. It sounds like a lot but it’s really not. I typically use 2 tablespoons for every 4-6 quarts of water. First, you must add salt to your pasta water. Perfectly boiled pasta is essential to a flavorful classic macaroni salad. Just like with the mayo, get something you can feel good about using. Sweet pickle juice is the secret ingredient and it does wonders for this macaroni salad. Sweet Pickle Juice: Adding sweet pickle juice to your dressing will make it lip-smackin’ good.


If you wouldn’t love it on a sandwich, you won’t love it in your classic macaroni salad. Buying the cheapest mayo you can find will only be apparent in the finished product. Mayonnaise: Using quality store-bought mayonnaise will really help boost the flavor profile of your dressing.This easy macaroni salad is fantastic either way, but I prefer to chill it overnight whenever time allows. But, if you can throw your classic macaroni salad together the day before and let it sit in the fridge overnight you can really coax out some incredible flavor. Then taste and adjust the seasoning as needed after chilling your classic macaroni salad. Anyhow, I recommend seasoning according to the recipe directions at first.As food gets colder, the flavors and aromas are dulled as maximum taste isn’t achieved until at least 72 degrees Fahrenheit (according to studies). Chilling foods are often necessary for things like cold pasta salad, but it also means that you must season more aggressively.

Making this easy macaroni salad taste absolutely fantastic requires just a little finesse and a lot of love.
