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Creamy Southern Macaroni Salad with Pickles

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A creamy Southern macaroni salad featuring a tangy pickle twist and a hint of mustard, perfect for potlucks and gatherings. This comforting side dish combines tender elbow macaroni with a flavorful dressing and crunchy pickles.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cooked elbow macaroni (about 8 ounces dry / 225g)
  • 1 cup mayonnaise (240ml), preferably Duke’s or Hellmann’s
  • 1 cup finely chopped dill and sweet pickles mixed
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons minced red onion (soaked in cold water for 10 minutes if desired)
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (about 225g) of elbow macaroni and cook for 7-8 minutes until al dente. Avoid overcooking.
  2. Drain pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Shake off excess water well.
  3. Place eggs in a saucepan, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, turn off heat and cover for 12 minutes. Cool in ice water, peel, and chop.
  4. Finely chop dill and sweet pickles, celery, red onion (soaked if desired), and parsley. Keep sizes uniform.
  5. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper to taste.
  6. Add drained macaroni, chopped pickles, celery, onion, parsley, and chopped eggs to the dressing. Gently fold with a spatula until evenly coated.
  7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 3-4 hours to meld flavors.
  8. Before serving, stir gently and adjust salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta to avoid sogginess; rinse pasta well to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Use a mix of sweet and dill pickles for best flavor. Chill at least 1 hour for flavors to meld, preferably 3-4 hours. Add parsley just before serving for freshness. Can substitute half mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter version. Use gluten-free pasta if needed. Avoid freezing as dressing may separate.

Nutrition

Keywords: macaroni salad, southern macaroni salad, creamy macaroni salad, pickles, picnic salad, potluck recipe, easy macaroni salad

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