Tangy and Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe
It may look like a standard macaroni salad, but this recipe delivers a tanginess and flavorful bite that elevates the backyard staple beyond the norm. [Photographs: Joshua Bousel]
If you want nothing more than heavy, mayo-laden pasta, the ubiquitous deli macaroni salad is for you. This recipe, however, takes the standard and gives it a depth and tang that makes it stand out in a crowd.
Why this recipe works:
- Boiling the pasta until very tender allows it to absorb the vinegar and dressing better; it firms up once cold so won't taste overcooked.
- Sour cream, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire, and hot sauce give this dressing more depth than the standard macaroni salad.
- Celery, shallots, and scallions give a crunchy texture.
Read more: How to Make Extra-Tangy, Extra-Creamy Macaroni Salad
- Yield:Serves 8 to 10
- Active time: 25 minutes
- Total time:35 minutes plus 1 hour chilling
- Rated:
Ingredients
- For the Dressing:
- 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice from 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce, preferably Texas Pete
- 3/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- For the Salad:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 rib celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup finely chopped shallots
- 4 scallions, finely sliced
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions
-
1.
For the dressing: Whisk together all ingredients in a medium bowl. Set aside.
-
2.
For the Salad: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta until very tender, about 15 minutes. Drain pasta and transfer to a large bowl. Add vinegar and stir until completely absorbed. Let pasta stand until cool, about 10 minutes.
-
3.
Add dressing and stir until well coated. Stir in celery, shallots, and scallions. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and chill in refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
This Recipe Appears In
How to Make Extra-Tangy, Extra-Creamy Macaroni SaladAll products linked here have been independently selected by our editors. We may earn a commission on purchases, as described in our affiliate policy.
Comments
Hello Eater!
Want to comment? Sign In or Register
ADD A COMMENT
PREVIEW YOUR COMMENT