Creamy Macaroni Salad

Serves: 6–8
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Chill: 1 hour

Ingredients

• 2 cups dry elbow macaroni
• ¾ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup finely diced red onion
• ½ cup diced celery
• ½ cup diced red bell pepper
• ¼ cup chopped pickles or relish
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the macaroni in salted water according to the package directions until just tender. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. Make the dressing: Mix mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
3. Combine: Add macaroni, onion, celery, bell pepper, pickles, and eggs. Stir gently until everything is well coated.
4. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hourso the flavors can develop.
5. Adjust before serving: Stir in 1–2 tablespoons of mayonnaise if the salad seems dry, then taste and add salt or pepper as needed.

Tip: For a sweeter, classic deli-style salad, add another tablespoon of sugar and use sweet pickle relish instead of dill pickles.