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Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe with Sweet Pickles and Crisp Celery

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A quick and easy creamy macaroni salad featuring sweet pickles and crisp celery for a fresh twist on a classic side dish. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni (about 200g), cooked al dente
  • 1 cup mayonnaise (240ml), preferably creamy like Hellmann’s or Duke’s
  • 1 cup sweet pickles, chopped (about 150g), bread-and-butter style
  • 2 tablespoons sweet pickle juice
  • 1 cup celery, finely diced (about 2 medium stalks)
  • 2 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups (200g) of elbow macaroni and cook for 7-8 minutes until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain immediately in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Drain well and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup (240ml) mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons sweet pickle juice, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  4. Dice 1 cup celery finely, chop 1 cup sweet pickles, and if using, finely chop 2 tablespoons red onion and 2 hard-boiled eggs.
  5. Add chopped celery, sweet pickles, red onion, and eggs (if using) to the cooled macaroni. Pour the dressing over and gently fold everything together with a wooden spoon or spatula, being careful not to mash the macaroni.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight to let flavors meld.
  7. Before serving, gently stir the salad and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or sweet pickle juice if desired.

Notes

Rinse pasta under cold water to stop cooking and prevent mushiness. Use a creamy mayonnaise brand for best texture. Chop vegetables small and uniform for best texture. Chill salad for at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor. Pat pickles and celery dry to avoid watery salad. Fold gently to keep macaroni intact.

Nutrition

Keywords: macaroni salad, creamy macaroni salad, sweet pickles, celery, easy side dish, picnic recipe, potluck recipe

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/creamy-macaroni-salad-recipe-with-sweet-pickles-and-crisp-celery-easy-homemade-side-dish/