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Chef John's Classic Macaroni Salad

Chef John's Classic Macaroni Salad with Turkey Bacon and Chicken Ham

Chef John's Classic Macaroni Salad is a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Refrigeration Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Total Time 5 hours
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings
Calories 295 kcal

Equipment

  • large bowl
  • pot
  • Colander
  • Whisk
  • Plastic Wrap

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup mayonnaise Optional
  • 0.25 cup white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt or more to taste
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 0.125 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon white sugar or more to taste
  • 1 cup finely diced celery
  • 0.75 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 0.5 cup grated carrot
  • 0.5 cup chopped green onions white and light parts
  • 0.25 cup diced jalapeño pepper
  • 0.25 cup diced poblano pepper
  • 1 package uncooked elbow macaroni 16 ounce
  • 1 tablespoon water Optional
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise Optional

Instructions
 

  • Whisk 1 cup mayonnaise, vinegar, Dijon, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper together in a bowl until dressing is well blended; whisk in sugar.
  • Stir celery, bell pepper, carrot, green onions, jalapeño pepper, and poblano pepper into dressing. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap; refrigerate until macaroni is ready.
  • Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain in a colander for about 5 minutes, shaking out the moisture from time to time, but do not rinse.
  • Transfer macaroni to a large bowl; toss to separate. Cool to room temperature, 10 to 15 minutes. Macaroni should be sticky.
  • Add celery mixture to macaroni; stir until evenly distributed. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap; refrigerate until macaroni absorbs dressing, 4 hours to overnight.
  • Stir salad; stir water and remaining 1 tablespoon mayonnaise into salad to refresh before serving.

Notes

Top with sliced green onions if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 295kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 5gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 508mgPotassium: 170mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin C: 17mgCalcium: 19mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Classic Recipe, Deli Salad, Macaroni Salad, potluck, side dish
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