CookPal AI
Chef John's Classic Macaroni Salad

Chef John's Classic Macaroni Salad

Cost $10, save $15

Source: Recommended by CookPal

  • 25 Min
  • 12 Servings
  • $10

INGREDIENTS

  • Dressing

    • 🥛 1 cup mayonnaise (Optional)
    • ¼ cup white vinegar
    • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
    • 🧂 2 teaspoons kosher salt, or more to taste
    • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
    • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • 1 tablespoon white sugar, or more to taste

  • Vegetables

    • 🥬 1 cup finely diced celery
    • ¾ cup diced red bell pepper
    • 🥕 ½ cup grated carrot
    • ½ cup chopped green onions, white and light parts
    • ¼ cup diced jalapeño pepper
    • ¼ cup diced poblano pepper

  • Pasta

    • 🍝 1 (16 ounce) package uncooked elbow macaroni

  • Optional Garnishes

    • 1 tablespoon water (Optional)
    • 🥛 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (Optional)

STEPS

1

Whisk mayonnaise, vinegar, Dijon, salt, black pepper, and cayenne together in a bowl until well blended. Whisk in sugar, then stir in celery, bell pepper, carrot, green onions, jalapeño pepper, and poblano pepper. Cover and refrigerate until macaroni is ready.

2

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender but firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain but do not rinse.

3

Let macaroni drain in a colander for about 5 minutes, shaking out the moisture from time to time. Pour macaroni into a large bowl; toss to separate and let cool to room temperature, 10 to 15 minutes. Macaroni should be sticky.

4

Pour dressing over macaroni and stir until evenly distributed. Cover and refrigerate until macaroni absorbs the dressing, at least 4 hours or overnight if possible.

5

Stir salad before serving. Mix water and remaining mayonnaise into salad for a fresher look, if desired.

NUTRIENTS

Per 1 serving

🔥

295

Calories

  • 5
    Protein
  • 32
    Carbs
  • 16
    Fats

💡 For a fresher salad appearance, stir in water and additional mayonnaise before serving.Use finely diced ingredients for better texture and flavor distribution.Let the salad sit overnight for optimal flavor absorption.