This macaroni salad recipe is a family favorite, and has been passed down through generations. It’s incredibly simple to make, yet bursting with fresh flavors. The creamy Miracle Whip dressing complements the crisp celery perfectly; it's the perfect summer side dish or picnic addition.
I remember making this salad with my grandmother when I was a kid; it always seemed like a magical creation. Now, years later, I still make it frequently, and the memories of those times always flood back. I’ve adapted the recipe over the years, but the core principles remain the same—simple ingredients and delicious results. What are your favorite childhood memories that involve food?
Required Equipments
- Large bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander
- Mixing spoons
Macaroni-Salad-with-Celery
A creamy, refreshing macaroni salad with crunchy celery, perfect as a side dish or for a picnic!
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 4 servings
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- First, we'll cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 1 pound of elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, which means firm to the bite; not mushy! This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Check the package instructions for the precise timing. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly. Set aside.
- Now, prep those veggies! Finely chop 2 cups of celery. This is key because nobody likes a big chunk of celery in their macaroni salad, right? If you're a celery monster and love huge pieces, go ahead, but I like it finely chopped for even distribution of flavor.
- Time for the creamy dressing. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup of Miracle Whip (or mayonnaise!), 1/2 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of white vinegar, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. You'll want to whisk this until the sugar is fully dissolved, making sure everything is well combined.
- Gentle is key! Add the cooked and cooled macaroni to the creamy dressing, along with the chopped celery. Gently stir everything together; be careful not to overmix, or the pasta might break. We aim for a well-coated yet intact salad.
- Taste and adjust. Taste a spoonful of the salad. It's crucial to taste-test and adjust the seasoning to your preference. Would you like a little more vinegar for tang? Perhaps a bit more salt? Adjust the ingredients until the salad satisfies your palate. And dont forget to check for that perfect blend of flavors!
- Chill and serve. Once you have the perfect blend of flavors, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or even better, 2-3 hours to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. This is essential for a really yummy salad. Serve cold, and enjoy!
📝 Notes
- Make sure the pasta is cooked al dente.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 350 kcal
Protein: 6 g
Fat: 18 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 2 g
Calcium: 80 mg
