Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food that brings the heart of Southern hospitality right to your table. This Southern Macaroni Salad is more than just a side dish – it’s a creamy, crunchy, flavor-packed celebration of traditional Southern cooking that will transport you to family reunions, summer picnics, and backyard barbecues. With its perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory elements, this recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients
- US Measurements: 1 1/2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni pasta (about 6 ounces), 1 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or white vinegar, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon sweet relish, 1 cup finely diced sweet onion, 1 cup finely diced celery, 1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper, 1/2 cup finely diced English cucumber, 3 hard boiled eggs, 1 cup diced cooked ham (optional)
- Metric Measurements: 170 g elbow macaroni pasta, 240 ml mayonnaise, 30 ml apple cider vinegar, 30 g granulated sugar, 15 ml Dijon mustard, 15 ml sweet relish, 150 g sweet onion, 150 g celery, 75 g red bell pepper, 75 g English cucumber, 3 hard boiled eggs, 150 g diced cooked ham (optional)
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil elbow macaroni in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool completely.
- Prepare Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, and sweet relish until smooth and well combined.
- Chop Vegetables: Finely dice onion, celery, red bell pepper, and cucumber.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate diced vegetables and chopped hard-boiled eggs into the dressing.
- Combine: Add cooled macaroni to the dressing and toss to coat evenly. If using, gently mix in diced ham.
- Season: Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and black pepper as desired.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
Nutrition & Serving Details
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Why This Southern Macaroni Salad Stands Out
This isn’t just another pasta salad – it’s a nutritional powerhouse disguised as a comfort food classic. Packed with fresh vegetables, eggs, and lean protein (optional ham), it offers a balanced mix of nutrients. The combination of crunchy vegetables and creamy dressing provides a satisfying texture, while the mix of ingredients offers a range of vitamins, minerals, and protein. It’s a versatile dish that can be a complete meal or a crowd-pleasing side.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Southern Macaroni Salad
- Use fresh, crisp vegetables for maximum crunch
- Allow salad to chill thoroughly for best flavor
- Can be made a day ahead for even more developed flavors
- Adjust mayonnaise quantity for desired creaminess
Keywords: Southern Macaroni Salad, Picnic Pasta Salad, Classic Macaroni Salad, Summer Side Dish, Comfort Food Recipe