Simple Macaroni Salad
I know it’s technically FALL now {umm…did we have a summer? And if so, what did I do these last few months?} but I’ve been wanting to post this recipe for a while now. I guess pasta salad in general is eaten mostly in the summah summah summah time, but I make this stuff year round. Why? Because I’m a freak.
Also, because it’s delicious and can be made in 15 minutes flat. It’s the perfect accompaniment to so many things. Sometimes I make it just to eat it as my lunch. Is that embarrassing? Oh well.
Anyways, the thing I love about this recipe is that it’s highly adaptable. Throw whatever you have lying around your fridge and dump it into your bowl. The only necessary ingredient would be dill pickles. That is a must, people! And don’t even think about using sweet pickles. I may or may not stalk you in the night if you desecrate this recipe with sweet pickles.
Just kidding.
Sort of.
Here’s how you make it:
{don’t be alarmed…it’s supposed to be this easy}
Start out by cooking some elbow macaroni. I used Barilla which ironically is the company sponsoring one of the giveaways I have going on right now…enter here.
While that pasta is cooking, chop up some veggies. I added the orange pepper because I happened to have it. Feel free to add in whatever you have on hand. Everything but the kitchen sink is good in this.
I also chopped some dill pickles and black olives. Key word: DILL. The pickles must be of the dill variety or I surely will die 1000 painful deaths. Also, sweet pickles should be illegal. Amen.
Once your pasta is cooked to al dente, drain and rinse under cold water to cool everything way down. Throw the macaroni into a bowl with the veggies, some mayo, a little vinegar if you’re feeling saucy
and some seasonings.
Stir it all up and that’s it!
Hello lover. My my you’re looking lovely today.
Serve it up with whatever you like. We had ours with some chicken drumsticks and steamed broccoli. Totally tasty.
And, because I haven’t done a video in a while and because these step by step photos were few and far between, here ya go. Enjoy!
Simple Macaroni Salad
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients:
1/2 lb. elbow macaroni {such as barilla}
3/4 cup diced carrot
3/4 cup diced celery
1/2 cup diced red onion {or yellow}
1/2 cup diced yellow pepper {optional}
1/3 cup diced dill pickle
1/4 cup diced black olives
1/2 cup real mayonnaise {heaping 1/2 cup}
2 tablespoons white vinegar
3/4 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
salt & pepper, to taste
Directions:
Bring large pot of water to boil. Salt water generously and pour in pasta. Stir and cook 7-10 minutes or until al dente. While pasta is cooking chop all your veggies. Drain pasta and rinse under cold water until cold. Pour into large bowl and top with chopped veggies. Stir in mayonnaise, vinegar and seasonings until everything is well coated. If it doesn't seem like there's enough mayonnaise to go around, add in a splash of water or a little more mayonnaise. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
This sounds fabulous! And what a fun video! I’m loving the series
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This looks so stinking good. I love that you added black olives!!
My husband is a sweet pickle person. He’s also an alien.
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I can’t wait to try this recipe. I agree with you that sweet pickles should be illegal. DILL all the way baby!
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Looks very tasty, Lauren. Love the step by step. I know that takes so much time but it looks fantastic!!
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I love macaroni salad for lunch…and I love sweet pickles too so I guess I really am crazy
Looks great!
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Macaroni salad is for all seasons! Although yes, I do agree. Summer went by too quickly!
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Eek, I’m loving the additional of bell pepper, olives and pickles because uh, hello, that constitutes the best macaroni salad EVER. Ever, people, I mean it. Love this recipe & your videos!
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Love the videos! Also, no judgement on your year-round-freakish-pasta-salad-eating ways. I’m right there with you
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I COMPLETELY agree about the dill pickles being awesome and sweet ones being ehh…
anyways, that pasta salad looks yummmmy! will be making it soon
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We have pasta salad all year round here. Simple, good, quick, and makes for great leftovers! Love all the veggies you put in here!
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Love the video & love this recipe!
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I love how colorful this is! Love love LOVE pasta salads
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It’s been super hot in LA too! I love the simplicity of this and I’m so glad you posted it!
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I love that there is olives in this macaroni salad … mmmmm!
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LOVE mac salad! Thanks for the easy version
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I just tried this recipe!!!!!it’s AWSOME!!!!thanx Lauren!!!!
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Not much better on a hot day than a lovely pasta salad! Yum.
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Cute video, Lauren! Love that it’s not “perfect”.
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Yummy!!! This looks great! I love macaroni salad.
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LOVE THIS! I made this for my family for dinner last night. They loved it too. And luckily there were leftovers for me today
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