How to Make Chef John's Classic Macaroni Salad - A Step-by-Step Guide

If you're looking for the perfect side dish to bring to a potluck or BBQ, look no further than Chef John's Classic Macaroni Salad. This tried and true recipe has been a crowd-pleaser for generations, and it's easy to see why. Packed with flavor and a creamy, tangy dressing, this macaroni salad is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

One of the things that sets Chef John's macaroni salad apart from the rest is the attention to detail in the ingredients. Using high-quality...

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Ingredients

  • 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
  • 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 jalapeno pepper
  • ¼ cup diced poblano pepper
  • 1 (16 ounce) package uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 1 tablespoon water (Optional)
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (Optional)

Information

  • Prep Time: 30 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Additional Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
  • Total Time: 5 hrs
  • Servings: 12

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Stir salad before serving. Mix water and remaining mayonnaise into salad for a fresher look.
  • Nutrition

    295 cal.

    • Total Fat: 16g
    • Saturated Fat: 2g
    • Cholesterol: 7mg
    • Sodium: 508mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 32g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Total Sugars: 3g
    • Protein: 5g
    • Vitamin C: 17mg
    • Calcium: 19mg
    • Iron: 2mg
    • Potassium: 170mg