Creamy and Crunchy Macaroni Salad

This creamy and crunchy macaroni salad by Platin’ It With Wendy is now my favorite macaroni recipe. You will get an explosion of flavors and textures in each bite. It has the perfect combination of vegetables, herbs, and homemade dressing. There’s nothing more you can ask for. It has everything you want in a macaroni salad.

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If you want a macaroni salad that will impress everyone, go for this recipe. It will never disappoint and will always turn out delicious. It is perfect for gatherings, celebrations, holidays, or birthdays. Serve it with hot dogs, hamburgers, potato wedges, garlic bread, grilled meat, BBQ, or fried chicken for a complete meal.

For more macaroni recipes, check these out: Southern Macaroni Salad Recipe, Award-Winning Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe, Super Easy Stovetop Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe

Easy Creamy Macaroni Salad Ingredients

Cooking the macaroni:

• 0.26 gallon of boiling water
• 2 tablespoons of salt

For the salad

• 1 pound of cut elbow macaroni
• 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped)
• 1 cup of red bell pepper (finely chopped)
• 1 cup of celery (finely chopped)
• 1 cup of carrot (finely chopped)
• 3 boiled eggs (finely chopped)
• 1/2 cup pecans (coarsely chopped)
• 3 tablespoons of sweet pickle relish
• 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley (finely chopped)
• 1 tablespoon of fresh chives (finely chopped)

For the creamy dressing

• 1 1/4 cup of mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 tablespoon of granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
• salt to taste

How to Make Creamy Macaroni Salad

Step 1:

Fill a large pot with water and add the salt. Bring it to a boil then add the macaroni. Cook until tender. Once cooked, drain and rinse the macaroni and cold water. Leave it in the colander to dry, then transfer to a large bowl.

Step 2:

In a bowl, add the mayo, mustard, garlic powder, pepper, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and half of the  vinegar. Whisk everything together until well combined.

Step 3:

In a different bowl, add the chopped onions, half of the vinegar, and the remaining sugar. Set aside.

Step 4:

Into a bowl, add the macaroni, vegetables, eggs, and pecans.

Step 5:

Pour 3/4 of the dressing over the salad, then add the finely chopped parsley and chives. Stir everything to combine.

Step 6:

Get a plastic wrap and cover the salad. Place in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 7:

Before serving, pour the remaining salad dressing and stir to combine. Serve chilled. Garnish with some parsley and two stick of chives.

Creamy and Crunchy Macaroni Salad