Nostalgic Delight! Creamy Macaroni Salad
Nostalgic Delight! Creamy Macaroni Salad
Adding THIS to your Macaroni Salad makes it unbelievably delicious!
Craving a truly satisfying macaroni salad like you’d get at a deli? This recipe uses a simple secret ingredient to achieve the ultimate flavor. It’s perfect as a snack for kids or a delightful side dish for any occasion.
Salad Base Ingredients- 1 cup Macaroni
- A handful of Raisins
- 1 Potato
- 1 Orange
- Water, as needed
- 1 Tbsp Coarse Salt (for boiling macaroni)
Salad Dressing Ingredients- 5 Tbsp Mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp Vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 5 Tbsp Mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp Vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s start by preparing the ingredients for a delicious macaroni salad! Using fresh ingredients will make it even more enjoyable.
Step 2
We’ll add potatoes for a creamy texture and subtle sweetness. Peel the potatoes and dice them into bite-sized pieces that are easy for children to eat. Soak the diced potatoes in cold water for about 10 minutes to remove excess starch; this prevents them from clumping in the salad and ensures a cleaner taste.
Step 3
The orange adds a lovely tangy and sweet flavor, and you can adjust it to your preference. Adding a child’s favorite fruit can make the salad even more fun! Feel free to include other fruits like apples or pineapple to create your own unique macaroni salad.
Step 4
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add 1 tablespoon of coarse salt. Once boiling, add the macaroni and cook for 1-2 minutes longer than the package instructions suggest. Macaroni can become mushy quickly, so cooking it to the right tenderness is key.
Step 5
The best way to check if the macaroni is cooked just right is to taste one! It should be slightly firm to the bite (al dente), which will keep its texture when mixed into the salad.
Step 6
Drain the well-cooked macaroni thoroughly in a colander. Let it cool completely. Mixing while it’s still warm can cause the dressing to separate, so allowing it to cool is important.
Step 7
In the same salty water used for the macaroni, add the diced potatoes and cook until they are tender and fluffy. Because the water is salted, the potatoes will absorb the flavor, making them extra delicious.
Step 8
Now, let’s make the wonderful salad dressing! In a bowl, combine 5 tablespoons of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Whisk or stir with a spoon until all ingredients are well combined. You can add a pinch of black pepper for extra flavor if you like.
Step 9
In a large bowl, combine the cooled macaroni, cooked potatoes, raisins, and chopped orange. Pour the prepared dressing over the ingredients. Using two spoons, gently fold and mix everything together until well combined, being careful not to mash the ingredients. Your delicious macaroni salad is complete! For an extra treat, chill it in the refrigerator before serving.
