Chef John's Classic Macaroni Salad
Recipe information
Recipe Icon - Master recipes
Cooking:
30 min.
Recipe Icon - Master recipes
Servings per container:
12
Recipe Icon - Master recipes
Source:

Ingredients for - Chef John's Classic Macaroni Salad

1. Mayonnaise (Optional) - 1 cup
2. White vinegar - ¼ cup
3. Dijon mustard - 2 tablespoons
4. Kosher salt, or more to taste - 2 teaspoons
5. Ground black pepper - ½ teaspoon
6. Cayenne pepper - ⅛ teaspoon
7. White sugar, or more to taste - 1 tablespoon
8. Finely diced celery - 1 cup
9. Diced red bell pepper - ¾ cup
10. Grated carrot - ½ cup
11. Chopped green onions, white and light parts - ½ cup
12. Diced jalapeno pepper - ¼ cup
13. Diced poblano pepper - ¼ cup
14. Uncooked elbow macaroni - 1 (16 ounce) package
15. Water (Optional) - 1 tablespoon
16. Mayonnaise (Optional) - 1 tablespoon

How to cook deliciously - Chef John's Classic Macaroni Salad

1. Stage

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.

2. Stage

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.

3. Stage

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.

4. Stage

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.

5. Stage

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