What brand of macaroni do you use?

A good name brand like Barilla, Mueller's, and Ronzoni, to De Cecco and San Giorgio are good options. I dont big on brands of pasta. Long as it's a good brand, I'm good.

Should you boil macaroni with oil?

It's not needed! The belief is that the oil keeps the macaroni from sticking but even if it sticks it'll easily separate when you stir in all the ingredients and dressing.

Why add salt to pasta water?

Adding salt just adds flavor to the macaroni and releases some of the starch. Seasoning the pasta is important because it adds to the overall deliciousness of the dish.

What does it mean to "cook until al dente"?

When you see recipes online instructing you to "cook pasta until al dente" it means to cook until tender but firm. This means to not overcook the pasta to where it's completely done. You dont want it very tender because you want it to have a "bite" to it. You dont want it to be so tender to where you can't stir in ingredients without it turning to mush.

Should you rinse the macaroni with cool water once it's done?

YES! Rinse it to cool it down and stop the cooking process as it continues cooking when hot. So remove it from the pot of hot water IMMEDIATELY, strain it then rinse with cool water.

Do you have to use macaroni?

Not necessarily! But it is called "macaroni" salad for a reason! But if you like the dressing and would like to use these ingredients with another type of pasta, go for it!!!

How to store macaroni salad?

Place the salad in a dish or tupperware bowl and tightly seal the salatic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. I like to place it on the bottom row so it doesn't freeze! Lol!

How long does macaroni salad last?

Definitely by 3 days... after 3 days salads rarely taste the same or as good. They aren't meant to last long especially ones made with mayo. And it's so good I don't think it will. Lol!

The BEST Macaroni Salad Recipe Ever (With Video)

Print Recipe

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5 from 7 reviews

Creamy, homemade, deli-style macaroni salad recipe.

Author: PhillyboyJay
Prep Time: 20 Mins
Cook Time: 20 Mins
Total Time: 40 Mins
Yield: 8
Category: Salad
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

8 oz Elbow Macaroni

2 Qts Water + 1 Tsp Salt
2 Tbs Red Onion, finely chopped
1 Tbs Red Bell Peppers, finely chopped

1 Tbs Celery, finely chopped

1 Tbs Carrots, finely shredded

2-1/2 Cups Hellman’s Mayo

1/4 Cup Sweet Relish

2 Tbs Apple Cider Vinegar
1 Tsp Mustard

1/4 Cup Sugar

1/2 Tsp Garlic Powder
1/2 Tsp Salt

1/4 Tsp Black Pepper
Parsley Flakes (For decoration purposes)

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Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with cool water, add in the salt, and place over high heat.

2. After 10 minutes, or once the water comes to a boil, add in the pasta then stir well.
3. Boil the pasta for 10 minutes, then strain the water immediately.

4. Peel and shred a carrot, then chop the onion, pepper, and celery into very small pieces.

5. Get a large mixing bowl, add in the mayo, relish, mustard, vinegar, sugar, and seasonings, and whisk well.

6. Then add in the chopped vegetables, and stir well.

7. Add in the macaroni, fold well, then garnish with parsley flakes.

8. Cover with plastic wrap and set in the refrigerator to chill.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 8

Find it online: https://phillyjaycooking.com/the-best-deli-style-macaroni-salad/