Ina Garten Macaroni Salad – A Fresh and Flavorful Summer Side Recipe

This Ina Garten Macaroni Salad is a refreshing and flavorful recipe, which is made with crisp vegetables and a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s a classic with a twist, ready in about 25 minutes, plus chilling time.

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Ina Garten Macaroni Salad Recipe Ingredients

1 pound of elbow macaroni
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
¾ cup celery, finely diced
½ cup red onion, finely diced
¼ cup chopped parsley
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Ina Garten Macaroni Salad – A Fresh and Flavorful Summer Side Recipe

How To Make Ina Garten Macaroni Salad Recipe

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8–9 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it cool completely.
Make the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The dressing should be creamy with a slight tang.
Combine the Salad: Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl with the dressing. Stir in the finely diced celery, red onion, and chopped parsley. Mix gently until all the ingredients are well coated.
Chill Before Serving: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together. Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Recipe Tips

How do you prevent the pasta from getting mushy? Don’t overcook the pasta. Cooking it to al dente (with a slight bite) ensures it stays firm and holds its shape when mixed with the dressing.
Why is it important to cool the pasta? Rinsing the pasta under cold water and letting it cool completely is a crucial step. Mixing hot pasta with a mayonnaise-based dressing can cause it to become thin and oily.
How do you get the best flavor? Chilling the salad for at least an hour before serving is key. This gives the flavors of the dressing, herbs, and vegetables time to meld together for a more delicious, cohesive taste.
How do you get a balanced texture? Dicing the celery and red onion finely and evenly ensures that you get a pleasant, balanced crunch in every bite without being overwhelmed by large pieces.

What To Serve With Ina Garten’s Macaroni Salad

This classic side dish is perfect for picnics, barbecues, and potlucks. It pairs wonderfully with:

Grilled chicken, steak, or burgers
Pulled pork sandwiches
Fried or baked fish
Hot dogs
A spread of deviled eggs and pickles

How To Store Ina Garten’s Macaroni Salad

Refrigerate: Store the macaroni salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
Serving Leftovers: The pasta may absorb some of the dressing as it sits. Before serving leftovers, you may want to stir in a little extra mayonnaise or a splash of milk to restore its creaminess.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the mayonnaise-based dressing can separate and the texture of the pasta and vegetables will become mushy upon thawing.

Ina Garten’s Macaroni Salad Nutrition Facts (per serving, approx.)

Calories: 340
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 340mg

FAQs

Can I make this macaroni salad ahead of time?

Yes, this is an ideal make-ahead dish. You can prepare it a day in advance. The flavors will actually be even better the next day. Just be sure to give it a good stir and check the seasoning before serving.

How can I make a lighter version of this salad?

For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the mayonnaise with full-fat Greek yogurt. This will maintain the creaminess while adding a little extra tang and reducing the fat content.

What other vegetables or ingredients can I add?

This recipe is very customizable. You can add shredded carrots, diced bell peppers, chopped pickles or relish for extra crunch and flavor. For a heartier salad, consider adding diced hard-boiled eggs or cubes of cheddar cheese.