I love all styles and flavors of pasta salad, but there's something special about Southern-style macaroni salad. Maybe it reminds me of my grandmother, or maybe it's just the best combination of ingredients. I couldn't tell you why, but the recipe below became a staple in my house this summer. It certainly doesn't hurt that it's quick and easy to throw together, either!
There are a few ingredients that my grandmother always used so I always do, too! But, if your family's traditional macaroni salad doesn't include those, feel free to make substitutions. My best friend always throws a jar of pimentos into her mac salad, and another friend always puts tuna into hers. So long as you get the ratios correct for the salad dressing, it doesn't really matter what you throw into the salad itself.
Southern Macaroni Salad
Ingredients2 cups cooked elbow macaroni noodles
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon celery seed
1 hard-boiled egg, chopped
1 celery stalk, minced
1/2 red onion, minced
Directions1. Cook the macaroni noodles according to the package directions. Set aside until cooled.
2. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and celery seed. Whisk until well combined and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine the macaroni, chopped egg, celery, and red onion.
4. Pour the dressing over the macaroni mixture and toss to coat.
5. Serve immediately, or cover and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
