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Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe Easy Homemade with Cucumber and Red Onion

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A fresh and creamy macaroni salad featuring cucumber and red onion for a perfect balance of tangy and mild flavors. Ideal for summer gatherings and quick side dishes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) elbow macaroni pasta, uncooked
  • 1 medium cucumber, peeled and diced
  • ½ small red onion, finely chopped
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill or parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 g) of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions, usually 7-8 minutes, until al dente. Drain well in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside to drain completely (about 5 minutes).
  2. While the pasta cooks, peel and dice 1 medium cucumber into small, bite-sized pieces. Finely chop ½ small red onion. If raw onion is too strong, soak it in cold water for 5 minutes and drain before using.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine ¾ cup (180 ml) mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon sugar, and salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
  4. Add the cooled pasta, cucumber, and red onion to the dressing. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
  5. Stir in 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or parsley. Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. Stir and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.

Notes

Rinse pasta under cold water after cooking to prevent sticking and keep salad crisp. Soak red onion in cold water if you want to reduce its sharpness. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Adjust seasoning after chilling with extra salt or vinegar if needed. Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter version. Gluten-free pasta can be used for gluten-free diets.

Nutrition

Keywords: macaroni salad, creamy macaroni salad, cucumber salad, red onion salad, summer side dish, easy pasta salad, picnic salad, barbecue side

Find it online: https://lenatable.com/creamy-macaroni-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-with-cucumber-and-red-onion/