Chef John's Classic Macaroni Salad

Genesis Heller

Updated on May 11, 2024

Prep Time:

30 mins

Cook Time:

15 mins

Additional Time:

4 hrs 15 mins

Total Time:

5 hrs

Servings:

Ingredients

Dressing:

1 cup mayonnaise (Optional)
¼ cup white vinegar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons kosher salt, or more to taste
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon white sugar, or more to taste
1 cup finely diced celery
¾ cup diced red bell pepper
½ cup grated carrot
½ cup chopped green onions, white and light parts
¼ cup diced jalapeño pepper
¼ cup diced poblano pepper

Macaroni:

1 (16 ounce) package uncooked elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon water (Optional)
1 tablespoon mayonnaise (Optional)

Directions

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

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

295	Calories
16g	Fat
32g	Carbs
5g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 12
Calories 295
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 16g	21%
Saturated Fat 2g	12%
Cholesterol 7mg	2%
Sodium 508mg	22%
Total Carbohydrate 32g	12%
Dietary Fiber 2g	7%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 5g	11%
Vitamin C 17mg	19%
Calcium 19mg	1%
Iron 2mg	8%
Potassium 170mg	4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.