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Creamy Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe with Dill and Celery – Easy Homemade Side Dish

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A quick and easy creamy macaroni salad featuring elbow macaroni, fresh dill, and crunchy celery, perfect as a refreshing side dish for picnics and BBQs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (about 200g) elbow macaroni, uncooked
  • 3/4 cup (180ml) mayonnaise, full-fat or light
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 stalks celery, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

Instructions

  1. Bring 6 cups (1.4 liters) of salted water to a boil in a large pot. Add 2 cups (200g) of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander and immediately rinse under cold running water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Shake off excess water.
  3. While pasta cooks, finely dice 2 celery stalks, chop 1/4 cup red onion (if using), and roughly chop 2 tablespoons fresh dill. Set aside.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup (180ml) mayonnaise, 1/4 cup (60ml) plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon (15ml) apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon honey. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  5. Add the cooled macaroni, chopped celery, onion, and dill to the dressing. Fold gently with a spatula until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Give it a gentle stir before plating.

Notes

For creamier texture, prepare the dressing a day ahead and chill before combining. If salad is dry after chilling, add a splash of milk or extra mayo. Use firm celery stalks for crunch. Rinse pasta immediately after cooking to prevent mushiness. Adjust onion amount or soak in cold water to mellow sharpness. Variations include vegan substitutions, low-carb pasta alternatives, and adding fresh vegetables or protein.

Nutrition

Keywords: macaroni salad, creamy macaroni salad, dill, celery, easy side dish, picnic salad, BBQ side, homemade macaroni salad

Find it online: https://gleamgulp.com/creamy-classic-macaroni-salad-recipe-with-dill-and-celery-easy-homemade-side-dish/