Sweet Macaroni Salad is a delightful and creamy side dish that’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or family gatherings. The combination of sweetened condensed milk, mayonnaise, and apple cider vinegar creates a unique and delicious dressing that pairs wonderfully with the fresh vegetables and tender pasta. Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients you’ll need to prepare this refreshing salad.
INGREDIENTS
- Elbow Macaroni: Use 1 pound of elbow macaroni, cooked according to the package directions.
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess to the salad. You’ll need 1 1/2 cups.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Provides a sweet and rich flavor. Use 1 cup.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a tangy balance to the sweetness. Use 2/3 cup.
- Kosher Salt: Enhances the overall flavor. Use 1/2 teaspoon.
- Coarse Ground Black Pepper: Adds a hint of spice. Use 1/4 teaspoon.
- Carrots: Shredded carrots add a touch of sweetness and crunch. Use 2 shredded carrots.
- Green Pepper: Finely chopped green pepper adds a fresh, crisp texture. Use 1 finely chopped green pepper.
- Red Bell Pepper: Finely chopped red bell pepper adds color and a slight sweetness. Use 1 finely chopped red bell pepper.
- Yellow Onion: Finely chopped yellow onion adds a mild, savory flavor. Use 1/2 finely chopped yellow onion.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to the directions on the box. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the cooled pasta aside.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweetened condensed milk, apple cider vinegar, kosher salt, and coarse ground black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Step 3:
- Add the shredded carrots, finely chopped green bell pepper, finely chopped red bell pepper, finely chopped yellow onion, and the cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing.
- Step 4:
- Toss all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Ensure that the vegetables and pasta are well mixed.
- Step 5:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill thoroughly.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve the Sweet Macaroni Salad chilled, straight from the refrigerator. This salad makes a perfect side dish for barbecues, picnics, or family gatherings. Pair it with grilled meats, sandwiches, or enjoy it on its own as a refreshing snack. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to give the salad a good stir before serving again to redistribute the dressing.
Helpful Notes
For a bit of extra crunch, consider adding some chopped celery or sweet pickle relish. If you prefer a less sweet salad, you can reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk or add a bit more apple cider vinegar to balance the sweetness. This salad can also be made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld even more.
Tips from well-known chefs
Chef Gordon Ramsay recommends using fresh, high-quality mayonnaise for the best flavor and texture.
Chef Ina Garten suggests adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing for a subtle kick.
Chef Jamie Oliver advises letting the salad sit for at least a few hours in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld together perfectly.