Name: Macaroni Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 1 pound elbow macaroni.; 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise.; 1 cup sweetened condensed milk.; 2/3 cup apple cider vinegar.; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.; 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper.; 2 carrots, shredded.; 1 green pepper, finely chopped.; 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped.; 1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped.

Discover a delightful and creamy side dish with this Sweet Macaroni Salad recipe. Combining tender elbow macaroni with fresh vegetables and a unique tangy-sweet dressing, this salad is perfect for barbecues, picnics, or family gatherings. The combination of mayonnaise, sweetened condensed milk, and apple cider vinegar creates a delicious and refreshing flavor. Serve it chilled and enjoy the refreshing taste with grilled meats or sandwiches. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and enjoyed for up to 3 days.

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.