When summer rolls in, the grill gets fired up, and you instinctively reach for refreshing sides that complement hearty mains. This 3 Ingredient Macaroni Salad is one of my go-to accompaniments for barbecues, picnics, and family gatherings. It pairs really well with grilled chicken, burgers, or hot dogs, effortlessly balancing rich flavors with its creamy texture.
Nothing says summer like a good macaroni salad, and this 3 Ingredient Macaroni Salad with Mayo captures that essence perfectly. It’s simple to make—perfect for busy days when you want something that tastes like you put in more effort than you did! You’ll only need a handful of core ingredients, and yet, the flavor is delightful enough that it’ll wow your guests.
What is 3 Ingredient Macaroni Salad with Mayo?
At its heart, this dish combines cooked macaroni noodles with a creamy dressing and some crunch. This version is incredibly straightforward but still hits the flavor notes you crave. The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity; it’s a dish that allows the flavors of the mayonnaise and fresh veggies to shine without being overloaded.
What Does It Taste Like?
Expect a delightful creaminess from the mayo blended with the subtle tang of sour cream and a hint of sweetness from gherkins. The addition of red pepper adds a touch of freshness and color. Overall, this salad boasts a blend of creamy, sweet, and slightly tangy flavors, with a satisfying crunch that makes it a pleasure to enjoy.
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Why This Recipe Works?
This 3 Ingredient Macaroni Salad is a classic for a reason. It takes only minutes to whip up, yet it provides a fulfilling side that complements any meal. The recipe cleverly balances flavors without requiring a lengthy ingredient list or intricate preparation techniques, making it accessible for all home cooks, regardless of experience.
Ingredients
– 8 oz dry macaroni noodles (227g)
– ½ cup finely diced sweet pickles (about 4-6 sweet gherkins) (80g)
– ¾ cup chopped red bell pepper (about ½ of a bell) (100g)
– ⅓ cup thinly sliced celery (1-2 stalks) (55g)
– ⅓ cup finely diced red onion (45g)
– 2 large hard-boiled eggs, chopped
– Macaroni Salad Dressing
– ¾ cup mayonnaise (I prefer olive oil mayo) (175g)
– ¼ cup sour cream (70g)
– 2 tablespoons sweet pickle juice
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (for a twist)
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
– ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
– ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
How to Make 3 Ingredient Macaroni Salad with Mayo?
Making this macaroni salad is as easy as 1, 2, 3! With just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of time, your side dish will be ready. Let’s dive into the simple steps to create this creamy, flavorful salad.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
Start by boiling water in a large pot. Once the water is rolling, add your dry macaroni noodles and follow the package instructions for cooking. Usually, this means about 8-10 minutes. Go for al dente—nobody wants mushy pasta! Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them in cold water immediately. This cools them down quickly and stops the cooking process. Drizzle about a teaspoon of olive oil over the noodles, giving them a gentle stir to ensure they don’t stick together.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled macaroni with your diced sweet gherkins, chopped red pepper, celery slices, red onion, and chopped hard-boiled eggs. Make sure to mix everything together well. This is where you’ll get those delicious bites of crunch and flavor!
Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
Now comes the fun part—making the dressing! In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sweet pickle juice, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and optional crushed red pepper. You want everything blended so that the dressing is smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Dress the Salad
Pour the prepared dressing over the macaroni salad ingredients and toss everything together until it’s all well-coated and evenly mixed.
Step 5: Chill
For the best flavor, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least an hour. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully. Just before serving, give it another good stir!
Notes
– Adjust the sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of sugar based on your preference for sweetness.
– Hard-boiled eggs: If you’re looking for a shortcut, you can buy pre-cooked hard-boiled eggs or use the ones from your salad bar.
– Make it a meal: Add shredded rotisserie chicken for a heartier version.
– Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh dill can elevate the flavor impressively.
– Serving suggestions: Enjoy it on its own or with a sprinkle of paprika on top for a pop of color.
Storage Tips
Store your 3 Ingredient Macaroni Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can keep well for about 3-5 days, making it a fantastic option for preparing in advance. Just bear in mind, the noodles may absorb some of the dressing, so you might want to add a little more mayo or sour cream before serving if it seems dry.
Nutrition Information
This macaroni salad is relatively balanced for a side dish. It provides carbohydrates and protein from the macaroni and eggs, alongside healthy fats from the mayo and sour cream. Approximate calorie count is around 300 calories per serving, but this can vary based on the exact measurements you utilize.
Sides For 3 Ingredient Macaroni Salad with Mayo
– Grilled Chicken: Perfectly seasoned, juicy grilled chicken breasts complement the creaminess and add protein.
– BBQ Ribs: The smoky, tangy flavors from BBQ ribs will play nicely against the tangy salad.
– Hot Dogs: Try classic beef hot dogs; they’re always a hit at summer gatherings.
– Veggie Skewers: An assortment of grilled bell peppers, zucchini, and onions brings a fresh, crunchy contrast.
– Corn on the Cob: Sweet, juicy corn is a great summer side that pairs well with any creamy salad.
What Are Some Alternative Choices to the Ingredients in Case They Are Not in Your Pantry?
– Mustard: If you’re out of Dijon, yellow mustard will do in a pinch, though it won’t have the same depth.
– Sweet pickles: Bread and butter pickles can replace gherkins if you’re after a sweeter note.
– Mayo: Greek yogurt is a healthy alternative for a lighter option, offering a tangy edge.
– Bell Pepper: Any color of bell pepper can be substituted based on what’s available or your preference.
– Vinegar: If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, white vinegar is a great substitute and maintains a similar acidity.
3 Ingredient Macaroni Salad with Mayo
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by boiling water in a large pot. Once the water is rolling, add your dry macaroni noodles and follow the package instructions for cooking. Usually, this means about 8-10 minutes. Go for al dente—nobody wants mushy pasta! Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them in cold water immediately. This cools them down quickly and stops the cooking process. Drizzle about a teaspoon of olive oil over the noodles, giving them a gentle stir to ensure they don’t stick together.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled macaroni with your diced sweet gherkins, chopped red pepper, celery slices, red onion, and chopped hard-boiled eggs. Make sure to mix everything together well. This is where you’ll get those delicious bites of crunch and flavor!
- Now comes the fun part—making the dressing! In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sweet pickle juice, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and optional crushed red pepper. You want everything blended so that the dressing is smooth and creamy.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the macaroni salad ingredients and toss everything together until it’s all well-coated and evenly mixed.
- For the best flavor, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least an hour. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully. Just before serving, give it another good stir!
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!FAQs
1. Can I make this macaroni salad vegan?
Yes! You can use vegan mayonnaise and skip the eggs. Plus, make sure the sour cream alternative is plant-based.
2. How can I customize this salad further?
Feel free to add in extras like olives, cherry tomatoes, or even cooked bacon for added flavor and texture.
3. Can I freeze macaroni salad?
I don’t recommend freezing macaroni salad. The texture of the pasta and veggies will change once thawed.
4. How long will it take to prepare?
This dish can be thrown together in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for last-minute gatherings.
5. Is this salad gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free pasta, then absolutely! Just check your mayonnaise and other ingredients as well.
Conclusion
This 3 Ingredient Macaroni Salad with Mayo is not just a classic—it’s a go-to dish for busy cooks who still want to impress at summer barbecues or potlucks. With its simple ingredient list, quick prep time, and the ability to customize it to your liking, it checks all the boxes. Serve it chilled, enjoy its creamy goodness, and watch it vanish from the table. Now, who’s ready to dive into that bowl of deliciousness?
