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Creamy Macaroni Salad with Cheddar and Celery

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A quick and easy creamy macaroni salad featuring sharp cheddar and crunchy celery, perfect for summer picnics and potlucks. This simple yet satisfying salad balances creamy dressing with fresh crunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni (about 200g), cooked al dente
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 medium celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups (200g) of elbow macaroni and cook for 7-8 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Set aside to drain completely.
  2. In a large bowl, combine 3/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Whisk together until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  3. Finely chop 2 celery stalks and 2 green onions (if using). Chop 2 hard-boiled eggs into small pieces if including. Grate 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese.
  4. Add the drained macaroni, celery, green onions, eggs, and shredded cheddar to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold everything together until evenly distributed.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld and the salad thicken slightly.
  6. Before serving, stir the salad and adjust salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta; al dente texture is key. Rinse pasta with cold water to stop cooking and prevent clumping. Fold gently when mixing to avoid cheese clumping. Chill for at least 1 hour for best flavor and texture. For lighter version, substitute half mayo with Greek yogurt. For dairy-free, use vegan mayo and cheese alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: macaroni salad, creamy macaroni salad, cheddar macaroni salad, celery salad, summer picnic recipe, easy pasta salad, potluck recipe

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/creamy-macaroni-salad-with-cheddar-and-celery-easy-homemade-recipe-for-summer-picnics/