Get ready to transform your ordinary pasta salad into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have everyone begging for seconds! This Pickle and Hard Boiled Egg Macaroni Salad is not just another side dish – it's a flavor explosion that combines creamy, tangy, and classic American comfort food in one irresistible recipe. Imagine the perfect blend of creamy mayonnaise, zesty pickles, and protein-packed hard-boiled eggs, all wrapped around tender elbow macaroni. Whether you're planning a summer barbecue, potluck, or just craving a delicious lunch, this recipe is about to become your new go-to crowd-pleaser!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 hard boiled eggs, chopped
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup dill pickles, chopped
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
- Pour the elbow macaroni into the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare the hard boiled eggs by placing them in a separate pot, covering with cold water, and bringing to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer for 9-10 minutes.
- After boiling, immediately transfer eggs to an ice water bath to stop cooking and make peeling easier. Once cooled, peel and chop the eggs.
- Drain the cooked macaroni in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta quickly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, mustard, diced onion, and chopped pickles. Mix thoroughly to create a creamy dressing.
- Add the cooled macaroni to the dressing and gently fold to coat all pasta evenly.
- Fold in the chopped hard boiled eggs, being careful not to break them too much.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing gently to distribute seasonings.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
Tips
- For the creamiest texture, ensure your macaroni is completely cooled before mixing with the dressing to prevent separation.
- Use cold, fresh eggs for the perfect hard-boiled eggs. Pro tip: eggs that are a few days old peel more easily than fresh eggs.
- Dice your pickles and onions uniformly to ensure a consistent flavor and texture in every bite.
- Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving – this allows the flavors to meld and intensify.
- For extra crunch, consider adding some chopped celery or bell peppers to the mix.
- Use high-quality mayonnaise for the best flavor. A mix of regular and tangy mayo can add extra depth.
- If you like a bit of heat, add a dash of paprika or a small amount of hot sauce to the dressing.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for the best taste and food safety.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 220mg
