Macaroni salad

Macaroni salad is a type of pasta salad, served cold, which is generally prepared with cooked elbow macaroni and a mixture of various other ingredients. It is a popular dish in many regions of the world, including North America, Australia, and the Philippines.

Ingredients

The primary ingredient in macaroni salad is elbow macaroni, a type of pasta named for its curved shape. The macaroni is typically cooked until it is al dente, or firm to the bite, before being cooled and mixed with the other ingredients.

In addition to macaroni, a typical macaroni salad may include mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and mustard to create a creamy dressing. Other common ingredients include diced vegetables such as celery, onion, and bell peppers, as well as seasonings like salt, pepper, and paprika. Some variations may also include hard-boiled eggs, cheese, or meat such as ham or chicken.

Variations

There are many regional and personal variations of macaroni salad. In Hawaii, for example, macaroni salad is a staple of the traditional plate lunch, and is made with large amounts of mayonnaise and often includes tuna or cooked shrimp. In the Philippines, macaroni salad often includes sweetened condensed milk, cheese, and fruit cocktail, making it much sweeter than most Western versions.

Serving

Macaroni salad is typically served cold, making it a popular dish for picnics, barbecues, and other outdoor gatherings. It is also commonly served as a side dish with fried chicken, hamburgers, or other types of grilled meat.

See also

• Pasta salad
• Potato salad
• Coleslaw