Ingredients:
- 1 pound elbow noodles
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Celery seed to taste
- 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- Mayo to taste (e.g., Hellman’s)
- 1 red or yellow onion, finely chopped
Instructions:
- Cook Elbow Noodles: Boil the elbow noodles according to package instructions until they are cooked al dente. Drain and let them cool to room temperature.
- Season with Salt and Pepper: While the noodles are still warm, season them with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. Stir well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Add Celery Seed: Sprinkle celery seed over the warm noodles to add a subtle, aromatic flavor. Start with a small amount and adjust to your liking.
- Incorporate Chopped Eggs: Gently fold in the chopped hard-boiled eggs. The eggs provide a creamy texture and add richness to the salad.
- Mix in Mayo: Add mayonnaise to the mixture, starting with a few spoonfuls and adjusting to achieve your desired creaminess. Mix well to coat the noodles, eggs, and celery seed evenly.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or celery seed according to your preferences.
- Add Finely Chopped Onion: Fold in the finely chopped red or yellow onion. The onion adds a crisp and refreshing bite to the salad.
- Chill in the Refrigerator: Cover the macaroni salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the salad to develop a delicious taste.
- Serve and Enjoy: Before serving, give the macaroni salad a good stir. Taste once more and make any final seasoning adjustments. Serve chilled and enjoy the nostalgic flavors of Grandma’s classic macaroni salad!
Optional Additions:
- For extra crunch, add finely diced celery to the salad.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika or chopped fresh parsley for a colorful finish.
This Cheap and Easy Macaroni Salad recipe is a delightful and timeless dish that brings the comfort of Grandma’s kitchen to your table. Enjoy! 😊🍴