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Ina Garten Macaroni Salad – A Fresh and Flavorful Summer Side

Ina Garten Macaroni Salad

Ina Garten’s macaroni salad is a cold pasta salad made with cooked elbow macaroni, a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing, and crunchy, fresh vegetables like celery and red onion. It’s flavored with mustard, vinegar, and a touch of sweetness to give it a bright, well-rounded taste. Served chilled, it’s ideal for picnics, potlucks, and summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni

  • 1 cup mayonnaise

  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon sugar

  • ¾ cup celery, finely diced

  • ½ cup red onion, finely diced

  • ¼ cup chopped parsley

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8–9 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Let it cool completely.

Step 2: Make the dressing

In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper. The dressing should be creamy with a slight tang.

Step 3: Combine the salad

Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl with the dressing. Stir in the diced celery, red onion, and chopped parsley. Mix gently until everything is well coated.

Step 4: Chill before serving

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld. Taste before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.