Growing up, I detested macaroni salad. Always very creamy with odd bits of greenish-gray things in it, very mushy macaroni and just generally not much flavor going on.
That said, this past Saturday my boyfriend Brian and I were staying with his college friend Brock in his beautiful condo near Newport Beach, Calif. We decided to have an impromptu cook out and rummaging through Brock's pantry and fridge, I was able to scrape together macaroni salad that I can honestly say was delicious. Not too creamy, good flavor and a great side with grilled steaks or chicken. I had no idea macaroni salad could be so great!
Brock lives minutes from the beach and generously let us stay with him for spring break and Brian's 30th birthday! Thanks Brock, and happy birthday Brian!
Dilly Macaroni Salad:
(serves 6-8 as a side)
1 bag (16 oz) macaroni or other cut pasta
1 c (eyeball it) light mayonnaise
1/4 c sour cream
1/4 c yellow mustard
1-2 tsp dill seeds, ground finely (to taste)
1/2 c finely chopped dill (or your choice) pickles
Salt and Pepper to taste
2 eggs, hard boiled and roughly chopped
Parsley or fresh dill for garnish (if desired)
Directions:
Boil pasta in rapidly boiling very salty water. Drain while still al dente (about 9-10 minutes) and let cool. I actually run under cold water in this instance because the less gooey the pasta, the better it looks when done and the less gummy the entire dish.
Once cool, stir in all other ingredients except egg and parsley. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with egg and parsley. Serve immediately or let stand in refrigerator.
6 comments:
I was the same way, growing up....there was always too much going on with the macaroni. This one looks great though. I haven't had much dill...I bet it adds a great twist!
Oh I love macaroni salad...it is potato salad I don't like.
Kirsten, me too!! I couldn't eat it - in my mind, pasta should always be served piping hot. lol
Your salad looks delicious!
Your back!! Hope you had a great vacation.
Lovely salad!
Hi Chris - funny that I moved past macaroni salad - I am guessing that I had only tried store-bought kinds.
Ohh, yeah Peabody, I like the vinegar-based red potato type salads, not really the creamy stuff.
Hi Patricia!! Yes, pasta is too good to mess it up by chilling it too much. Like most pasta salads, this one is really best room temperature.
Hi Kristen - yes, I am back!!! It was SUCH a nice break, wish it was longer. Now I am back at work. :)
Kirsten - this looks heavenly.. am a huge macaroni salad fan and this one will be added to the list for sure! =)
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