Chef John's Classic Macaroni Salad

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   {'id': 'step_0', 'step': 1, 'text': 'Whisk 1 cup mayonnaise, vinegar, Dijon, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper together in a bowl until dressing is well blended; whisk in sugar.'}

2. 2

   {'id': 'step_1', 'step': 2, 'text': 'Stir celery, bell pepper, carrot, green onions, jalapeño pepper, and poblano pepper into dressing. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap; refrigerate until macaroni is ready.'}

3. 3

   {'id': 'step_2', 'step': 3, 'text': 'Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain in a colander for about 5 minutes, shaking out the moisture from time to time, but do not rinse.'}

4. 4

   {'id': 'step_3', 'step': 4, 'text': 'Transfer macaroni to a large bowl; toss to separate. Cool to room temperature, 10 to 15 minutes. Macaroni should be sticky.'}

5. 5

   {'id': 'step_4', 'step': 5, 'text': 'Add celery mixture to macaroni; stir until evenly distributed. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap; refrigerate until macaroni absorbs dressing, 4 hours to overnight.'}

6. 6

   {'id': 'step_5', 'step': 6, 'text': 'Stir salad; stir water and remaining 1 tablespoon mayonnaise into salad to refresh before serving.'}

📊 Nutrition Facts

Per serving (12 servings total)