Look how unprofessional I am. I didn’t even do that little “grab a napkin and wipe the inside of the bowl so it looks like the food magically appeared inside it in a perfect mound” thing. Gosh…I am such a newbie.
With Independence Day comes cookouts…and Will Smith, but that is a whole other story. There is nothing like getting together with loved ones while chowing down and some barbecue and waving sparklers. Sometimes, I even share my sparklers with the kiddos. Just kidding, I would only hoard those little colorful smokey worm-y things. And yes, that is what they are called…ask for them just like that at your local fireworks store…colorful smokey worm-y things. Ok, fine..colored snakes. My name is better.
There is something so inherently likeable about picnic food, isn’t there? Who can turn down a checkered clad picnic table covered in heaping platters and bowls of things like corn on the cob, baked beans, ribs, fruit salad,and more! However, growing up there was always one bowl I avoided…the Macaroni Salad. Now, mind you, it could have been that the macaroni salad appearing at our family picnics was almost ALWAYS purchased from the store. Let’s face it, some of them taste like the cardboard box they come in..you know what I am talking about…you have seen them.
Then one day….lights from heaven shone down upon a different kind of macaroni salad…one like no other I had ever had. This macaroni salad did not come in a container like those from my youth, but from members of my husband’s family. I tried it…I was amazed. THIS is the macaroni salad I had been waiting for…so simply delicious that I literally ate some later..in a bowl..all by itself. Yeah, I am not ashamed.
I had to figure out how to make it…I am not sure of the exact recipe used that day, but after some experimenting, this one works for me. This macaroni salad is inexpensive to make, as a matter of fact I would bet all of the ingredients are already in your house! It goes together in no time at all and tastes even better the next day! Since it does contain egg and mayo..must include the egg…it really completes the sauce) you definitely want to make sure it stays refrigerated until serving and again thereafter. Speaking of eggs, you MUST check out the Mark Bittman method to preparing hard-boiled eggs…perfect every time..changed my life.
Try it on your guests this 4th of July….I guarantee that all will be happy!! God Bless the USA and God bless my husband’s family for introducing me to the joy that is macaroni salad!
Macaroni Salad for a Crowd
Ingredients
- 2 lb. Elbow Macaroni
- 5-6 Celery stalks diced
- 9 hard boiled eggs
For the Sauce
- 1 cup Mayonnaise
- 1/2 Cup Miracle Whip
- 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 3 Tbsp Sugar
Instructions
- Prepare pasta as directed on package.
- In medium bowl, combine all ingredients for the sauce and mix well.
- In large bowl, toss pasta with celery and eggs.
- Add sauce and toss to coat.
- Chill for at least hour before eating.
