Description

This Classic Dill Pickle Macaroni Salad is a creamy, tangy, and flavorful side dish perfect for picnics, barbecues, or potlucks. Featuring tender elbow macaroni tossed with a zesty dill pickle relish, chopped hard-boiled eggs, and a creamy dressing made from mayonnaise, sour cream, and Dijon mustard, it offers a delicious contrast of textures and flavors with a refreshing dill garnish.

Ingredients

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Pasta

2 cups elbow macaroni (or pasta of your choice)

Salad Mix-ins

1/2 cup dill pickle relish (or chopped dill pickles)
2 large hard-boiled eggs, chopped
1/2 small red onion, finely diced

Dressing

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp sugar
Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish

1 tbsp fresh dill (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. This ensures the pasta is perfectly tender but still firm.
Drain and Cool: Drain the macaroni and rinse under cold water to cool it down quickly and stop the cooking process. Drain well and set aside to prevent sogginess in the salad.
Make the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined, creating a creamy and tangy dressing base.
Assemble the Salad: Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl with the dressing. Mix gently to coat the pasta evenly without breaking it apart.
Add Mix-ins: Stir in the chopped hard-boiled eggs, dill pickle relish (or chopped pickles), and diced red onion. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the salad.
Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly for the best taste.
Garnish: Before serving, garnish with fresh dill if desired to add a burst of fresh herbaceous flavor and attractive presentation.

Notes

For a tangier salad, increase the amount of dill pickle relish slightly.
Make sure to rinse the pasta under cold water after cooking to prevent it from sticking and to cool it quickly.
Chilling the salad overnight enhances the flavor melding and texture.
Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter dressing.
Adjust salt and pepper according to taste preferences.