This salad is a childhood memory from the 1970’s that Alex enjoyed with her family. It was a salad they bought at the local grocery store and the creative chef that she is has kicked it up with her own version. I think we can all identify with food memories from our childhood. I served this side of macaroni salad with my Mom’s Sloppy Joes. I changed it a bit from beef to turkey and not so much salt.
Alex began her culinary experience watching her mom at home who tested recipes while editing cookbooks. Her style of cooking is a mixture of American, Italian and French cuisines. She is a cookbook author,chef, restaurateur, a judge on Chopped, Competitor on Iron Chef and has appeared on other Food Network shows such as The Kitchen. Her latest endeavor is “Alex vs. America” – The Iron Chef against other chefs around the country.
By coincidence I was watching Good Morning America (Aug. 3rd) where Alex demonstrated this macaroni salad along with a Chicken Cutlet Sandwich that sure did make me hungry. Just might have to break away from my “no-fry” position and try this sandwich with prosciutto and sage leaves.
Alex Guarnaschelli's Macaroni Salad
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise (I used Hellman’s low fat)
- 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp. red wine vinegar
- 2 tsp. soy sauce (I used low sodium)
- 1 tsp. hot sauce (I used 1/2 tsp. Tabasco)
- 1/4 cup diced red onion (per Alex soak in ice water for at least 1 hour and up to 12 hours)
- red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 3 scallions, green parts only, thinly sliced
- kosher salt to taste
- 3/4 lb. elbow macaroni (I used a spiral noodle)
- sprig of fresh dill, minced or 1/2 tsp. dry dill weed (optional – my dill was not very fresh)
- fresh basil leaves, julienned
In a large bowl combine the mayo, mustard, vinegar, soy sauce and hot sauce until smooth. Drain and thoroughly dry the onion and stir it into the mayo mixture with the red pepper, scallions and kosher salt to taste. (I feel there is enough sodium in the soy sauce without adding any more salt).
Cook the pasta in a large pot of water, adding salt to taste. Alex says it should taste like seawater but I never add that much! Cook the pasta according to package directions; drain and do not rinse the pasta. Spread it out on a paper towel lined baking sheet or clean kitchen towel for 5 minutes. Why didn’t I think of this as I have seen this step in other recipes – helps to keep your salad from becoming soggy! While still warm pour into a bowl and add the mayo mixture. Allow to rest at room temperature for 15 minutes. Cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve add the basil and dill if desired.
Recipe by cookingwithauntjuju.com
I love macaroni salad but have never tried making it. This sounds like a wonderful recipe! I like the idea of adding soy sauce and hot sauce to kick the flavor up a notch, and the tip to dry the pasta on a paper towel is a great idea!
Thanks – this is a good recipe. I have another one called the “Mac Salad” from Hawaii. I’ve seen the paper towel trick a few times now – makes sense doesn’t it? 🙂
This macaroni salad looks so fresh and tasty. I like the additions of fresh veggies and herbs.
I also like the idea of serving it with sloppy Joe. I made some (from beef) this week, so could have served it with it, but now it’s too late. Well, I’ll keep it in mind for next time! 🙂
Thanks – fresh veggies and herbs add another layer of flavor. I’m the only one that likes turkey or chicken so when others are around I use beef – there is a difference 🙂
This is a marvelous idea. Especially since it’s been so hot for so long! I’m suddenly ravenous! 😀 Hugs on the wing.
I love the sides as much as I like grilling Teagan. Perfect summer fare… 🙂
Thanks for sharing your macaroni salad recipe, looks super delicious 😍
Thanks – it’s a good warm weather side to serve for lunch or dinner 🙂
That looks like a fun meal!
For me cooking is always fun 🙂
I can’t think of summer without thinking of all the delicious pasta salads. They can be made easier in the day and they get better as they rest in the refrigerator.
Me either Karen – love pasta salads! When I first read this was a salad Alex’s mom attempted to duplicate from the grocery (with little success) so always bought it instead. Reminded me of my mom’s sloppy joes – she always served them with her potato salad 🙂
if only I liked pasta … 🙂