Go Back
–+ servings

Deli Mac Salad

This Deli Mac Salad has classic deli-counter sweetness and tang, with macaroni soaked in vinegar and sugar before being tossed with mayonnaise. It’s a creamy, make-ahead cold side dish for cookouts, potlucks, burgers, fried chicken, and sandwiches.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings
Calories 247 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound cooked elbow macaroni cooled a bit but not necessarily refrigerator-cold
  • 1 cup white vinegar
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 cup green bell pepper finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon celery seed
  • 1 cup mayonnaise or to taste

Instructions
 

  • Heat the white vinegar and sugar together in a saucepan over the stove, stirring until the sugar dissolves; you only need to warm it enough for the sugar to disappear, not boil it into a syrup.
  • Let the vinegar and sugar mixture cool before adding it to the macaroni.
  • Put the cooked elbow macaroni in a gallon-size resealable plastic bag, pour in the cooled vinegar and sugar mixture, seal the bag carefully, and gently toss so the macaroni gets coated.
  • Set the bag inside a bowl or on a rimmed plate to help prevent leaks, then refrigerate the macaroni for several hours so it can soak up the sweet-tangy mixture.
  • When you check it, there may be extra vinegar-sugar liquid in the bag; if the macaroni looks very soupy, pour it into a colander for a minute to drain off some excess, but do not rinse.
  • Transfer the chilled macaroni to a large mixing bowl, add the finely chopped green bell pepper and celery seed, and toss thoroughly so the celery seed is evenly distributed.
  • Add mayonnaise to taste and mix until the macaroni is as creamy as you like it, using the full cup or holding back a spoonful or two if it already looks nicely dressed.
  • Taste before serving, and if the salad has been sitting a while and seems dry, stir in another small spoonful of mayonnaise.

Notes

Keep the deli mac salad covered in the refrigerator and serve it cold. It keeps well for a few days, and the flavor is often even better by the second day; if the macaroni absorbs some mayonnaise and looks dry, stir in a small spoonful more before serving. If the salad has been sitting outside in summer heat for a long stretch, discard the leftovers.

Nutrition

Calories: 247kcal
Keyword cookout side dish, Deli Mac Salad, deli salad, macaroni salad, Pasta Salad, potluck side dish
Love this recipe?Fllow us at @tasteofrecipes for more