Deli-Style Macaroni Salad

Ridgely's Note:

From Cooks Illustrated "The Best Make Ahead Recipe". The idea being that you don't end up with macaroni salad that dries out. We liked this recipe, it was very creamy and a bit tangy- good! My new favorite. I will probably try some lower fat ingredients next time to lighten it up a bit.

• Total Time: 3 hrs
• Prep Time: 3 hrs
• Cook Time: 0 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 12

• salt
• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 1 large shallot, minced
• 5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• ground black pepper
• 2 eggs, hard cooked, peeled and chopped coarse
• 1 celery rib, minced
• 3 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
• 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup whole milk

Directions:

1. Bring 4 quarts water to a boil in a large pot.
2. Stir in 2 T. salt and the pasta and cook until completely tender. Drain the macaroni in a colander, then rinse until cool.
3. Meanwhile, combine the shallot, 3 tablespoons of the lemon juice, oil, Dijon, garlic powder, ½ t. salt and a pinch of pepper in a large bowl.
4. Toss the rinsed pasta with the shallot mixture, then stir in the eggs, celery, pickle relish and parsley.
5. To Store: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate up until 3 days.
6. To Serve: Stir in the mayonnaise, milk and remaining 2 T. lemon juice into the salad and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. To Serve Right Away*: refrigerate pasta until well chilled, about 3 hours, before tossing with the mayo, milk and lemon juice. **I think you could probably get away without 3 hour refrigeration, but I would recommend it so the mayo taste could mellow out.

Reviews

[Seasoned Cook]

Just like deli macaroni salad! Delicious! Make day ahead of eating for flavors to blend. A good recipe! Prepared as a participant in March 2008 Pasta and Potato Event in Photo Forum.