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Authentic Copycat Deli-Style Macaroni Salad (Just Like Your Favorite Lunch Counter)

A white bowl filled high with creamy Copycat Deli-Style Macaroni Salad featuring elbow macaroni, celery, and specks of carrot.
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This recipe recreates the classic, creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet macaroni salad found at many American delis, featuring celery and onion for crunch.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup mayonnaise (full fat recommended)
  • 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 2 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon pickle juice (from the relish jar if possible)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped pimento-stuffed green olives (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain immediately and rinse thoroughly with cold water until completely cool. Drain very well.
  2. While the pasta cools, prepare the dressing. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, white vinegar, pickle juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  3. Add the cooled, drained macaroni to the dressing mixture. Stir gently until all the pasta is evenly coated.
  4. Fold in the chopped celery and onion. If using, add the chopped green olives.
  5. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or a splash more vinegar if needed for tang.
  6. Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld. Stir before serving.

Notes

  • Rinsing the cooked pasta stops the cooking process and removes excess starch, which helps prevent the salad from becoming gummy.
  • For the best deli flavor, use full-fat mayonnaise.
  • If the salad seems too thick after chilling, stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk or extra pickle juice before serving.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchnkudos.com/copycat-deli-style-macaroni-salad-recipe/