Description
A creamy and refreshing side dish packed with tender elbow macaroni, crisp vegetables like celery and red bell pepper, and a tangy dressing made with mayonnaise, mustard, and apple cider vinegar. This no-alcohol, halal-friendly recipe is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a quick meal—ready in 25 minutes!
Ingredients
2 cups elbow macaroni
1/2 cup mayonnaise (choose vegan if preferred)
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar (or maple syrup for natural option)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup diced celery
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1 hard-boiled egg, chopped (optional)
1/2 cup chopped grilled chicken (halal) or chickpeas for a vegetarian option
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook for 8–10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking.
While the pasta cooks, prepare the dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth and slightly thickened.
Chop all vegetables and protein into small, even pieces for consistent texture.
Add the cooled macaroni to the dressing along with celery, red bell pepper, red onion, chopped egg (if using), grilled chicken (or chickpeas), and parsley.
Gently fold everything together until fully coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 60 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled.
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Do not freeze, as the mayonnaise-based dressing may separate.
For halal compliance, ensure the mayonnaise and chicken are appropriate. Use grilled halal chicken or chickpeas instead of traditional smoked chicken.
Optional hard-boiled egg can be omitted for a vegetarian version.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 0.7g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 55mg