Whether you’re a macaroni salad enthusiast or just curious, Alton Brown’s recipe is one you have to make!
This version blends classic ingredients like macaroni, red onions, and celery with some unique twists to keep things interesting.
You’ll love how the tangy inclusion of sweet pickles adds a burst of flavor and cuts through the creamy base perfectly.
One key tip:
Don’t skip the step of rinsing the pasta with cold water—it keeps the noodles firm and fresh for that perfect bite every time.
How to Make Alton Brown Macaroni Salad
Ingredients
- 8 oz Macaroni
- ½ cup Sweet Gherkins (finely diced)
- ¾ cup Red Bell Pepper (finely diced)
- 1 cup Mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Cider Vinegar
- 1 tbsp Mustard
- 2 tsp Sugar
- ½ tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Pepper
- ¼ tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ cup Celery (diced)
- ¼ cup Parsley (chopped)
- ¼ cup Green Onion (chopped)
- 1/2 cup Diced Ham
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Cook the macaroni in a saucepan with enough cold water to cover it by about half an inch.
Add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
Once cooked, drain and rinse with cold water.
Step 2:
In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, cider vinegar, mustard, sugar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until smooth.
This creates the creamy dressing that ties everything together.
Step 3:
Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl with the dressing.
Toss until the macaroni is thoroughly coated.
Make sure each piece of pasta absorbs the delicious flavors.
Step 4:
Incorporate diced celery, diced ham, sweet gherkins, red bell pepper, parsley, and green onions.
Stir gently to maintain the texture and freshness of the vegetables.
Step 5:
Store the completed salad in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
This allows the flavors to meld and enhances the taste.
You can serve it cold for the optimal experience.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Use Fresh Ingredients:
I always recommend going for fresh ingredients whenever possible, especially when it comes to your veggies.
Freshness will enhance the flavor and texture of your salad.
Adjust Seasoning to Taste:
Taste as you mix everything together and adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
Some days you might crave a bit more tang or sweetness.
Chill Before Serving:
Chilling your macaroni salad before serving allows the ingredients to blend.
This step is crucial and will make a noticeable difference in flavor.
Keep Stirring:
While cooking the pasta, don’t forget to give it a stir now and then.
This simple action prevents the macaroni from clumping or sticking to the bottom.
Customize with Extras:
Feel free to add or swap out ingredients like olives or cherry tomatoes.
I love making a recipe my own with little personal touches!
What to Serve with Alton Brown Macaroni Salad
Garlic Herb Grilled Vegetables
You’re going to love serving garlic herb grilled vegetables alongside Alton Brown’s macaroni salad!
The mix of smoky, savory flavors from the grilled veggies pairs beautifully with the creamy texture of the salad.
Grab some bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus for a colorful plate that everyone will enjoy.
Baby Back Ribs
If you’re looking for something savory and substantial, baby back ribs make a tasty partner for macaroni salad.
The tender, juicy meat with a touch of barbecue sauce provides a fantastic contrast to the salad.
It’s a classic pairing that works wonders at any picnic or barbecue.
Bruschetta
For a fun twist, you can serve bruschetta with your macaroni salad.
The fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil on toasted bread bring a bright, zesty flavor to your meal.
It’s an unexpected yet fantastic combination that adds a delicious variety of textures.
Grilled Shrimp
Why not try pairing grilled shrimp with your macaroni salad?
The smoky and savory flavors of the shrimp offer a great contrast to the creamy salad.
Use a zesty marinade with lemon for a refreshing and vibrant taste.
Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is a classic side dish that shines next to Alton Brown’s macaroni salad.
Whether boiled or grilled, the sweet and crunchy corn provides a great textural contrast.
It’s simple, yet it complements the flavors so well.
Variations and Substitutions
When making Alton Brown’s macaroni salad, you have room to get creative with variations and substitutions!
You can swap the traditional macaroni for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier twist.
Consider adding more veggies like diced bell peppers or grated carrots for extra color and texture.
For a protein boost, you might include canned tuna, grilled chicken, or cooked shrimp.
Substitute mayo with Greek yogurt to cut down on calories without losing creaminess.
You can replace sweet pickles with dill pickles if you prefer a tangier flavor.
Experiment with different herbs such as fresh basil or cilantro for added freshness.
Don’t be afraid to tweak the dressing by using apple cider vinegar instead of regular vinegar for a hint of sweetness.
Mix and match ingredients based on what you have in the pantry for a unique spin every time!
How to Store Leftover Alton Brown Macaroni Salad
When you have leftover Alton Brown Macaroni Salad, keep it fresh in the refrigerator for future enjoyment.
Use an airtight container to help maintain its flavor and texture.
This simple step makes a big difference.
Optimal Storage Time
Macaroni salad typically lasts for about three to five days in the fridge.
This provides you with ample time to use the leftovers for multiple meals.
Temperature Matters
Always store the salad in the coldest part of your refrigerator.
This helps keep all the ingredients fresh and safe to eat.
A consistent temperature is key here.
Avoid Room Temperature
Make sure not to leave the macaroni salad out at room temperature for more than two hours.
This minimizes risks of bacterial growth, keeping the salad safe for you and your family.
Enjoy after careful storage!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the Pasta
When making Alton Brown’s macaroni salad, many people make the mistake of overcooking the pasta.
Always cook the pasta until it’s just al dente, as it will absorb dressing and soften further.
Skimping on Seasoning
Another common misstep is not seasoning the pasta salad enough.
Ensure you taste and season your pasta salad carefully throughout the process.
You want each bite to be full of flavor!
Using the Wrong Pasta Type
The type of pasta you choose can make or break your salad.
Avoid using overly large or slimy pasta shapes that don’t hold ingredients well.
Opt for macaroni or similar shapes to get the best results!
Alton Brown Macaroni Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz Macaroni
- ½ cup Sweet Gherkins finely diced
- ¾ cup Red Bell Pepper finely diced
- 1 cup Mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Cider Vinegar
- 1 tbsp Mustard
- 2 tsp Sugar
- ½ tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Pepper
- ¼ tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ cup Celery diced
- ¼ cup Parsley chopped
- ¼ cup Green Onion chopped
- 1/2 cup Diced Ham
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni in a saucepan with enough cold water to cover it by about half an inch.
- Add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
- Once cooked, drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, cider vinegar, mustard, sugar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until smooth.
- This creates the creamy dressing that ties everything together.
- Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl with the dressing.
- Toss until the macaroni is thoroughly coated.
- Make sure each piece of pasta absorbs the delicious flavors.
- Incorporate diced celery, sweet gherkins, red bell pepper, parsley, and green onions.
- Stir gently to maintain the texture and freshness of the vegetables.
- Store the completed salad in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
- This allows the flavors to meld and enhances the taste.
- You can serve it cold for the optimal experience.