This macaroni salad has become one of my favorite seasonal dishes. 

The addition of eggs and home-made mayonnaise make it very special. If you choose not to make your own mayonnaise, it will still be delicious; just follow the recipe as is.

I used cavatappi pasta, which is bigger than elbow pasta and ridged to catch the dressing. It is easy to find a box in your grocery store.

If you want a “softer”, less spicy taste, soak the red onion in water for five minutes. I prefer the extra bite so I used the unadulterated onion.

This salad is fresh and flavorful, and topped with an enjoyable dressing .  

It is perfect for summer entertaining. Bring it to a brunch or barbecue, just make sure you bring enough, because it is going to go fast!

Enjoy!

Ingredients for Macaroni Salad

2 cups cavatappi pasta cooked rinsed and drained
1/2 cup celery, diced
1/2 red onion, chopped
4 sprigs fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 cup vine-ripened tomatoes, seeded and chopped
3 hard boiled eggs, roughly chopped
1/2 cup mayonnaise, store bought or hime made (see recipe below)
1 tsp. dry mustard
1 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp. cider vinegar
3 tbsp. sour cream
1/2 tsp. kosher salt, plus more to taste
1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper, plus more to taste

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook cavatappi according to package directions. When finished, drain and set aside.

In a large bow, combine the macaroni, celery, onion, parsley and tomatoes and roughly chopped eggs. Set aside.

*Ingredients for Home-Made Mayonnaise

*Eliminate the dry mustard, sugar and mayonnaise from the ingredients above.

6 egg yolks
1 tsp. sugar
2 tsp. dry mustard
Zest of 1 lemon
1/3 cup of fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 cups canola oil

Puree egg yolks, sugar, mustard, lemon zest and lemon juice. Slowly add in canola oil until emulsified.

Add sour cream. Whisk together.

Set aside.

If you are not making your own mayonnaise,in a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, sugar, vinegar, sour cream and salt.

Mix the dressing in large bowl with pasta mixture. 

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

It’s that simple!