How To Make The Perfect Hellmann’s Macaroni Salad Recipe
When it comes to classic comfort foods, few dishes evoke the same nostalgic feeling as a creamy, flavorful macaroni salad. Whether it’s a backyard barbecue, a picnic in the park, or a simple family gathering, a bowl of well-made macaroni salad is always a crowd-pleaser. Today, I’m excited to share with you my take on this beloved dish featuring the rich and tangy goodness of Hellmann’s real mayonnaise. With just the right blend of ingredients and a hint of homemade flair, this Hellmann’s Macaroni Salad is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.
I have been serving this creamy macaroni salad for years and it has become a summertime staple. We enjoy this perfect side dish with burgers and BBQ. It can easily be made ahead of time and served up the next day.
The Backstory Behind The Best Mayonnaise
The story of Hellmann’s mayonnaise began in 1905 when German immigrant Richard Hellmann opened a deli in New York City, quickly gaining fame for his house-made mayonnaise. Recognizing its growing popularity, he transitioned from selling it in his deli to establishing Hellmann’s Blue Ribbon Mayonnaise Corporation in 1920. Over the years, Hellmann’s became a household name, cherished for its creamy texture and tangy flavor, expanding its reach nationwide and becoming a staple in American kitchens. Despite its West Coast counterpart, Best Foods mayonnaise, both brands share the same recipe and continue to uphold Richard Hellmann’s legacy of uncompromising quality and taste.
Today, Hellmann’s mayonnaise remains an iconic symbol of culinary tradition and innovation, beloved for its versatility in a wide array of recipes. From classic sandwiches to creamy salad dressings, Hellmann’s continues to bring a touch of homemade goodness to meals and gatherings around the world. With its enduring commitment to excellence, Hellmann’s mayonnaise is more than just a condiment – it’s a testament to the enduring legacy of Richard Hellmann’s dedication to quality and flavor.
Ingredients For The Perfect Hellmann’s Macaroni Salad Recipe
Here are the simple ingredients for the best macaroni salad:
- 16 ounces of large elbow macaroni noodles (or pasta of your choice)
- 1 1/2 cups of Hellmann’s mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup of stone-ground mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1/2 cup of diced bell pepper
- 6 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
Instructions For The Perfect Hellmann’s Macaroni Salad Recipe
Here are the instructions for this easy macaroni salad recipe:
- Cook macaroni or pasta al dente according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the hard-boiled eggs. Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover them with water. Bring the water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, then remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 9-10 minutes. After this, transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water to cool. Peel and chop the eggs and set aside.
3. In a large bowl- make the macaroni salad dressing. Combine Hellmann’s mayonnaise, stone-ground mustard, salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
4. Add the cooked and cooled macaroni to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss until the pasta is evenly coated.
5. Fold in the diced bell pepper and chopped hard-boiled eggs until they are evenly distributed throughout the salad.
6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Before serving, give the macaroni salad a good stir and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can also garnish with chopped herbs, green onions, or a sprinkle of paprika for extra flavor and visual appeal. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
Exploring Additional Ingredients
While the recipe for Hellmann’s Macaroni Salad is delicious as is, there’s always room for creativity and personalization when it comes to cooking. Here are a few additional ingredients you can consider adding to take your macaroni salad to the next level:
- Celery: For added crunch and freshness, try adding diced celery to your macaroni salad. Not only does it provide a satisfying texture contrast, but it also adds a subtle hint of earthy flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
- Onion: If you’re a fan of bold flavors, consider adding finely chopped onion to your macaroni salad. Whether you prefer the mild sweetness of red onion or the sharp bite of white onion, a handful of diced onion adds depth and complexity to the dish.
- Fresh Herbs: Elevate the flavor profile of your macaroni salad by incorporating fresh herbs such as parsley, chives, or dill. The bright, aromatic notes of these herbs add a burst of freshness and color to the salad, making it even more irresistible.
- Cheese: For an extra indulgent touch, consider adding shredded cheese such as sharp cheddar or creamy mozzarella to your macaroni salad. The cheese melts slightly into the creamy dressing, creating pockets of gooey goodness throughout the salad.
- Peppers: The delicious crunch of peppers adds a huge appeal to this salad. Try red bell pepper, green bell pepper or any color in between. Hot peppers can spice things up – diced up a jalapeno or serrano to heat things up.
- Mustard: Any mustard will be delicious in this dish. Try a creamy dijon mustard, yellow mustard, whole grain mustard, or even a homemade one. A dash of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar can also enhance the tang.
- Pickles: Chopped sweet pickles or dill pickles can add an unexpected crunch and delight to our tastebuds.
Feel free to experiment with different combinations of ingredients to create a macaroni salad that’s uniquely yours. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or get creative with additional add-ins, one thing’s for sure – your taste buds are in for a treat!
What to Serve with Hellmann’s Macaroni Salad
Now that you’ve got your creamy and irresistible Hellmann’s Macaroni Salad ready to go, it’s time to think about what to serve alongside it to create the perfect meal. This versatile salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, adding a delightful touch to any spread. Here are a few ideas to consider:
- Pulled pork
- Pork chops
- Irish pasties
- The Best Baked Chicken breasts
- Meatloaf
- Chicken thighs
- Meatballs
- Sandwiches made on these one-hour burger buns
- Artisan rolls
- Irish soda bread
If you like summery salads check out these other salads:
- Red Cabbage and Fennel salad
- Curry Chicken salad
- Italian Pasta salad
- Ambrosia Salad
- Dill Potato salad
Wrapping Up How To Make The Perfect Hellmann’s Macaroni Salad Recipe
There you have it – a simple yet incredibly delicious Hellmann’s old-fashioned macaroni salad that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture, tangy flavor, and satisfying crunch from the bell peppers, this salad is sure to be a hit with friends and family alike. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and can be prepared in advance, making it a convenient option for busy days. So why not whip up a batch today and treat yourself to a taste of summertime bliss?
Recipe Card For How To Make The Perfect Hellmann’s Macaroni Salad
How To Make The Perfect Hellmann’s Macaroni Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 ounces of large elbow macaroni noodles or pasta of your choice
- 1 1/2 cups of Hellmann’s mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup of stone-ground mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1/2 cup of diced bell pepper
- 6 hard-boiled eggs chopped
Instructions
- Cook macaroni or pasta al dente according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the hard-boiled eggs. Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover them with water. Bring the water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, then remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 9-10 minutes. After this, transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water to cool. Peel and chop the eggs and set aside.
- In a large bowl- make the macaroni salad dressing. Combine Hellmann’s mayonnaise, stone-ground mustard, salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Add the cooked and cooled macaroni to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Fold in the diced bell pepper and chopped hard-boiled eggs until they are evenly distributed throughout the salad.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the macaroni salad a good stir and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can also garnish with chopped herbs, green onions, or a sprinkle of paprika for extra flavor and visual appeal. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
My mouth is watering!!
I made it today and it is very tasty!
Oh I’m so glad to hear it! I love making this especially when the weather is turning warmer. 🙂