Pasta Salad Recipe

Messy post but great salad!!

This starts off as Joanna Gaines' Macaroni Salad recipe although there are variations all over.  I like Joanna but feel that sometimes she thinks she has to WOW when simpler would be better. 

Dressing:

1 1/2 Cup Mayonaise                 

Joanna wants Hellman's.  I'm good with store brand.Also I use about a cup because 1 1/2 cups tends to over dress.                                                                               

1 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard

1 Teaspoon sugar

1 Tablespoon Champaign Vinegar  

I use apple cider vinegar. Champagne vinegar is too expensive.                                                          

1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt

1 Teaspoon White Pepper

Mix dressing ingredients together, set aside. 

Cook 8 ounces of elbow macaroni according to box directions.  Rinse in cold water  

I like large elbows

2 celery stalks

1 Cup red bell pepper

1/2 Cup red onion                        

I use a small Vidalia.  I love red onions but they hate me.                                                

1/4 Cup parsley                          

Nah--what's the point

Not in recipe but in my salad:

1/2 Cup carrots

1/2 Cup cherry tomatoes   

Sometimes I cut up an apple.

I've added cheddar cheese but find salad too salty.   

Mix everything together, refrigerate for a couple of hours to settle.  

It's pretty darn good.

Just a product plug:  If you don't use Glad Press & Seal you need to.  One of the best things ever.