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## 📝 Ingredients
* 1 lb elbow macaroni
* 1 cup mayonnaise
* 2 tbsp yellow mustard
* 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
* 1 tbsp sugar
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* ½ cup celery, finely chopped
* ½ cup red bell pepper or green bell pepper, diced
* ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
* 2–3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
* Optional: ¼ cup sweet pickle relish or chopped pickles
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## 👩🍳 How to Make It
1. **Cook the Pasta**
Boil the elbow macaroni according to package directions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and let it cool.
2. **Make the Dressing**
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
3. **Combine Everything**
Add the cooled pasta to the bowl. Mix in the celery, bell pepper, onion, eggs, and relish (if using). Gently stir to coat everything evenly.
4. **Chill**
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This gives the flavors time to come together and enhances the taste.
5. **Serve and Enjoy**
Give it a quick stir before serving. Sprinkle with paprika or parsley for a pop of color if desired.
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## 🔁 Tips & Variations
* **Too Thick After Chilling?** Add a splash of milk or a spoonful of mayo to loosen it up.
* **Make It Your Own**: Add chopped ham, peas, shredded cheese, or diced pickles.
* **For a Lighter Version**: Use light mayo or plain Greek yogurt.
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## 🧺 Perfect For…
* Cookouts
* Family reunions
* Potlucks
* Meal prep lunches
* Holiday buffets
* Or… just because!
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## 🥄 Final Thoughts
**Old Fashioned Macaroni Salad** is more than a side dish—it’s a tradition, a memory, and a guaranteed hit wherever you serve it. It’s creamy, flavorful, and so satisfying that you might just want to eat it as a main course. When in doubt, bring the macaroni salad—because classics like this never go out of style!!
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Would you like to include a printable version or WW-friendly ingredient swaps? Just let me know!
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