Macaroni Salad with Cheddar and Chipotle

For a macaroni salad that stands out with bold flavors and minimal effort, we’ve elevated the classic Cool and Creamy Macaroni Salad with sharp cheddar and smoky canned chipotle chiles. By carefully controlling the moisture, we ensure the salad remains creamy and full of taste. Draining the pasta briefly but leaving it slightly wet enables it to absorb moisture rather than mayonnaise, preventing the dish from drying out. Stirring the seasonings into the pasta before adding the mayonnaise allows the flavors to infuse deeply into the macaroni. Cooking the pasta until it is completely tender and maintaining some moisture after rinsing are essential steps for achieving the ideal texture. This macaroni salad can be refrigerated for up to 2 days, and before serving, refreshing the texture with warm water and additional mayonnaise, salt, and pepper ensures it remains delightful and satisfying.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• Salt and pepper
• 1 small red onion, chopped fine
• 1 celery rib, minced
• 6 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (1½ cups)
• 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons minced canned chipotle chile in adobo sauce
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise

PREPARATIONS:

1. Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add the elbow macaroni and 1 tablespoon of salt, and cook, stirring often, until the pasta is tender.
2. Drain the pasta, rinse it with cold water, and drain again, leaving the pasta slightly wet.
3. In a large bowl, toss the pasta, red onion, celery, cheddar cheese, parsley, chipotle chile, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper together to combine.
4. Let the mixture sit for about 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to be absorbed. Stir in the mayonnaise, cover the bowl, and let it sit for an additional 10 minutes.
5. Season the macaroni salad with salt and pepper to taste and serve.

YIELD:

• This macaroni salad recipe yields approximately 6 servings.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Cooking the pasta until it is completely tender and leaving it slightly wet after rinsing are crucial steps to achieve the desired creamy texture of the finished salad.

TIPS:

• To maintain the creamy texture, refrigerate the macaroni salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Before serving, add warm water as needed to refresh the texture and season with additional mayonnaise, salt, and pepper for an enhanced flavor experience.

In conclusion, this Cool and Creamy Macaroni Salad with cheddar and chipotle chiles is a standout addition to any picnic spread. The combination of sharp cheddar and smoky chipotle chiles elevates the classic macaroni salad to new heights of flavor. The careful management of moisture in the pasta ensures the salad remains creamy and rich, while the addition of seasonings before mayonnaise allows the macaroni to soak up the delectable flavors. The result is a macaroni salad that’s not only simple to prepare but also bursting with a bold taste.

Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, and family gatherings, this macaroni salad can be made in advance, making it a convenient option for any occasion. The flavorful cheddar and chipotle chile blend with the pasta to create a memorable dish that will delight your guests and leave them asking for seconds.

The versatility of this macaroni salad recipe allows for personal adjustments to suit individual preferences. You can experiment with different types of cheese or adjust the level of spiciness to your liking. The salad can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days, and before serving, a quick refresh with warm water and additional mayonnaise, salt, and pepper will keep it at its best.

In summary, this Cool and Creamy Macaroni Salad with cheddar and chipotle chiles is a delightful and refreshing twist on the traditional macaroni salad. The combination of sharp cheddar and smoky chipotle chiles, along with carefully controlled moisture, creates a truly satisfying and flavorful dish. Whether served at a picnic, potluck, or family dinner, this macaroni salad will impress and leave a lasting impression on all who enjoy it.