Go Back
Creamy Macaroni Salad taken with iphone 15 pro max --iw 2 --ar 4:5 --v 6.0 --raw

Classic Creamy Macaroni Salad: A Pressure Cooker Twist

Classic creamy macaroni salad made easy in a pressure cooker, featuring tangy, rich dressing with crunchy veggies.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Pressure cooker for cooking macaroni

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients

  • 3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni classic small curls
  • 1 cup celery diced
  • ½ cup carrots peeled and shredded
  • ½ cup green bell pepper diced
  • ¼ cup red onion diced
  • 1 ½ cups mayonnaise rich and creamy
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar for brightness
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar balances tanginess
  • 2 tablespoons sweet relish adds sweetness
  • ½ tablespoon yellow mustard adds little kick
  • kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • Start by pouring the elbow macaroni in your pressure cooker with enough water to cover about 1 inch above the pasta. Lock down that lid with the sealing ring in place.
  • Turn the pressure cooker on and wait for the pressure build. You’ll hear the valve hiss like a little steam whistle saying it’s working.
  • Set the timer for about 4 minutes on high pressure. Macaroni cooks fast so keep it tight so no mushy mess.
  • When time’s up, quick-release the pressure by carefully opening the valve. Steam cues here mean watch your hands, it’s hot!
  • Drain the macaroni and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down so it won’t soak up too much dressing.
  • In a big bowl, toss together the macaroni, celery, shredded carrots, green bell pepper, and red onion. Mix it up so the colors and crunch blend.
  • Grab a separate bowl and whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, sweet relish, and yellow mustard. This dressing is creamy with a little zing, trust me it works real good.
  • Pour the dressing over the macaroni and veggie mix, stir gently but completely to coat everything. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so the flavors get friendly and mingle well.

Notes

Serve your macaroni salad chilled for the best creamy, tangy taste and texture.