Grandma wants it known that she has never made this salad... but I'm calling it hers anyway because I found the recipe in her recipe files. We often take this to potlucks (unless we've been asked to bring broccoli salad instead... mmm... broccoli salad). It's very, very rare to have any leftovers. This recipe is very flavorful and has the perfect balance of flavors. It is neither bland, nor spicy... it's just right! (according to Jake). Remember as well that I NEVER measure... so if this tastes a little different than mine it will still be awesome, but I use the measurements as a guideline and kind of guess, pinch, and glug instead of using the measuring cups and spoons. We generally use a large bag of macaroni... so makes quite a bit more than this recipe.
1 1/2 cups uncooked macaroni
2 Tbsp vinegar
1 cup diced ham or cheese (cheese, ick!)
2 hard cooked eggs, chopped (eggs, ick!)
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup minced green pepper or pickle relish (I add both)
2 Tbsp cut-up pimiento (I use red bell pepper instead- because I'm cheap)
2 Tbsp minced onion (if you add too much onion you'll get an odd aftertaste)
2/3 cup mayonnaise
1 tsp or more prepared mustard
salt, pepper, and sugar to taste
Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain, then rinse with cold water. Add vinegar, mix lightly and let stand ten minutes. Toss macaroni with ham, eggs, celery, pickles, peppers, and onion. Blend in mayonnaise and seasonings to taste. Chill. Yield: 8 servings
