Lunch: Chef John's Classic Macaroni Salad

Recipe by Chef John Deli-style made right at home!

Ingredients

1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup white vinegar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons kosher salt, or more to taste
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon white sugar, or more to taste
1 cup finely diced celery
3/4 cup diced red bell pepper
1/2 cup grated carrot
1/2 cup chopped green onions, white and light parts
1/4 cup diced jalapeno pepper
1/4 cup diced poblano pepper
1 (16 ounce) package uncooked elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional)
1 tablespoon water (optional)

Instructions

Whisk 1 cup mayonnaise, vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper together in a bowl until well blended; whisk in sugar. Stir in celery, red bell pepper, carrot, onions, and jalapeno and poblano peppers. Refrigerate until macaroni is ready to dress.
Bring a large pot of well salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain but do not rinse. Allow macaroni to drain in a colander about 5 minutes, shaking out moisture from time to time. Pour macaroni into large bowl; toss to separate and cool to room temperature. Macaroni should be sticky.
Pour dressing over macaroni and stir until dressing is evenly distributed. Cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or, ideally, overnight to allow dressing to absorb into the macaroni.
Stir salad before serving. Mix 1 tablespoon mayonnaise and 1 tablespoon water into salad for fresher look.

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