Local Hero Deli Macaroni Salad

Ingredients

• 1 lb elbow pasta (Cooked al dente; do not add oil to the cooking water)
• 0.5 red onion (Peeled and roughly chopped)
• 0.5 green pepper (Seeds removed and roughly chopped)
• 0.5 leek (Cleaned, trimmed, and roughly chopped)
• 0.5 cup mayonnaise
• 0.5 cup Parmesan peppercorn dressing (The recipe's secret ingredient; use prepared dressing)
• 1 tbsp kosher salt (The source specifies kosher salt; season carefully to taste because this is a substantial amount)
• 1 tbsp granulated garlic
• 1 tbsp white pepper
• 1 tbsp onion powder

Steps

1. 1

   Bring a large pot of water to a boil and season the water with salt. Do not add oil; oil can prevent the mayonnaise and dressing from adhering properly to the pasta.

2. 2

   Add the elbow pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions until al dente—tender but still slightly firm in the center.

3. 3

   Drain the pasta thoroughly and let it cool slightly. Do not rinse it or add oil, so the dressing will coat the pasta effectively.

4. 4

   While the pasta cooks, peel and roughly chop half of the red onion. Remove the seeds from half of the green pepper and roughly chop it. Clean, trim, and roughly chop half of the leek.

5. 5

   Place the onion, green pepper, and leek in a food processor. Pulse in short bursts until the vegetables are finely chopped and evenly mixed, taking care not to purée them.

6. 6

   Transfer the chopped vegetable mixture to a large mixing bowl.

7. 7

   Add the slightly cooled cooked pasta to the bowl with the vegetables. Gently mix with a large spoon or clean hands until the pasta and vegetables are evenly distributed.

8. 8

   Add the mayonnaise and fold it through the pasta mixture until every piece is lightly and evenly coated.

9. 9

   Add the Parmesan peppercorn dressing and mix thoroughly so it combines with the mayonnaise and coats the pasta uniformly.

10. 10

    Add the kosher salt, granulated garlic, white pepper, and onion powder. Mix until the seasonings are evenly distributed. Taste and adjust cautiously if needed.

11. 11

    Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to develop and the dressing to set around the pasta.

12. 12

    Stir the macaroni salad briefly before serving. Serve chilled as a deli side dish or party salad.

Notes

The source specifies 1 tablespoon each of kosher salt, granulated garlic, white pepper, and onion powder. The salt quantity is unusually high, so taste before adding the full amount. Refrigerate covered and serve chilled.

Nutrition per serving

• side dish
• salad
• American
• vegetarian
• make-ahead
• chilled
• party food
• deli-style