If you love an old fashioned, creamy macaroni salad, than this easy gluten-free recipe is ideal! Gluten-free macaroni salad has a classic tangy, delicious taste with a creamy dressing and crisp bites of celery, red onion, and apple. This easy recipe comes together in less than 10 minutes and includes simple tips to prevent a mushy macaroni salad!
Begin by placing the gluten-free pasta in boiling unsalted water. Cook for 1 minute less than al dente. Once the cooking time has ended, drain the pasta and rinse with cold water until the pasta is room temperature. This helps prevent mushy gluten-free pasta.
2 ¼ cups gluten-free macaroni
While the pasta is cooking, dice the apple and place in a small bowl. Toss with 1 tablespoon lemon juice, reserving the remaining lemon juice. Set aside.
1 red apple, 1 ½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice
In a large bowl stir together the mayonnaise, remaining ½ tablespoon lemon juice, diced celery, red onion, relish, sugar, dijon mustard, and seasoned salt. Stir to combine. Add the well-drained pasta and apple with lemon juice. Gently fold until well combined.
1 cup mayonnaise, 1 celery stalk, ¼ cup red onion, 2 tablespoons sweet relish, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon dijon mustard, ¼ teaspoon seasoned salt
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. When ready to serve, let sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to take chill off of pasta, softening the bite, before enjoying.
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?? DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE FEEDBACK AND RATE BELOW!
Notes
Storing and Serving Tips
You may make the salad up to 24 hours before serving. When it’s time to serve, let it sit out for 30-45 minutes, stirring a couple times, so it comes to room temp. This softens the bite of the pasta.
More Mix-In Ideas
Consider swapping out the celery, onion, or apple with any of these ideas. However, the total amount of mix-ins should be 2 cups to maintain the creamy balance of pasta, add-ins, and dressing.