Probably the most common side dish besides rice in Hawaii is the simple macaroni salad. Imagine a dish that embodies the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors, all wrapped up in a bowl of comforting nostalgia. This isn’t just any pasta dish. This recipe is poised to become your new favorite macaroni salad recipe. Whether you’re planning a summer barbecue, a potluck, or simply craving a taste of comfort, this simple macaroni salad will win your heart with every bite.

So, what sets this macaroni salad recipe apart from the rest? It’s all in the details. With a perfectly cooked pasta base, crisp vegetables, and an irresistibly creamy dressing, this homemade macaroni salad strikes a perfect harmony. Easy to prepare and even easier to love, this best macaroni salad recipe is a must-try for any food enthusiast.

Macaroni salad has earned its place as a global favorite, celebrated in various cuisines and occasions. In American cookouts, it’s a staple side dish. There it’s often accompanying grilled meats or fried chicken. In Hawaiian cuisine it often stars in plate lunches alongside kalua pork or tangy barbecued meats and sticky rice. In Filipino feasts, a sweeter version graces the table, offering a delightful twist to traditional gatherings. Macaroni salad’s appeal lies in its adaptability and universal charm, making it a beloved dish for every celebration, from casual picnics to big spreads.

Understanding the Basics of Macaroni Salad

This classic picnic and barbecue staple was likely inspired in the US by the European tradition of pasta salads, which were popularized by Italian and Jewish immigrants. As pasta became more accessible and affordable, creative cooks began experimenting with new ways to serve it cold, particularly during the warmer months. By the mid-20th century, macaroni salad had solidified its place as a quintessential American side dish, often found accompanying grilled meats and enjoyed at family gatherings. Its creamy, tangy dressing and simple ingredients have made it a favorite across generations.

What Defines a Simple Macaroni Salad

I like a good pasta salad – see my pesto pizza pasta salad and asparagus prosciutto pasta salad. But macaroni salad is its own thing. Though pasta salads are quite common, macaroni salad is a specific subset within the more general pasta salad term.

A simple macaroni salad is defined by its straightforward, yet delightful combination of ingredients. Typically, it involves cooked elbow macaroni, a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing, and a medley of vegetables such as carrots, onions, and bell peppers.

Variations abound, but the key to a simple macaroni salad is balance. The pasta should be the star, supported by just enough dressing and complementary mix-ins to create a harmonious dish without overpowering flavors.

Why Choose Simple?

The allure of a simple macaroni salad lies in its ease and versatility. Its minimal preparation time and readily available ingredients make it an ideal choice for last-minute gatherings or weekly meal prep. Its simplicity doesn’t compromise its deliciousness.

The simplicity of this dish also makes it highly adaptable. It can serve as a blank canvas for culinary creativity to fit your own tastes, preferences, or dietary needs. Whether you prefer to keep it classic or add a personal twist, a simple macaroni salad can easily be tailored to suit any palate or occasion. Its adaptability also means it pairs well with a wide range of main dishes.

In essence, choosing a simple macaroni salad recipe ensures a reliable crowd-pleaser that’s both easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, making it a go-to dish for any cook seeking to fill out a menu with minimal fuss.

Ingredients for the Best Macaroni Salad Recipe

As with most meals, cooking the best macaroni salad starts with selecting the right ingredients. This is crucial to achieving the perfect blend of flavors and textures. Whether you’re aiming for a simple macaroni salad or a creamy macaroni salad recipe, here’s a guide to ensure your dish becomes a favorite at every gathering.

Essential Ingredients for a Homemade Macaroni Salad

There aren’t that many ingredients in the basic macaroni salad. Though there are a few more in the dressing, the bulk of macaroni salad is pasta and veggies. Look for fresh produce to get the really crisp veggies this recipe deserves.

• Elbow Macaroni – The foundation of any classic macaroni salad. Opt for high-quality, durum wheat pasta for the best texture.
• Bell Pepper – Crunchy, slightly sweet, and colorful. Just look for plump, fresh peppers. Choose whichever color or mix of colors you prefer.
• Carrot – Sweet, crisp, and orange. I like to shred them for a softer texture, but you can dice for a bit more bite. Don’t use baby carrots, they’re just too watery.
• Onion – Sharp, aromatic bite to balance the dressing. I like red onions for this, but really any will do.

Creamy Dressing Ingredients

The goal here is a creamy, tangy dressing that carries most of the flavor of this dish.

• Mayonnaise – The key to a creamy macaroni salad recipe. Choose a smooth, rich mayo that complements the pasta without overpowering it.
• Vinegar – A splash of apple cider or white vinegar brightens the flavors and balances the creaminess of the dressing.
• Sugar – A touch of sweetness to balance acidity and round out the dressing’s flavor. But we will use it sparingly because it shouldn’t be sweet.
• Mustard – A touch of mustard adds a tangy zing. I like Dijon, but yellow mustard works well depending on your flavor preference.
• Fresh Herbs – Aromatic, bright, and herbaceous. My recipe here calls for some fresh dill, but other fresh herbs could be great to include.
• Seasoning & Spices – Salt, garlic powder, pepper, and celery seed to deepen and sharpen the dressing.

Optional Add-ins for a Personalized Touch

Make this recipe your own by adding in some personalized touches. Adjust it to your family’s dietary needs. Add in some protein to bulk the recipe up a bit. Here are some add-ins to consider:

• Other Veggies – Cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, radish, broccoli florets, peas, really the list is endless for what you could add in. Any fresh and crunchy veggie would do.
• Protein – Try adding cooked bacon, diced ham, cubed chicken, or chopped hard-boiled eggs for a heartier salad.
• Cheese – Cubes of sharp cheddar or other cheese can give a savory element.
• Pickles – Tangy, briny crunch that adds zip and contrast to the creamy dressing.
• Olives – Salty, savory bites that lend depth. Slice or chop for even distribution.
• Fruits – Surprising, sweet, and bright pockets of flavor (apple, pineapple, or grapes); use sparingly to avoid overpowering the salad.

Step-by-Step Guide: Easy Macaroni Salad Recipe

Macaroni salad is simple. Cooking pasta, chopping ingredients, mixing the dressing, and combining it all together. Even though creating the best macaroni salad recipe involves just a few simple steps, following this guide will surely help it become one of your favorite dishes.

Preparing the Macaroni

To make a great homemade macaroni salad, start by selecting quality elbow macaroni. Cooking the pasta correctly is crucial for texture and taste. Here are some tips to ensure your macaroni is perfectly cooked:

1. Use Plenty of Water – Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. This prevents the pasta from sticking together and ensures even cooking.
2. Season the Water – Add a generous amount of salt to the boiling water. This is your chance to season the pasta from the beginning, enhancing the overall flavor of your final dish.
3. Cook to Al Dente – Follow the package instructions for cooking time, but aim for al dente, where the pasta is tender but still firm to the bite. Overcooked macaroni can become mushy, especially once mixed with our dressing.
4. Rinse with Cold Water – Once cooked, immediately rinse the macaroni under cool water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. This also helps prevent it from sticking together as it cools. I normally wouldn’t recommend this step, but it works a treat for pasta salads.

Creamy Dressing and Crunchy Veggies

While the pasta is cooking, start making the dressing and chopping the rest of the ingredients.

A creamy macaroni salad recipe hinges on the perfect dressing. Rich and tangy, yet not overpowering. Mix it together by just combining all of the dressing ingredients in a medium bowl and whisking it smooth. Check the consistency of the dressing here. It should be smooth and pourable. If it is too thick, thin it with a touch more vinegar or some of the pasta water. If it seems too thin to stick to the pasta, then stir in some more mayo.

This dressing works because it builds off of our creamy base of mayonnaise. Then, adds in some acid, hints of sweetness, and a balance of spices and seasonings.

While the dressing rests, prep the vegetables. Wash and dry everything. Trim, seed, and dice so pieces are small and uniform for consistent texture and easy mixing. Or you can try grating the carrot or even the onion. I like what grating the carrot does for its texture, so that’s my preference for this recipe.

Combining Ingredients

It’s time to bring everything together.

Transfer pasta to a large bowl and add in all of the prepped veggies. At this point, you can also add in any of the optional mix-ins you want. Use a wide, flexible spatula to gently stir it together. Try to get the ingredients evenly mixed.

Now add in the dressing. Gently stir it all together again until the dressing evenly coats everything.

Taste and adjust your homemade macaroni salad. A little extra salt, acid (vinegar or lemon juice), or a dash of extra seasonings can bring balance to the dish. Cover and chill the macaroni salad for at least an hour so the dressing hydrates the pasta and flavors meld. Before serving, give one last gentle stir. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika or freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.

Customizing Your Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe

When it comes to crafting the best macaroni salad recipe, customization is key. This dish’s versatility allows you to tweak it according to dietary preferences, nutritional goals, or flavor inspirations from around the world. Below, we explore ways to adapt this easy macaroni salad recipe to suit various needs and tastes.

Variations for a Healthier or Vegan Version

If you’re looking to indulge in a creamy macaroni salad recipe without veering off your health goals, consider these simple macaroni salad adjustments:

Healthier Ingredients: Substituting traditional mayonnaise with Greek yogurt (or a 50/50 mix) can reduce calories while adding creaminess and a subtle tang. Incorporating whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can align with dietary preferences without compromising on texture.

Vegan Macaroni Salad: To create a vegan-friendly dish, swap regular mayo with a plant-based alternative. That’s really the only swap needed. You can also opt for plenty of additional fresh vegetables. Make sure the pasta is egg-free, too.

Making it a Meal: Adding Proteins and Extra Vegetables

Transforming a simple macaroni salad into a hearty meal is straightforward. Just pack it with extra protein and veggies. Be aware that if you do add a whole lot of other ingredients, you may need to make a bit more of the dressing to help keep things evenly coated. Nobody wants a dry macaroni salad.

Proteins: Incorporate bacon, chicken, ham, hard-boiled eggs, or even canned tuna for a protein boost that makes this salad more of a main dish. Try adding in some cubed or shredded cheese (especially cheddar). For plant-based options, consider chickpeas, edamame, or baked tofu.

Extra Vegetables: Beyond the listed add-ins, consider roasted red peppers, peas, broccoli florets, artichoke hearts, cherry tomatoes, cabbage, olives, cucumber, baby spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes. Not only do these add nutrition, but they bring vibrant colors and crunch to your homemade macaroni salad.

Other Flavors: Incorporate olive oil, lemon juice, green onion, or other fresh herbs besides dill.

By customizing your creamy macaroni salad recipe, you can create a dish that’s not only delicious and easy to make but also tailored to your specific preferences and needs. Whether you’re after the best macaroni salad recipe or a simple, homemade version, these tips will ensure it’s your new favorite dish.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Macaroni salad is a versatile dish that shines at a variety of events, from casual family gatherings to larger celebrations. Its creamy texture and adaptable flavors make it a favorite for:

• Backyard Barbecues – A simple macaroni salad is a staple at any barbecue, offering a cooling contrast to grilled meats. Try it with my reverse sear tri-tip, some grilled Old Bay chicken, buffalo smoked drumsticks, or a pile of smoked pulled pork.
• Picnics and Potlucks – Easily transportable, this homemade macaroni salad is perfect for outdoor gatherings along with other dishes like my potato salad recipe and rotisserie chicken salad.
• Holiday Buffets – Add a festive spin to your holiday table by including the best macaroni salad recipe alongside other traditional dishes like sage-roasted turkey.
• Lunchboxes/Plate Lunches – A creamy macaroni salad recipe can be a delightful addition to lunchboxes and plate lunches, providing a satisfying side or main.

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Make-Ahead and Storage

Macaroni salad is one of those delightful dishes that tastes even better when made ahead, allowing the flavors to meld. Here’s how you can prepare and store it like a pro:

– Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare your simple macaroni salad up to 24 hours in advance. Cook and cool the pasta to al dente, toss it with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking, and store it separately from the dressing. Just before serving, mix the pasta with the dressing and any fresh ingredients like vegetables and herbs to maintain a crisp texture.

– Storage: Store your homemade macaroni salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. If your salad contains mayonnaise, take extra care to keep it chilled to prevent spoilage. When ready to serve, give it a good stir and check the seasoning, as the flavors tend to mellow in the fridge.

Common Macaroni Salad Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Overcooked Pasta: Always cook your pasta al dente. Overcooked pasta can turn mushy when combined with dressing.

2. Under-seasoning: Season your pasta water generously and taste the salad before serving. Adjust the salt, pepper, and other seasonings to enhance flavors.

3. Dry Salad: Avoid a dry salad by ensuring your creamy macaroni salad recipe has enough dressing. If it dries out in the fridge, simply add a little extra dressing before serving.

4. Lumpy Dressing: For a smooth dressing, whisk together the ingredients thoroughly in a separate bowl, ensuring no lumps from mayonnaise or mustard. Only when it is smoothly mixed should it be stirred in with the other ingredients.

FAQs: All Your Questions About Macaroni Salad Answered

• Can I freeze macaroni salad?
  • No. Well, I guess you could. But it is highly un-recommended. The mayonnaise, pasta, and veggies of it all make it so that texture changes and separation are inevitable. Just don’t.
• What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
  • Try Greek yogurt or a combination of yogurt and a bit of olive oil for a lighter alternative.
• How can I make it healthier? 
  • You can use a lighter mayo or Greek yogurt instead of the mayonnaise. And try adding more vegetables like cucumber, broccoli, tomatoes, or peas to increase fiber and nutrients. There are also a lot of healthy pasta options out there that would boost nutritional value.
• Can I make it vegan?
  • Yes! Use vegan mayonnaise and load up on fresh veggies for a satisfying plant-based version.

Creating the best macaroni salad recipe doesn’t have to be daunting. With these tips on preparation, storage, and troubleshooting, you’ll be able to enjoy this simple dish with ease and confidence. Whether you’re serving it at a barbecue or enjoying it as a casual dinner side, this easy macaroni salad recipe is sure to become your new favorite dish. Happy cooking!

How did yours turn out?

I’d love to hear when you try out this simple macaroni salad recipe! Take a pic of your food and share your success with me by adding it to your Instagram stories or feed, and tagging me @doyouroux, or by using #doyouroux.

Plus, leave a rating to let me know how you liked the recipe. It helps me out a lot to know how things worked out… or didn’t.

The Best Macaroni Salad

Recipe by Marc PetersonCourse: Sides, Lunch, DinnerDifficulty: Easy

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Resting Time

1

hour 

Total time

1

hour 

25

minutes

This easy, homemade macaroni salad recipe is destined to become your new favorite dish. With perfectly cooked pasta, crisp vegetables, and an irresistibly creamy, tangy dressing, it’s a simple yet extraordinary crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni

• 1/2 cup finely diced celery

• 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper

• 1/2 cup shredded carrot

• 1/3 cup diced red onion

• Dressing

• 1 and 1/2 cups mayonnaise

• 1/4 cup white wine vinegar (or regular white or apple cider)

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon celery seed (optional)

Directions

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until just tender (al dente) according to the pasta’s instructions
• While the pasta is cooking, add the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, mustard, dill, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and celery seed to a medium bowl and whisk together until smooth
• Wash the celery, bell pepper, and carrot, then pat dry and finely dice (or shred – my preference for the carrot) the celery, bell pepper, carrot, and onion to roughly the same size
• When the pasta is done cooking, drain it in a colander and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking and cool the pasta
• Transfer the drained, cooled pasta to a large bowl and add in the diced celery, bell pepper, carrot, and onion, then stir until well distributed
• Pour the dressing over the other ingredients and gently fold together until everything is evenly coated
• Cover the bowl and chill for a minimum of one hour to allow the flavors to meld
• Just before serving, give everything a final gentle stir, taste for seasoning, and garnish

Notes

• If you are making the macaroni salad ahead of time, do not stir the dressing in with the other ingredients until the same day you plan to serve it. You should still get everything mixed together and chilled at least an hour before serving.
• Remember that this is a basic recipe – you can add in different things and make adjustments as desired.

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The post Best Macaroni Salad Recipe: Your New Favorite Dish appeared first on Do You Roux?.

I’ve always been a little wary of potato salads. First off, throw the word salad into something and I already have my guard up. But I think it mostly comes down to not knowing what exactly is in it. Then I had a delicious warm side potato salad at The Ranch at Las Colinas.

Theirs was a warm potato salad with whole grain mustard that I just found divine. Unfortunately, it appears to no longer be on the menu. So clearly, I had to make my own version.

This scrumptious potato salad is made with baby red potatoes, smoky bacon, chives, and a tasty, tangy dressing. It’s perfect for a summer BBQ, or as a side dish for any occasion.

Prepare to embark on a flavor-packed journey that marries the classic comfort of potato salad with the savory indulgence of crispy bacon and the vibrant freshness of chives. This delicious bacon chive potato salad recipe combines simple ingredients to create a dish that’s both satisfying and irresistible.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, making it an ideal addition to your kitchen. So, let’s get cooking.

What Ingredients Are in Potato Salad?

As with all recipes, it all starts with the right ingredients. So, what do we need for this potato salad?

Creating the perfect potato salad is an art that involves the careful selection of ingredients, each contributing to the medley of flavors and textures. In our bacon chive potato salad recipe, the following key components join forces to craft a tantalizing dish:

• Baby Red Potatoes: These tender gems provide a creamy yet firm texture, an ideal base for the salad. Other potato types can be used, but these tend to work best here.
• Shallot and Garlic: Shallots lend a gentle onion-like sweetness, while garlic adds a savory depth that elevates the overall profile.
• Fresh Herbs: Aromatic chives, parsley, thyme, and dill infuse the salad with fresh herbaceous flavors.
• Lemon Juice and White Wine Vinegar: Zesty lemon juice adds brightness, and vinegar adds its signature tang.
• Crispy Bacon: It’s bacon. Delicious bacon. Crumbled bacon introduces smoky, savory richness.
• Creamy Dressing: A velvety combination of mayo, sour cream, and olive oil forms a luscious base.
• Whole Grain Mustard: Packed with flavor and texture from the whole grains.
• Seasonings: Black pepper and salt enhance the overall taste, ensuring a well-balanced flavor profile.

All of these ingredients combine to make a wonderfully creamy and flavorful potato salad that is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Each element has a role to play, resulting in a potato salad that’s more than just the sum of its parts.

Prep and Boil the Potatoes

To begin creating this delicious dish, we need some cooked potatoes.

Start by giving the small red potatoes a thorough wash, ensuring they are free from dirt and debris. A gentle scrub with a vegetable brush can help remove anything stubborn clinging to the skin.

Next, chop the small red potatoes into bite-sized pieces. If you have baby red potatoes you can usually just quarter them to get a decent size, otherwise, just chop the potato into 1/2 to 1-inch pieces. Consistency in size helps with even cooking.

Now it’s time to get them boiling! Place a large pot of water over high heat to get the water to a boil. Add in 2 tablespoons of salt to help season the potatoes as they boil.

When the water begins to boil, reduce the heat to medium-high and carefully place the prepared potatoes into the pot. let the potatoes boil for about 10 to 15 minutes. The goal is fork-tenderness, where a fork can effortlessly pierce through the potato without much resistance.

With the potatoes cooked to perfection, transfer them to a colander to drain. Remember that overcooking the potatoes can lead to a loss of texture, so keep a watchful eye and aim for that ideal balance between tenderness and firmness.

Prep the Dressing

While the water heats up and the potatoes are boiling, it is time to prep the dressing. We need the dressing ready to go because it will go on the potatoes when they are still hot from the water. This is a warm potato salad recipe.

Get out a large mixing bowl in which we can mix together the whole potato salad.

Start chopping and mincing all of the fresh ingredients – shallot, chives, garlic, parsley, thyme, and dill. Cut and juice the lemon.

Now we’ll add all of our ingredients into the large mixing bowl (except for the potatoes… since they’re still cooking). Add in everything we just cut along with the mayo, sour cream, olive oil, vinegar, mustard, bacon, pepper, and remaining salt.

Stir everything together until well combined. Make sure to scrape the bottom and to ensure there are no pockets of unmixed ingredients. Hopefully, you’ll have this ready to go before the potatoes have finished cooking so that everything can come together quickly once the potatoes are drained.

Mix Together the Potato Salad

With the perfectly boiled baby red potatoes and the creamy dressing ready, it’s time for the final step. Mixing everything together is a straightforward yet crucial step.

I highly recommend doing it while the potatoes are still hot. If you’re really not into that, then you can wait for the potatoes to cool off and you can also chill the salad before serving it. I just happen to think that it is great served warm. Possibly because that’s how the one from the restaurant this was based on was served.

Using a large spoon or spatula, gently mix the together the potatoes and the dressing. The goal is to evenly distribute the potatoes in the dressing without overmixing and breaking the potatoes. The result should be a salad that’s beautifully coated and inviting.

Taste a small portion of the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add a pinch more salt, pepper, or even a squeeze of lemon juice to enhance the flavors according to your preference. And you can get fancy with it and top it with some more crumbled bacon and chives

What to Serve with Potato Salad

Now that you know how to make the perfect potato salad, let’s talk about what to serve with it. Whether you’re enjoying a picnic at the beach or a backyard barbecue, there’s a variety of dishes you can pair with your potato salad to create a truly memorable meal.

When it comes to pairing other sides with our bacon chive potato salad, you have a world of options to choose from. Consider these delectable choices:

• Grilled Poblano Corn Salsa
• Watermelon Feta Mint Salad
• Frog Eye Fruit Salad
• Mom’s Homemade Dinner Rolls

Pairing the bacon chive potato salad with the right main entree can create a balanced and satisfying meal. It pairs will with most grilled items. Here are some main course options that harmonize wonderfully with the flavors of the potato salad:

• Grilled Steak with Gorgonzola Butter
• Buffalo Smoked Chicken Drumsticks
• Smoked Pulled Pork
• Chimichurri Steak Kabobs

So don’t be afraid to get creative with your potato salad side dishes! Whether you’re looking for something light and refreshing or something a little more indulgent, there’s something for everyone.

These thoughtful pairing options ensure that your meal is well-rounded, satisfying, and a delight for the senses. Experiment with different combinations to create a memorable dining experience for you and your guests.

How did yours turn out?

I’d love to hear when you try out this bacon chive potato salad! Take a pic of your food and share your success with me by adding it to your Instagram stories or feed, and tagging me @doyouroux, or by using #doyouroux.

Plus, leave a rating to let me know how you liked the recipe. It helps me out a lot to know how things worked out… or didn’t.

Delicious and Easy Bacon Chive Potato Salad

Recipe by Marc PetersonCourse: Sides, AppetizersDifficulty: Easy

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

25

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Total time

40

minutes

Creamy potatoes, crispy bacon, aromatic herbs, and a luscious dressing create a medley of flavors and textures that’s perfect as a side dish. Indulge in this easy-to-make culinary delight that’s bound to impress.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 pounds baby red potatoes

• 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided

• 1 shallot

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

• 4 cloves garlic

• 2 tablespoons parsley

• 1 tablespoon thyme

• 1 tablespoon dill

• 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1/3 cup olive oil

• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar

• 3 tablespoons whole-grain mustard

• 4 strips cooked bacon, crumbled

• 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

Directions

• Scrub and rinse the potatoes, then cut them into about 1/2 to 1-inch pieces – even sizes will give a more even cook
• Place a large pot of water over high heat and bring it to a boil, adding in 2 tablespoons of salt
• Once the water is boiling, carefully add in the potatoes, turn the heat down to medium-high, then boil for 10 to 15 minutes
• While the potatoes are boiling, chop the shallot and chives, mince the garlic, parsley, thyme, and dill, and cut and juice the lemon
• In a large mixing bowl, mix together the dressing by combining everything except the potatoes (since they’re still cooking) – don’t forget the remaining teaspoon of salt
• When the potatoes are fork-tender, drain them in a colander and give them a shake to remove excess water
• Add the hot potatoes in with the mixed dressing and gently stir to evenly coat the potatoes

Notes

• Other potato varieties and sizes can be used if you don’t have baby red potatoes on hand, just be sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces

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Aioli is a smashing together of the words garlic and oil in Catalan, Provençal and Italian. Though traditionally only garlic is added for flavor, in some cases the mixture can also contain other ingredients. And in our case today, we’ll make a simple, basic, and yet still delicious smoked paprika aioli.

This is my go-to quick dip recipe to throw together in a pinch when I want a condiment to go with the meal I am making. It’s fast, easy, and simple in a way that lets you adjust everything to your own tastes.

This recipe is quite similar to my spicy chipotle crema. This one, however, is not spicy at all. It does still have some of the same smoky pepper notes that really bring some flavor to the table.

So, let’s get into what aioli is and how we’ll simplify things for ourselves to make this a quick condiment.

What Is Aioli?

Aioli is an emulsion of olive oil, garlic, salt, and usually egg that is essentially very similar to mayonnaise. An emulsion is just a fancy way of saying that one liquid is suspended in another. It first originates in the Mediterranean region and there are a whole lot of variations of this condiment.

This creamy emulsion of garlic and oil is used as a sauce or for dipping. It’s also great to use as a spread on sandwiches. A true traditional aioli would only have garlic. So some people say that most things we call aioli are just flavored mayonnaise. Which I guess is kinda true, but aioli sounds fancier and has kind of been taken over to mean something new now.

It is really all about the flavor, though. Consequently, I have no reservations about keeping ‘true’ to traditional aioli and will be adding other ingredients with wanton abandon. I know, I’m a rebel.

So, you can make aioli from scratch using olive oil and egg yolk to make a homemade base with which you can flavor things. But it can be a bit tricky to get the emulsion just right. And when I am whipping together a quick dipping sauce, I don’t want to be worried about getting things just right so it doesn’t break.

But I cheat by using store-bought mayo to make my aioli dip. It’s just too convenient in most cases.

And the best part? You don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen creating it!

Ingredients for Smoked Paprika Aioli

All you need are some basic ingredients: mayonnaise, garlic, lime juice, and kosher salt. You’ll also need to have some smoked paprika on hand – the star of this show.

First, let me tell you what makes smoked paprika so special. If you’ve never used it before, you’re in for a real treat.

You can buy smoked paprika at most grocery stores, but some don’t carry it or only have it in very small containers. If you like the flavor of smoked paprika, I suggest buying a larger container of it. My recommendation is this McCormick Culinary Smoked Paprika that I have purchased twice now already since discovering it a year or so ago.

From blackened seasoning to tortilla soup to roasted chicken and more, I use smoked paprika a whole lot to add flavor to dishes. And no, I don’t have a smoked paprika problem. I can stop any time I want.

For the smoked paprika aioli, we’re going to use premade mayonnaise. However, you can make your own mayonnaise if you’d prefer. It’s not a super long process, but it can be complicated to get the emulsion just right. I have done it a few times before, and I think eventually I will add it as a recipe here on the site.

But for now, I use premade mayo. It’s too convenient.

Then make sure you use some fresh-squeezed lime juice and fresh garlic cloves to get the best possible results out of this aioli recipe.

Steps to Make Smoked Paprika Aioli

Making smoked paprika aioli isn’t difficult at all. This is one of the best parts of the recipe – there’s not really that much to it.

Start by measuring out all of the ingredients into the bowl or container of a food processor or small blender. I typically love to use a small container of my NutriBullet because it is easy to make and store within that same jar. Smaller is better because, unless you are multiplying this recipe a few times, it doesn’t take up much space. A smaller container will help it blend together better.

Now pulse everything together until it becomes smooth. Don’t just let it sit and run too long because it will start to heat things up as it blends. If things are getting stuck or not blending 100%, you may want to shake or stir together the ingredients and then try pulsing again.

If you don’t have access to a food processor, you can simply whisk the ingredients together. But for the garlic, try grating it with a zester. It will turn the garlic into kind of a paste that will whisk together much better than even minced garlic.

And that’s it, it’s ready to serve!

Ways to Use Smoked Paprika Aioli

The smoked paprika aioli is a very versatile condiment. It is great on anything fried or baked. And, if you want to get really fancy, you can substitute it for regular aioli for dipping fries into.

In addition to being tasty, aioli is very versatile. It works well as a dip, spread, and dressing. If you have smoked paprika on hand, it also makes for a great topping or dip for chips.

There are tons of ways to use your aioli. Try any of the following ideas:

• Dipping sauce for fish, seafood, and fries
• As a sandwich spread
• Topping for burgers
• As a dip for chips and crackers
• Topping for roasted vegetables
• Added sauce for tacos
• As a salad dressing

The most common use case for smoked paprika aioli is as a dipping sauce for fries or as a sandwich spread instead of mayo. Basically, think of places where you might use mayonnaise and could want a different pop of flavor instead and try substituting aioli.

Tips to Store Aioli After Making It

If you manage to have any leftover aioli, I’d be a little surprised. But maybe you made a large batch and wanted some leftovers for later use. In that case, you’ll have to store it so that it will keep well.

Here are my three main tips for storing your aioli:

• Keep it in the fridge (and don’t keep it out of the fridge for very long)
• Store it in an airtight container
• Cover the surface with plastic wrap before closing the container

When storing it in the fridge, it can stay fresh for up to two weeks.

Plastic wrap placed directly on the surface of the aioli will help prevent the surface from drying out. It also limits the contact it will have with oxygen, which is usually the enemy of keeping things from going bad.

However, aioli can have a tendency to separate – especially if you have made the mayonnaise from scratch. If this happens after storing it, just whisk or blend it up again and it should be back to normal.

Use this recipe to make quick and easy garlic and smoked paprika aioli. This will definitely become a family favorite for any occasion. So, get blending and make your own homemade smoked paprika aioli today!

How did yours turn out?

I’d love to hear when you try out this smoked paprika aioli! Take a pic of your food and share your success with me by adding it to your Instagram stories or feed, and tagging me @doyouroux, or by using #doyouroux.

Plus, leave a rating to let me know how you liked the recipe. It helps me out a lot to know how things worked out… or didn’t.

Perfect Garlicky Smoked Paprika Aioli

Recipe by Marc PetersonCourse: SauceDifficulty: Easy

Servings

10

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking timeminutes

Total time

5

minutes

Aioli with the power of garlic, lime, and smoked paprika to use as a spread or dip with its creamy, smoky flavor

Ingredients

• 1 cup mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon + 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 3 cloves garlic

• 1 tablespoon lime juice

• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Directions

• Add all of the ingredients into a blender or food processor
• Slowly pulse everything together until fully blended
• Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve

Notes

• To make it without a food processor or blender, grate the garlic with a zester and whisk all ingredients together

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