This salad takes me back to summer picnics and lazy afternoons with family. The crisp freshness of the vegetables combined with the creamy dressing and the unexpected crunch of peanuts makes it a crowd-pleaser every single time. It’s not just a salad; it’s comfort in a bowl!

Ingredients:

Macaroni: 1 cup

Salt: 1 teaspoon (for boiling)

Oil: 1 teaspoon (for boiling)

For the Salad:

Cucumber: 1, finely chopped

Onion: 1 small, finely chopped

Cabbage or Lettuce: 1 small cup, finely chopped

Mayonnaise: 2 tablespoons

Cream: 2 tablespoons

Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon

Black Pepper: 1 teaspoon

Sugar: 1 teaspoon

Salt: 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)

Roasted and Crushed Peanuts: 1/4 cup, for topping

 

Instructions:

1.Cook the Macaroni

1. Boil the Macaroni: In a pot, bring water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of oil to the water.
2. Cook Until Tender: Add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions until it’s tender but firm to the bite (usually about 8-10 minutes).
3. Strain and Rinse: Once done, strain the macaroni and run it under cold water for 1 minute to stop the cooking and remove any excess starch. Set it aside to cool.

2.Prepare the Dressing

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, add mayonnaise, cream, lemon juice, black pepper, sugar, and salt.
2. Mix Well: Whisk until the dressing is smooth and all ingredients are well combined.

3.Assemble the Salad

1. Add Vegetables: Add the chopped cucumber, onion, and cabbage (or lettuce) to the dressing.
2. Add Macaroni: Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl and gently toss everything together until the macaroni and vegetables are well coated with the dressing.

 4.Top with Peanuts

1. Add Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle the roasted and crushed peanuts on top for added texture and flavor.

5.Serve

Serve the macaroni salad immediately or refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes for a chilled, refreshing salad.

 

Nutritional Information (Per Serving): Approximate values based on 4 servings.

Calories: ~210 kcal

Protein: ~4 g

Fats: ~15 g

Carbohydrates: ~17 g

Fiber: ~2 g

Enjoy this creamy, flavorful macaroni salad with a satisfying crunch from the peanuts!