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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Additional Time 4 hours 5 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 45 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

  • 1-1/4 Cups mayonnaise could substitute with sour cream
  • 2 Tbs white vinegar
  • 2 Tbs Dijon mustard
  • 2 Tbs kosher salt or more to taste
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper
  • tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1-1/2 Tbs white sugar or more to taste
  • 1 Cup raw yellow squash diced
  • 1 Cup finely diced celery
  • ¾ Cup diced red bell pepper
  • ½ Cup grated carrot
  • ½ Cup chopped green onions white and light parts
  • ¼ Cup diced jalapeno pepper
  • ¼ Cup diced poblano pepper
  • 3/4 Cup medium cheddar small cubes
  • 1 16 ounce package uncooked elbow macaroni
  • Green onion for garnish
  • 1 Tbs mayonnaise Optional
  • 1 Tbs water Optional

Instructions
 

  • Options: diced zucchini, grape tomatoes, finely chopped fresh broccoli, frozen green peas, thawed
  • 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 squash,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. Add cubed cheddar cheese at this time.

Notes

Chef's Notes:
You can use the tops of the green onions to chop up and use as a garnish.
Recipe by Chef John(Allrecipes)
Great recipe by Chef John. Love the dressing on this pasta salad.
Keyword BBQ, Lunch, Macaroni, Salad, Side