Sweet Macaroni Salad

This has been our favorite macaroni salad so far this grilling season. I brought it to a Memorial Day barbecue we attended.  I also made it for a gathering we hosted and it was a favorite on  BOTH occasions!  This is NOT a healthy salad by any means it actually a “wear your stretch pants” kind of recipe!!  I know you are going to enjoy it as much as we do.  It has a ton of flavor with a hint of  heat!

The recipe as written serves 4-6.  Feel free to double the recipe and thank me later!

INGREDIENTS
1/2 pound elbow macaroni
1/2 cup finely diced celery
1/2 cup finely diced bell pepper
1/2 cup finely diced carrots
1/4 cup finely diced red onion
2 scallions finely diced

FOR THE DRESSING
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne powder

DIRECTIONS
Mix all of your dressing ingredients together and set aside. (I do this in a mason jar)
Cook your pasta according to the package directions. While pasta is cooking prep all of your veggies and put in a large bowl. When the macaroni is done cooking drain and add to the bowl with your veggies. Mix well.  Pour as much of the dressing as you like over the pasta until everything is coated. I always add a little more dressing  just before serving as the pasta will absorb some of the dressing.

This can be made a day ahead, keep in fridge until ready to serve. (this is also good served warm!)
Recipe slightly adapted from www.picturetherecipe.com
This can be served in a large jar with a lid if you are taking it to an outdoor BBQ or picnic!

Enjoy,