Valentino's Macaroni Salad

Ingredients

• 8 oz Ditalini Pasta (small tube-shaped pasta, similar to macaroni)
• to taste Salt (for seasoning the cooking water)
• 2 tsp Yellow Onion (finely chopped)
• 1 rib Celery Rib (finely chopped, about 1/4 cup)
• 2 oz Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese (cut into small cubes)
• 1 cup Mayonnaise (use a real, full‑fat mayo for authentic flavor)
• 2 tbsp Sweet Pickle Relish (adds a subtle sweet tang)
• 0.75 cup Half‑and‑Half (2 tbsp for sauce + 1/2 cup for pasta soak; add more if needed)
• 2 tsp Yellow Mustard (classic yellow mustard)
• 2 tsp White Granulated Sugar

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

   Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add a pinch of salt, then add 8 oz of ditalini pasta. Stir and cook for 13–15 minutes until slightly softer than al dente.

   Time: PT15M

   Temperature: 212°F

2. Prep the Veggies and Cheese

   While the pasta cooks, finely chop 2 tsp of yellow onion and 1 rib of celery. Cube 2 oz of extra sharp cheddar cheese.

   Time: PT5M

3. Make the Creamy Dressing

   In a mixing bowl combine 1 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp sweet relish, 2 tsp mustard, 2 tsp white sugar, and 2 tbsp half‑and‑half. Whisk until smooth, then fold in the cubed cheddar, chopped onion, and celery.

   Time: PT5M

4. Drain and Cool the Pasta

   When the pasta reaches the desired softness, drain it in a colander and rinse under cold running water until the pasta is cool to the touch.

   Time: PT3M

5. Soak Pasta in Half‑and‑Half

   Transfer the cooled pasta to an airtight container, add ½ cup half‑and‑half, stir to coat, and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, stirring once per hour.

   Time: PT5M

6. Combine Pasta and Dressing

   After the pasta has soaked, add the prepared creamy dressing to the container and mix thoroughly. If the salad looks dry, whisk in a little more half‑and‑half.

   Time: PT3M

7. Chill Until Serving

   Cover the container and refrigerate for at least a few more hours or overnight. Serve cold.

   Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

350

Protein

8 g

Carbohydrates

30 g

Fat

22 g

Fiber

1 g