When it comes to family gatherings, having a delicious and kid - friendly side dish can make all the difference. One such dish that never fails to impress is the macaroni pasta salad. This classic recipe is not only easy to make but also a crowd - pleaser, especially among the little ones.

To start with, let's gather the ingredients. You will need about 1 pound of elbow macaroni. Elbow macaroni is a great choice as it holds the dressing well and is easy for kids to pick up with a fork. Boil the macaroni in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions. Usually, it takes around 8 - 10 minutes for the macaroni to become al dente. Once it's cooked, drain it and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and keep it firm.

Next, we move on to the vegetables. You can use a variety of colorful vegetables to make the salad more appealing. Some great options include cherry tomatoes, which add a burst of freshness and a pop of color. Cut them in half and set them aside. Cucumbers are another excellent addition. Peel the cucumber, cut it into small cubes, and add them to the mix. The cool and crisp texture of cucumbers provides a nice contrast to the soft macaroni.

Red onions are also a great choice. They add a bit of a sharp flavor, but if you're worried about the strong taste for the kids, you can soak the sliced red onions in cold water for about 15 minutes to mellow the flavor. After soaking, drain the onions and add them to the salad.

Now, let's talk about the dressing. A simple yet delicious dressing can be made with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, a splash of white vinegar, and a bit of sugar. In a small bowl, whisk together about 1 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of white vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. You can adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste preference. If you want a lighter dressing, you can use a combination of Greek yogurt and mayonnaise.

Once the dressing is ready, pour it over the cooked macaroni and the vegetables. Gently toss everything together until the macaroni and vegetables are well - coated with the dressing. You can also add some fresh herbs like parsley or dill for an extra layer of flavor. Just chop the herbs finely and sprinkle them over the salad.

For an added touch, you can top the macaroni pasta salad with some shredded cheese. Cheddar cheese is a popular choice as it melts slightly in the mouth and adds a rich, creamy flavor. Sprinkle about 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the salad and give it a final toss.

This macaroni pasta salad is not only great for family gatherings but can also be packed for picnics or school lunches. It can be served immediately, but if you have some time, refrigerate it for a few hours. This allows the flavors to meld together, making the salad even more delicious.

When serving, you can present the macaroni pasta salad in a large, colorful bowl. It looks beautiful on the table and is sure to attract the attention of everyone, especially the kids. You can also serve it alongside some grilled chicken or burgers for a complete meal.

In conclusion, the macaroni pasta salad is a versatile and delicious side dish that is perfect for family gatherings. It's easy to customize according to your family's taste preferences, and it's always a hit with the kids. So, the next time you're planning a family get - together, don't forget to include this wonderful macaroni pasta salad on the menu.