Lemony Herb Macaroni Salad

1. Boil Water

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. This step is crucial because boiling the pasta in well-salted water ensures it absorbs some of the seasoning, enhancing the overall flavor of your salad.

2. Prepare Dressing

While waiting for the water to boil, prepare the dressing. In a large bowl, stir together the minced bread-and-butter pickles, finely chopped celery, thinly sliced scallions, mayonnaise, buttermilk, chopped parsley, dill, chopped capers, caper brine, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, lemon juice, and granulated sugar. This combination of ingredients creates a smooth, flavorful dressing that will coat every bite of pasta with a zesty, herby goodness. Make sure to season the dressing with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.

3. Cook Macaroni

Once the water is boiling, add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, which should take about 6 minutes. Al dente pasta has a firm bite, which is perfect for salads as it holds up better when mixed with the dressing. After cooking, drain the macaroni well using a colander and set it aside to cool for a few minutes. Cooling the pasta slightly before mixing it with the dressing helps prevent the mayonnaise from becoming too runny.

4. Combine Macaroni and Dressing

When the macaroni has cooled, combine it with the prepared dressing in the large bowl. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

5. Serve and Garnish

Serve the salad immediately, or refrigerate it until chilled if you prefer a cold salad. Just before serving, garnish with additional thinly sliced scallions, chopped parsley, and small sprigs of dill for a fresh and vibrant touch. Enjoy your delightful Lemony Herb Macaroni Salad!