Ingredients
1 cup elbow macaroni
1 (15-ounce) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
½ cup chopped celery
½ cup light mayonnaise
¼ cup chopped onion
2 tablespoons vinegar (or to taste)
Salt and ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until cooked through but firm to the bite, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, red kidney beans, chopped celery, mayonnaise, chopped onion, vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well mixed.
- Cover and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
Add More Veggies: Add diced bell peppers, cucumbers, or shredded carrots for more crunch and flavor.
Vegan Version: Swap light mayonnaise for vegan mayonnaise to make it plant-based.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives can enhance the flavor.
Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken, tuna, or chickpeas to make it a more filling meal.
Spicy Kick: Add hot sauce, jalapeños, or red pepper flakes to give the salad a spicy twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling & Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 5mg