Irresistibly Addictive Macaroni Corn Salad
You won’t be able to stop after one bite! This macaroni corn salad has an addictive flavor that keeps you coming back for more.
An addictive taste sensation that will have you reaching for more.
Salad Ingredients- Macaroni: 1 bowlful (approx. 100g)
- Salt: 1/2 Tbsp (for boiling macaroni)
- Onion: 1/2 medium-sized
- Bell Pepper: 1/3 (using various colors adds visual appeal)
- Cooked Ham: 4 slices (rolled type, like for kimbap)
- Canned Sweet Corn: 1 can (approx. 150g)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the vegetables. Take half an onion, peel off the outer skin, make cross-shaped cuts at the top, and then finely dice it. Dicing it finely will ensure the onion’s flavor is evenly distributed throughout the salad.
Step 2
To remove the pungent taste of the diced onion, soak it in cold water for at least 10 minutes. Stirring it a couple of times during soaking will help. After soaking, drain it thoroughly in a colander, ensuring all excess water is removed.
Step 3
Finely dice about 1/3 of a bell pepper. Using different colored bell peppers will make your salad more visually appealing and add a nice crunch.
Step 4
Slice the 4 slices of rolled ham into small, bite-sized pieces. Cutting the ham small will help it blend well with the macaroni.
Step 5
Drain the canned sweet corn thoroughly using a sieve. Leaving any liquid in the corn can make the salad watery and dilute the flavors.
Step 6
Now, it’s time to cook the macaroni. Fill a pot with plenty of water and add 1/2 Tbsp of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Lightly salting the water seasons the macaroni from the inside, enhancing its flavor.
Step 7
Once the water is boiling vigorously, add the macaroni. Cook it for at least 11 minutes, or perhaps 1-2 minutes longer than the package instructions, to achieve a perfect ‘al dente’ texture – tender yet with a slight bite.
Step 8
After cooking, immediately drain the macaroni and rinse it under cold running water. This step stops the cooking process, prevents the macaroni from becoming mushy, and helps maintain its firm, chewy texture. Make sure to drain off all the water.
Step 9
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, drained onion, diced bell pepper, sliced ham, and sweet corn. Add 8 Tbsp of mayonnaise and 2 Tbsp of sugar. Gently fold everything together with a spatula or spoon, being careful not to mash the ingredients.
Step 10
Mix well until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more sugar or mayonnaise according to your preference. While delicious served immediately, chilling this salad in the refrigerator for a while allows the sweet and savory flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delightful!