A depression era staple my mother whipped up for hot summer days. This cool 4 ingredient side dish is cheap, filling, and incredibly refreshing

mayonnaise, and vinegar—echoing the frugality of Depression-era kitchens. The seasonings and small amounts of liquid added to adjust texture are considered pantry basics, not separate ingredients.

Serving bowl of macaroni salad with simple add-ins nearby

To keep the spirit of the dish, any variation should remain simple and inexpensive. For extra tang, swap part of the white vinegar for apple cider vinegar. If you like a slightly looser, silkier dressing, thin the mayonnaise with a splash more cold water or milk.

A spoonful of yellow mustard can be whisked into