Chef John's Classic Macaroni Salad

Whisk 1 cup mayonnaise vinegar Dijon mustard salt black pepper and cayenne pepper together in a bowl until well blended; whisk in sugar. Stir in celery red bell pepper carrot onions and jalapeno and poblano peppers. Refrigerate until macaroni is ready to dress.

Bring a large pot of well salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water stirring occasionally until cooked through 8 to 10 minutes. Drain but do not rinse. Allow macaroni to drain in a colander about 5 minutes shaking out moisture from time to time. Pour macaroni into large bowl; toss to separate and cool to room temperature. Macaroni should be sticky.

Pour dressing over macaroni and stir until dressing is evenly distributed. Cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or ideally overnight to allow dressing to absorb into the macaroni.

Stir salad before serving. Mix 1 tablespoon mayonnaise and 1 tablespoon water into salad for fresher look.