Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe

Creamy, tangy, satisfying, and colorful, Classic Macaroni Salad is that beloved staple you’ll find at potlucks, family BBQs, and sunny picnics all summer long. With a dreamy dressing coating tender pasta and a medley of crunchy veggies, this salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s one of those dishes that never goes out of style and always delivers comfort-food happiness in every bite.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Classic Macaroni Salad lies in its simplicity—every ingredient has a role. From the pasta’s cushy base to the zingy dressing and the pops of crisp texture, you’ll find that the combination creates pure magic. Here’s what you’ll need for that nostalgic flavor and irresistible creaminess:

• Elbow macaroni: The perfect shape for holding onto all the creamy dressing and veggie bits.
• Mayonnaise: Adds the signature rich, smooth base for the salad’s dressing.
• Apple cider vinegar: Brings a subtle tang that livens up the whole dish.
• Yellow mustard: Just a spoonful gives the salad extra zip and color.
• Sugar: Balances acidity and brings a whisper of sweetness.
• Celery: For a craveable crunch and fresh, backyard-garden flavor.
• Red bell pepper: Adds sweetness, color, and a lovely crisp bite.
• Red onion: A little bit goes a long way, offering a welcome savory kick.
• Carrot: Adds color, gentle sweetness, and satisfying texture.
• Hard-boiled eggs: Classic for a reason—creamy, rich, and protein-packed.
• Salt and black pepper: For perfectly seasoned flavor throughout every bite.

How to Make Classic Macaroni Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add the elbow macaroni. Cook according to package instructions until just al dente—you want the pasta tender but not mushy, since it’ll soften further with the dressing. Drain and immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking and cool the macaroni down. This step ensures your Classic Macaroni Salad stays light, not gluey.

Step 2: Chop the Veggies and Eggs

While the pasta is cooling, finely dice the celery, red bell pepper, red onion, and carrot. Peel and chop the hard-boiled eggs into bite-size pieces. Uniformly cut veggies look beautiful and ensure you get a little bit of everything in each forkful.

Step 3: Mix the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, and sugar until smooth and creamy. Taste and add salt and pepper to your liking. The dressing should be tangy-sweet with a gentle richness.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl, followed by the chopped veggies and eggs. Use a spatula or large spoon to gently fold everything together until each piece is evenly coated with dressing. Be gentle so the macaroni and eggs don’t break down too much—the salad should look lusciously chunky and inviting.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl and refrigerate your Classic Macaroni Salad for at least one hour. This lets the flavors meld and the texture settle into creamy perfection. Give it a quick stir before serving, and adjust seasoning if needed.

How to Serve Classic Macaroni Salad

Garnishes

Top your salad with an extra sprinkle of paprika, fresh chives, or a few parsley leaves for a burst of color and extra fresh flavor. Sliced hard-boiled eggs or a scatter of sliced green onions can also add a cheerful finishing touch.

Side Dishes

Classic Macaroni Salad is a fantastic partner to grilled burgers, crispy fried chicken, juicy BBQ ribs, or smoky veggie skewers. For a lighter meal, pair it with a crisp green salad or juicy watermelon slices.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful and serve the salad scooped into lettuce cups for hand-held bites, or mound it in a hollowed-out bell pepper for a vibrant centerpiece. You can also portion it into small jars for an easy, picnic-friendly serving option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer leftover Classic Macaroni Salad into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to four days. If the salad looks a little dry after sitting, stir in a splash more mayo or a squeeze of lemon for revived creaminess.

Freezing

Freezing is generally not recommended for Classic Macaroni Salad, as the mayonnaise-based dressing and fresh veggies don’t thaw well and may separate or turn mushy. It’s best enjoyed freshly made or from the fridge within a few days.

Reheating

Serve Classic Macaroni Salad cold or at cool room temperature; it’s not meant to be heated. If the salad becomes overly chilled or the dressing firms up in the fridge, let it sit out briefly at room temperature before serving, then give it a quick stir to restore its creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is the classic choice for Classic Macaroni Salad, you can swap in shells, ditalini, or even rotini if that’s what you have on hand. Just aim for a small shape that soaks up the dressing and pairs well with chopped veggies.

How can I make the salad healthier?

For a lighter twist, try using light mayonnaise or swapping half the mayo with plain Greek yogurt. Add extra veggies or toss in a handful of fresh herbs like dill or parsley for even more nutrition and flavor.

Should the salad be made in advance?

Making Classic Macaroni Salad ahead of time is actually a smart move—the flavors deepen and meld as it sits. Just make sure to give it a gentle toss before serving to recombine any dressing that might have settled.

Can I add protein to make it a meal?

Definitely! Mix in diced cooked chicken, ham, tuna, or even some chickpeas for a heartier, lunch-worthy salad. The beauty of this recipe is how unfussy and customizable it is.

What if I don’t like raw onion?

If raw onion isn’t your favorite, simply leave it out or try soaking the diced onion in cold water for ten minutes before adding—it softens the flavor beautifully. You can also substitute with scallions for a milder bite.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like sharing a bountiful bowl of Classic Macaroni Salad with people you love. Its creamy, colorful charm is always met with smiles, and it’s just as effortless to whip up as it is to enjoy. Give it a try—it might just become your go-to crowd-pleaser too!

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