Description

Classic Macaroni Salad is a creamy, comforting side dish featuring tender elbow macaroni, crisp vegetables, and a tangy-sweet dressing. Perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, or potlucks, this timeless favorite pairs well with grilled meats or can be enjoyed as a light lunch. Easy to make ahead and customizable with your favorite add-ins, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple, satisfying, and bursting with nostalgic flavor.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Pasta

2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)

Vegetables

1 cup celery, diced
1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup carrots, shredded (optional)
1/2 cup sweet pickles or relish, chopped

Dressing

1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Add-ins

2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until tender but still firm. Drain well and rinse with cold water to cool down, then set aside.
Prep the Vegetables: While the pasta cooks, dice the celery, red bell pepper, red onion, and carrots (if using). Chop the sweet pickles or measure out the relish.
Make the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled macaroni, prepped vegetables, and sweet pickles or relish to the bowl with the dressing. Stir everything together until the pasta and veggies are well coated.
Add Optional Ingredients: If desired, gently fold in the chopped hard-boiled eggs for extra richness and flavor.
Chill the Salad: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to become thoroughly chilled.
Serve: Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir, taste and adjust seasoning if needed, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy chilled.

Notes

Chilling is essential for the best flavor and texture; let the salad rest for at least 1 hour before serving.
Customize with diced ham, peas, or shredded cheese for extra flavor.
If salad seems dry after chilling, stir in a little more mayonnaise or a splash of milk.
Stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
For a lighter version, try using half Greek yogurt and half mayonnaise.

Nutrition

Serving Size: about 1 cup
Calories: 310
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 380mg
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 50mg