This macaroni salad is cool, creamy, and comforting with the perfect balance of tang, sweetness, and crunch. It’s loaded with tender pasta, crisp vegetables, and a creamy dressing that ties it all together. Ideal for make-ahead lunches, potlucks, or as a summer BBQ side.
⏱ Prep Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 1–2 hours (for best flavor)
- Total Time: ~1.5 hours
- Servings: 8–10
🍽 Equipment
- Large pot
- Strainer
- Large mixing bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Rubber spatula or spoon
🧾 Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- ¾ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup red onion, finely diced
- ¾ cup shredded carrot
- 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)
- ¼ cup sweet pickles or relish (optional but classic!)
- ¼ cup chopped parsley or green onions (optional garnish)
For the Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional, for depth)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar (adjust to taste)
- Salt & pepper to taste
🥬 Ingredient Notes
- Pasta: Elbow macaroni is traditional, but small shells or ditalini work well too.
- Add-ins: Diced ham, peas, or cheese cubes are popular additions.
- Pickles: Sweet pickles add tang and crunch — don’t skip unless you dislike sweetness.
- Dressing: Add more mayo if the salad dries out after chilling.
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Cook macaroni in salted water until just past al dente (about 8–10 minutes).
- Drain and rinse under cold water. Let it cool completely.
2. Prep the Mix-Ins
- While pasta cools, chop celery, peppers, onion, carrot, eggs, and pickles.
3. Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, sour cream, both mustards, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Combine Everything
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled macaroni with chopped veggies and eggs.
- Pour dressing over the top and mix until fully coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning (add more vinegar, sugar, or salt if needed).
5. Chill & Serve
- Cover and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Garnish with parsley or green onions just before serving.
🥗 Nutrition Facts (per ¾ cup serving, approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~310 |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Sugars | 4g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Sodium | 320mg |
💡 Tips & Variations
✅ Tips:
- Rinse the pasta: This stops cooking and prevents mushiness.
- Tastes better chilled: Letting it sit allows flavors to meld.
- Re-dress if needed: Add a spoonful of mayo or splash of milk if salad dries out in the fridge.
🔁 Variations:
- Southern-style: Add sweet relish, chopped boiled eggs, and extra sugar.
- Tangy & savory: Add chopped dill pickles and a splash of pickle juice.
- Healthier: Use light mayo or Greek yogurt and load up on veggies.
- Spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or a spoonful of sriracha to the dressing.
