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Classic Macaroni Salad

5 months ago 40

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This macaroni salad recipe is a simple classic and potluck perfect! Tender elbow macaroni, a quick creamy dressing, and a handful of add-ins comes together in no time.

bowl of Creamy Macaroni Salad with a wooden spoon

Ingredient Tips For Macaroni Salad

I find macaroni noodles one of the most comforting pasta shapes—it’s perfect for everything from soups to mac and cheese, and of course, a classic macaroni salad recipe.

Pasta: I use elbow macaroni, but any short pasta will work. Try ditialini, small shells, or mini farfalle (bow ties).
Red onion: Onion adds flavor, ensure it is finely diced so it doesn’t overpower the other flavors. For a milder flavor, either soak the diced onion in cold water or use green onion in place.
Add-Ins: Celery, red bell pepper, and shredded carrots add freshness and crunch.

Dressing for Macaroni Salad

Mayonnaise: Mayo is the creamy base of this macaroni salad recipe.
Tang: White vinegar or apple cider vinegar adds a bright, tangy flavor.
Sweetness: A bit of sugar and a spoonful of sweet pickle relish balance the tang from the vinegar.

macaroni salad ingredients in a glass bowl

Variations

Dressing: Replace the homemade dressing with prepared coleslaw dressing. Make it lighter by replacing half of
Add-Ins: Add cheese, bacon bits, diced ham, hard-boiled eggs, or baby peas.

For Best Results, Prep Ahead!

This macaroni salad recipe is best when chilled for an hour or two before serving. This allows the flavors to blend, and the dressing thickens and soaks into the pasta. It can be made up to 24 hours before serving.

More Easy Potluck Favorites

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image of Everyday Comfort cookbook by Holly Nilsson of Spend With Pennies plus text

serving macaroni salad with a spoon

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Macaroni Salad

Everyone loves this classic macaroni salad recipe! Elbow macaroni and a handful of add-ins in a simple homemade dressing.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Chill Time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes

Author Holly Nilsson

▢ 8 ounces elbow macaroni approx. 2 cups dry, or any short pasta

Add-Ins (see notes)

▢ 1 cup diced celery
▢ ½ cup shredded carrots
▢ ½ cup diced red bell pepper
▢ ¼ cup diced red onion or thinly sliced green onion

Dressing

▢ 1 cup mayonnaise
▢ 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
▢ 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
▢ 2 tablespoons sweet relish
▢ 1 teaspoon yellow mustard or Dijon mustard
▢ ¼ teaspoon salt
▢ ¼ teaspoon black pepper

In a large pot, cook the elbow macaroni in salted water according to the instructions on the package. Drain well and rinse it under cold water to stop cooking.
To make the dressing, in a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, relish, mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Add the drained macaroni, celery, carrots, red pepper, and onion to the dressing. Toss well to coat. Taste and add additional salt and pepper if desired.
Refrigerate the macaroni salad for at least 1 hour before serving.

*You will need 2 to 2 ½ cups of add-ins. Use the list above for a basic macaroni salad or change them to your liking. Other favorite add-ins include pickles, olives, ham, sweet peas, and cheddar cheese.

Elbows can be swapped for ditalini, small shells, or wagon wheels.
Dice the add-ins about the size of the macaroni.
Rinse the pasta after draining to stop it from cooking.
Mix the dressing directly in the salad bowl and then add the other ingredients, one less dish to wash.
Store leftovers in the fridge in a covered container for up to 4 days.

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Pasta, Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine American

© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.

Can you freeze macaroni salad?

Sadly, it does not freeze well.

How long is macaroni salad good for?

Macaroni salad is best made beforehand, making it party-perfect. Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

What to eat with macaroni salad?

We love to serve macaroni salad as a side for anything off the grill! Bbq chicken, hot dogs, or hamburgers are great options. It’s also a great dish to serve with pulled pork

Creamy Macaroni Salad with 2 min dressing and writing

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plated Creamy Macaroni Salad and close up photo with a title

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About the author

Holly Nilsson is the creator of Spend With Pennies, where she creates easy, comforting recipes made for real life. With a passion for nostalgic flavors and simplified techniques, Holly helps busy home cooks create delicious meals that always work. She is also the author of “Everyday Comfort,” which promises to inspire even more hearty, home-cooked meals.
See more posts by Holly