Recipe For Macaroni Salad

Macaroni Salad with egg, sweet pickles and a creamy dressing is a delicious side dish that’s perfect for summer BBQ’s and potlucks. This macaroni salad recipe is quick and easy to make with just a few simple ingredients.

In the summer, it doesn’t get much better than dinner off of the grill and a side of homemade macaroni salad. This creamy pasta salad is the perfect side dish to serve with Grilled Chicken, Grilled Pork Chops or Slow Cooker Pulled Pork.

This macaroni salad is a slight adaptation of my grandma’s recipe. It’s a tried and true recipe that’s easy to make, with a delicious crunch from celery and bell pepper. You are going to love it!

Complete your summer BBQ menu with one or two of these favorite side dishes: Pasta Salad, Broccoli Salad or Fruit Salad, and you’ll have a meal worthy of any summer cookout!

You’ll find that the ingredients vary slightly between different macaroni salad recipes. Here’s what goes in mine:

The steps to making macaroni salad are: cook and cool the pasta, make the dressing, and mix all of the ingredients together. That’s it!

Macaroni salad will last for 3 days when you store it in an airtight container in your refrigerator. It tastes best on the second day so I recommend making it ahead!

For food safety, do not leave macaroni salad out at room temperature for more than two hours. If you are serving it outside on a hot day, I wouldn’t even leave it out for that long. This is true for all salads with mayo-based dressings.

1. 4 cups uncooked elbow macaroni. Great Value Elbows, 48 oz.
2. 1 cup mayonnaise.
3. ⅔ cup white sugar.
4. ¼ cup distilled white vinegar.
5. 2 ½ tablespoons prepared yellow mustard.
6. 1 ½ teaspoons salt.
7. ½ teaspoon ground black pepper.
8. 2 stalks celery, chopped.

Macaroni Salad

How to make the BEST Macaroni Salad! This recipe can easily be doubled to serve a crowd.

Prep: 15min

Total: 82min

Yield: 6

Serving Size: 1 cup

Nutrition Facts: servingSize 1 cup, calories 408 kcal, Carbohydrate 36 g, Protein 8 g, Fat 25 g, Saturated Fat 5 g, Trans Fat 1 g, Cholesterol 79 mg, Sodium 463 mg, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 8 g

Ingredients:

• 8 oz macaroni noodles ((227g))
• ½ cup finely diced sweet gherkins (usually 4-6 sweet gherkins for me (80g))
• ¾ cup finely diced red bell pepper (about ½ pepper (100g))
• ⅓ cup thinly sliced celery (about 1-2 stalks (55g))
• ⅓ cup finely diced red onion ((45g))
• 2 large hard boiled eggs, finely diced
• ¾ cup mayonnaise (I use olive oil mayo (175g))
• ¼ cup sour cream ((70g))
• 2 Tablespoons sweet pickle juice
• 1 Tablespoon red wine vinegar*
• 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
• ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)

Instruction:

1. {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: “Prepare macaroni noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse immediately with cold water, then drizzle with a teaspoon of olive oil and gently stir so the noodles don’t stick together as they sit.”, ‘name’: “Prepare macaroni noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse immediately with cold water, then drizzle with a teaspoon of olive oil and gently stir so the noodles don’t stick together as they sit.”, ‘url’: ‘https://sugarspunrun.com/macaroni-salad/#wprm-recipe-13557-step-0-0’}
2. {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘In a large bowl, combine macaroni noodles, sweet pickles, red pepper, celery, red onion, and eggs. Stir until well-combined. Set aside and prepare your dressing.’, ‘name’: ‘In a large bowl, combine macaroni noodles, sweet pickles, red pepper, celery, red onion, and eggs. Stir until well-combined. Set aside and prepare your dressing.’, ‘url’: ‘https://sugarspunrun.com/macaroni-salad/#wprm-recipe-13557-step-0-1’}
3. {‘@type’: ‘HowToSection’, ‘name’: ‘For the dressing’, ‘itemListElement’: [{‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘To prepare your macaroni salad dressing, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, red wine vinegar, sweet pickle juice, sugar, dijon mustard, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper (if using) in a medium-sized bowl. Whisk until ingredients are well-combined.’, ‘name’: ‘To prepare your macaroni salad dressing, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, red wine vinegar, sweet pickle juice, sugar, dijon mustard, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper (if using) in a medium-sized bowl. Whisk until ingredients are well-combined.’, ‘url’: ‘https://sugarspunrun.com/macaroni-salad/#wprm-recipe-13557-step-1-0’}, {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Pour dressing over your macaroni salad ingredients and toss until well-combined.’, ‘name’: ‘Pour dressing over your macaroni salad ingredients and toss until well-combined.’, ‘url’: ‘https://sugarspunrun.com/macaroni-salad/#wprm-recipe-13557-step-1-1’}, {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘For best flavor, cover bowl and allow macaroni salad to chill for at least one hour. Stir once more before serving and enjoy!’, ‘name’: ‘For best flavor, cover bowl and allow macaroni salad to chill for at least one hour. Stir once more before serving and enjoy!’, ‘url’: ‘https://sugarspunrun.com/macaroni-salad/#wprm-recipe-13557-step-1-2’}]}

Classic Macaroni Salad

Macaroni Salad with egg, sweet pickles and a creamy dressing is a tasty side dish that’s perfect for summer BBQ’s and potlucks. It’s quick and easy to make and tastes even better on the second day!

Prep: 20min

Total: 30min

Yield: 14

Serving Size: 1 cup

Nutrition Facts: servingSize 1 cup, calories 261 kcal, Carbohydrate 28 g, Protein 6 g, Fat 14 g, Saturated Fat 2 g, Cholesterol 47 mg, Sodium 242 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 4 g

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ditalini pasta (or elbow pasta)
• 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
• 2 ribs celery (finely chopped)
• 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1/2 cup chopped sweet pickles
• 3 hard boiled eggs (chopped)
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• chopped fresh parsley
• paprika

Instruction:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions for al dente. Transfer the pasta to a colander, rinse it with cold water and drain well. Set pasta aside to cool while you prepare the rest of the salad ingredients (see note). Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking together.
2. In a large bowl, combine the red bell pepper, celery, onion, pickles and hard boiled eggs.
3. To make the dressing, combine the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon, sugar, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Whisk until well combined and smooth.
4. When the pasta is completely cooled, add it to the bowl with the other pasta salad ingredients. Pour on the dressing and stir until everything is well combined.
5. Cover and chill macaroni salad in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. It will keep for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

How to Make Classic Macaroni Salad

I use the classic short macaroni noodles in this macaroni salad, but a shell or elbow noodle will work equally as well. Be sure to rinse the noodles under cold water and drain well to remove any excess water so your salad doesn’t become soupy.

Prep: 15min

Total: 35min

Serving Size: 1 serving

Nutrition Facts: calories 357 kcal, Carbohydrate 37 g, Protein 8 g, Fat 19 g, Saturated Fat 3 g, Cholesterol 65 mg, Sodium 208 mg, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 4 g, servingSize 1 serving

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ditalini pasta (, or other short pasta or shell)
• 3 hard-boiled eggs (, diced)
• 2 celery ribs (, minced)
• 1 red bell pepper (, seeded and minced)
• 1/4 red onion (, minced)
• 1/4 cup sweet pickles (, chopped)
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon pickle juice
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Chopped parsley if desired.

Instruction:

1. Cook the pasta in salted water according to the package directions, Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water until cooled. Shake the colander to toss the pasta, and drain for about 5 minutes, tossing occasionally.
2. Transfer the drained pasta to a large bowl. Add the eggs, celery, red bell pepper, red onion and sweet pickles. In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, pickle juice, sugar, and Dijon mustard; season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add to the macaroni and toss until evenly coated. Season with more salt and pepper to taste then refrigerate for 1 hour before serving. Sprinkle with chopped parsley to add a little color if desired.

Simple Macaroni Salad Recipe

This Simple Macaroni Salad Recipe is filled with all the classic ingredients, tossed in a creamy sauce and perfect for summer potlucks and parties!

Prep: 10min

Total: 25min

Yield: 12

Serving Size: 1 serving

Nutrition Facts: calories 321 kcal, Sugar 5 g, Sodium 429 mg, Fat 18 g, Saturated Fat 5 g, Carbohydrate 33 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 6 g, Cholesterol 18 mg, servingSize 1 serving

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. elbow macaroni noodles (uncooked)
• 1/4 cup diced celery
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup cubed sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup mayo
• 1/4 cup distilled vinegar
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instruction:

1. {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Cook the noodles according to package instructions, then drain and rinse with cool water. I like to add a few ice cubes to the noodles while running cool water over them to help cool the noodles faster. Drain and add pasta to a large bowl.’, ‘name’: ‘Cook the noodles according to package instructions, then drain and rinse with cool water. I like to add a few ice cubes to the noodles while running cool water over them to help cool the noodles faster. Drain and add pasta to a large bowl.’, ‘url’: ‘https://iwashyoudry.com/simple-macaroni-salad-recipe/#wprm-recipe-33471-step-0-0’}
2. {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Add in the diced celery, red onion, red bell pepper, peas and cheese.’, ‘name’: ‘Add in the diced celery, red onion, red bell pepper, peas and cheese.’, ‘url’: ‘https://iwashyoudry.com/simple-macaroni-salad-recipe/#wprm-recipe-33471-step-0-1’}
3. {‘@type’: ‘HowToSection’, ‘name’: ‘For the Dressing:’, ‘itemListElement’: [{‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Whisk together the dressing ingredients in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.’, ‘name’: ‘Whisk together the dressing ingredients in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.’, ‘url’: ‘https://iwashyoudry.com/simple-macaroni-salad-recipe/#wprm-recipe-33471-step-1-0’}, {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Pour the dressing into the large bowl and stir to coat evenly. Keep the salad covered and refrigerated until ready to serve. Enjoy!’, ‘name’: ‘Pour the dressing into the large bowl and stir to coat evenly. Keep the salad covered and refrigerated until ready to serve. Enjoy!’, ‘url’: ‘https://iwashyoudry.com/simple-macaroni-salad-recipe/#wprm-recipe-33471-step-1-1’}]}

Quick and Delicious Macaroni Salad Recipe

FAQ

What are the five mistakes to avoid pasta salad?

1. Not using the right size and shape of pasta. …
2. Overcooking or undercooking the pasta. …
3. Not seasoning the pasta enough. …
4. Not dressing the pasta salad while it’s still warm. …
5. Making your pasta salad too far in advance.

Who has best macaroni salad?

Popularity
#1	Macaroni Salad Walmart Deli	0.75 cup
#2	Macaroni Salad, Original Walmart Deli	0.75 cup
#3	Suddenly Pasta Salad, Creamy Macaroni Betty Crocker	0.33 cup as pkgd
#4	Macaroni Salad Kroger	0.67 cup

What’s macaroni salad made of?

Why is Hawaiian mac salad so good?