If you’re a fan of classic comfort food with a twist, you’re about to fall in love with the Best Macaroni Salad. This beloved picnic side dish has it all: tender elbow macaroni, a creamy tangy dressing, crisp veggies, just the right touch of sweetness and zest, and luscious bites of hard-boiled egg. Ready in under 30 minutes and perfect for make-ahead gatherings, the Best Macaroni Salad is your new go-to recipe for potlucks, BBQs, and family dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the secret to making macaroni salad truly special. Each item brings its own magic—whether it’s a pop of crunch, a burst of color, or a layer of flavor—and together, they make every bite sing.
- Elbow macaroni (2 cups, uncooked): The classic shape holds the dressing and mix-ins perfectly for ideal texture in every spoonful.
- Mayonnaise (1 cup): The creamy backbone of the dressing, binding everything together in smooth, rich decadence.
- Apple cider vinegar (2 tablespoons): Adds that subtle tang that brightens the entire salad without overpowering it.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): For a gentle kick and extra depth, this brings a little zip that keeps the flavors lively.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon): Just a hint balances out the acidity and highlights the other flavors.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning, it helps all the ingredients shine.
- Ground black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds gentle warmth and complexity – don’t skip it!
- Celery (1/2 cup, diced): Brings irresistible crunch and a refreshing note to every bite.
- Red bell pepper (1/2 cup, diced): For sweetness, color, and a pop of summer freshness.
- Red onion (1/4 cup, diced): A punch of savoriness and just enough bite to keep things interesting.
- Hard-boiled eggs (2, chopped): Creamy, rich, and utterly satisfying – a classic salad addition.
- Sweet pickle relish (1/4 cup): Sweet and tangy, this is the secret ingredient for a truly addictive macaroni salad.
How to Make the Best Macaroni Salad
Step 1: Boil and Cool Your Macaroni
Start by bringing a generously salted pot of water to a boil and cook your elbow macaroni according to the package directions—usually around 8 to 10 minutes for that perfectly al dente texture. Once done, drain the macaroni well and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly. This step is crucial for the Best Macaroni Salad: cool pasta means your creamy dressing won’t separate or turn oily.
Step 2: Whisk the Creamy Dressing
Grab a big mixing bowl and whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is completely uniform and silky. This flavorful dressing is what takes the Best Macaroni Salad over the top, delivering tanginess and creaminess in every forkful.
Step 3: Add Your Fresh and Crunchy Mix-ins
To your bowl of luscious dressing, add the cooled macaroni along with the diced celery, red bell pepper, red onion, chopped hard-boiled eggs, and sweet pickle relish. Gently fold everything together with a spatula or big spoon, making sure every noodle and veggie is nicely coated with that dreamy sauce. Be careful not to overmix so the veggies keep their bright color and crunch.
Step 4: Chill and Let the Flavors Mingle
Once it’s all mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least an hour. This resting time is where the magic happens as flavors meld and the salad firms up to the perfect consistency. If you like your macaroni salad extra creamy, stir in a touch more mayo just before serving.
How to Serve the Best Macaroni Salad
Garnishes
Give the Best Macaroni Salad a finishing touch by sprinkling it with a little extra black pepper, sliced green onions, or even a dusting of smoked paprika for gorgeous color. You can also top it with a few sprigs of fresh parsley or dill to add brightness and a pop of green.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs perfectly with classic summer fare like grilled chicken, burgers, or BBQ ribs. Serve it alongside corn on the cob, baked beans, or a fresh watermelon salad for a vibrant and satisfying spread that will make everyone come back for seconds.
Creative Ways to Present
For picnics or potlucks, scoop the salad into individual mason jars or colorful cups for easy serving and a fun visual twist. Want to impress at a dinner party? Mound it onto a bed of crisp lettuce leaves or serve in a hollowed-out bell pepper for a wow-worthy presentation that makes the Best Macaroni Salad truly unforgettable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, pop them into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to four days. The salad actually gets better as it sits, with flavors deepening each day. If it looks a little dry after chilling, stir in a bit more mayo before serving for that just-made creaminess.
Freezing
While macaroni salad can technically be frozen, it’s not recommended. The creamy dressing tends to separate and the veggies lose their crispness after thawing, so for the best texture and taste, it’s best to enjoy it fresh or from the fridge within a few days.
Reheating
The Best Macaroni Salad is served chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need for reheating. Just give it a quick stir, add an extra spoonful of mayo if needed, and it’s ready to enjoy whenever the craving strikes.
FAQs
Can I make the Best Macaroni Salad a day ahead?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a day in advance lets the flavors develop beautifully. Just remember to give it a good stir and add a little extra mayo if it seems dry before serving.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
If you want to lighten things up, substitute half the mayo with Greek yogurt for a tangy, creamy twist. You can also try using a vegan mayo alternative for an egg-free version that still tastes delicious.
Is there a way to make it gluten-free?
Definitely—just swap the regular elbow macaroni for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Keep in mind that gluten-free pastas can sometimes become mushy, so cook them just until al dente and rinse thoroughly before using.
How long will macaroni salad stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the Best Macaroni Salad will stay fresh for up to four days. Be sure to keep it chilled and only take out portions as needed, especially on warm days.
Can I add more vegetables or protein?
Go for it! This salad is super versatile. Chopped cucumber, peas, or shredded carrot are great veggie additions. If you want some extra protein, diced ham or shredded rotisserie chicken make it even heartier for lunchboxes or weeknight dinners.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a go-to dish that’s equal parts easy, creamy, and impossible to resist, the Best Macaroni Salad is your answer. Don’t wait for summer—give it a try, share it with friends and family, and watch it become a staple on your table, season after season!
Print
the Best Macaroni Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Best Macaroni Salad recipe is a classic favorite packed with flavor and creamy goodness. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or potlucks!
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Add-Ins:
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Boil the macaroni until al dente. Rinse with cold water once cooked.
- Prepare Dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Ingredients: Toss macaroni, celery, bell pepper, onion, eggs, and pickle relish in the dressing.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, add extra mayo before serving.
- You can use Greek yogurt to lighten the dressing.
- Best made ahead and chilled for enhanced flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
