Here’s a creamy, classic Macaroni Salad recipe — perfect for cookouts, picnics, or as a simple side dish.
🥗 Classic Macaroni Salad
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (about 8 oz)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish (optional)
- Paprika, for garnish
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the pasta
- Cook macaroni in salted water according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
- Let cool completely.
2️⃣ Make the dressing
In a large bowl, mix together:
- Mayonnaise
- Mustard
- Vinegar
- Sugar
- Salt and pepper
3️⃣ Combine
- Add cooled macaroni, celery, onion, carrots, eggs, and relish to the bowl.
- Stir gently until evenly coated.
4️⃣ Chill
- Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor.
5️⃣ Serve
- Sprinkle with paprika before serving.
- Stir and adjust seasoning if needed.
Tips
- Creamier salad: Add an extra spoonful of mayo before serving if it thickens in the fridge.
- Protein boost: Add diced ham, shredded chicken, or tuna.
- Southern-style: Add more eggs and a bit more sugar for a sweeter version.
- Crunch factor: Toss in diced bell peppers or chopped pickles.
If you’d like, I can also give you a Hawaiian-style macaroni salad or a deviled egg macaroni salad version.
