This classic macaroni salad recipe has been a family favorite for gatherings for many years.
With tender elbow macaroni, a creamy dressing and a handful of add-ins, I love how easy it comes together.
Potluck perfect, it’s an easy favorite for almost any occasion.
Macaroni Salad Ingredients
Macaroni noodles hold a special place in my heart beyond just mac and cheese. The this is the best macaroni salad recipe – simple, tasty, and easy to make!
- Pasta: I love elbow macaroni but any short pasta will work for this recipe.
- 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 add a bright, tangy flavor.
- Sweetness: A bit of sugar and a spoonful of sweet pickle relish balance the tang from the vinegar.
- Seasoning: Mustard, salt, & pepper add a subtle flavor. You can also use prepared mustard.
To lighten up the dressing, you can substitute half of the mayo for Greek yogurt.
Variations
- Dressing: Replace the homemade dressing with prepared coleslaw dressing.
- Bold – cheese, bacon bits, diced ham, dill pickles
- Savory – garlic powder, hard boiled eggs
- Sweet – baby peas, sweet bell peppers, sweet pickles, or extra pickle relish
How to Make Macaroni Salad
- Cook Pasta: Boil, drain, and cool the macaroni per the recipe below.
- Prepare Add-Ins: While the macaroni is boiling, chop the veggies or add-ins.
- Mix & Chill: Mix the dressing ingredients and toss with the macaroni and add-ins.
Tips for The Best Macaroni Salad
- Elbows can be swapped for ditalini, small shells, or wagon wheels.
- Dice the add-ins about the size of the macaroni for a bit in each bite.
- 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.
More Easy Sides
Did your family love this macaroni salad? Leave a comment and rating below!
Macaroni Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ pound elbow macaroni uncooked (approx. 2 cups dry), or any short pasta
Add Ins* (see note)
- 1 cup celery diced
- ½ cup carrots shredded
- ½ cup red bell pepper diced
- ¼ cup red onion diced, or 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 and black pepper
Instructions
-
In a large pot, cook the elbow macaroni in salted water according to the instructions on the package. Do not overcook. Drain well and rinse it under cold water to stop cooking.
-
To make the dressing, in a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, relish, mustard, salt and pepper a small bowl. Mix well.
-
In a large bowl, add the cooled macaroni, the dressing, celery, carrots, red pepper, and onion. Mix well. Taste and add additional salt and pepper if desired.
-
Refrigerate the macaroni salad for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- 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
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
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Sadly, it does not freeze well.
Macaroni salad is best made beforehand, making it party-perfect. Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
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
More Make-Ahead Side Salads
- Italian Pasta Salad – five-star favorite
- Fresh Corn Salad
- Broccoli Salad– fresh & delicious
- Caprese Pasta Salad
- Cucumber Tomato Salad – full of flavor
- Creamy Cucumber Salad – creamy & fresh
Just made this with a few substitutions, was out of red pepper, I used half green and half orange. I was out of sweet relish so I used dill, cut back acv to 2 Tbls due to other reviews. I also added 4 oz of cubed cheese. Very creamy and tastes great!
Excellent and easy!
Made this and loved it (didn’t use relish though). My husband doesn’t care for the vinegar and definately not lemon juice. Can the mayo be thinned with just water and if so any additional spices needed to take the place of the vinegar? Thank you.
Hi Sue, I have never tried making this recipe without vinegar so I can’t say for sure. I would love to hear how it turns out for you if you try.
Hi I liked everything but the carrots, just a personal taste and felt like they didn’t belong.However still a wonderful salad.
Thank-you Holly.
please don’t be offended
Glad you enjoyed the mac salad overall Sami! The great thing is that it’s an easy salad to swap in your own favorites. Happy cooking!
I have made this multiple times and it is always a hit! I am making it again this weekend for my sons surprise 30th birthday party because this is his favorite macaroni salad. It is such a hit with my family I double or triple the recipe so they can take some home. Delicious!
I love that! I am glad everyone enjoyed it, Martha.