Macaroni Salad is a classic creamy pasta salad with sweet and tangy flavors, perfect for picnics, barbecues, or any time you need a side dish. It is a well-rounded salad with plenty of flavor and texture in every bite! I also have Amish Macaroni Salad you may want to try.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: For the classic shape and texture, I used elbow macaroni cooked al dente. You could use other pasta shapes or make homemade shaped pasta.
Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise is the base of the creamy dressing that coats the macaroni. I have a delicious homemade mayonnaise that would be an option!
Sugar: Granulated sugar provides sweetness to the salad.
Vinegar: Look for distilled white vinegar to add a tangy flavor to the salad dressing. Although it may alter the taste, apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar could be substituted.
Vegetables: Celery and red onions are added to the salad to add flavor and texture to each bite. You could substitute celery with bell peppers or cucumbers for a similar crunch. Or, try sweet onions or green onions in place of red onions. You could also add even more vegetables if preferred!
Can I Make Macaroni Salad Ahead Of Time?
Yes! Macaroni salad should chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving, so it is a great option to make in advance. I like to make it a day ahead of time to let all of the flavors come together and improve the salad’s overall texture.
Add-Ins & Variations To Macaroni Salad
Macaroni Salad is very versatile and easy to customize to your tastes! Here are add-ins and variations you might consider:
- Add protein like cooked diced chicken, ham, or bacon.
- Cut up cubes of cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack to mix in the salad.
- Chop or slice hard-boiled eggs to add.
- Give the salad a tangy crunch by adding diced pickles or sweet relish.
- Do you like a little heat or spicy kick? Add a few dashes of hot sauce!
How To Store Macaroni Salad
Store macaroni salad in a sealed container in the refrigerator. It will last up to 2-3 days. When ready to serve, give it a good stir. You may need to add a little more mayonnaise to refresh the texture.
Macaroni Salad
Ingredients
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1 ½ cups (348 g) mayonnaise
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (59.5 g) distilled white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 ribs celery, diced (about ½ cup)
- 1 small red onion, finely diced (about ½ cup)
- parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook until al dente according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes). Drain water and set aside to cool while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
- To a large bowl, add mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Add cooled macaroni, celery, and onion. Toss to combine, ensuring everything is coated evenly in the dressing.
- Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour, up to overnight.
- Garnish with parsley. Serve.
Did you make this recipe?
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What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Elizabeth
A classic and delicious macaroni salad recipe. Perfect for many occasions or a light lunch!
Rachael
This is a great macaroni salad! Perfect flavor combination and perfect creaminess! You could add any meat to this for a great pasta salad base.
Annabelle
This is a classic salad! Easy to make, and super creamy!
Bella
I could eat spoonfuls of this without getting tired! It's classic, easy, and tasty all at the same time! It is a creamy salad with tangy and fresh flavors!
Selena
Super classic and yummy salad! Goes together super quickly and would be perfect at any potluck!
