Go Back
–+ servings
Macaroni salad ingredients arranged neatly on a white kitchen counter

Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe

This creamy macaroni salad is the ultimate crowd-pleasing side dish. With perfectly cooked pasta, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy-sweet dressing, it’s a classic recipe that never fails at picnics, barbecues, and family gatherings. Simple, comforting, and even better the next day!
No ratings yet
Print Pin
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 370kcal
Cost: $8

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot For boiling pasta
  • 1 Colander For draining and rinsing macaroni
  • 1 Large mixing bowl For combining ingredients
  • 1 Whisk For making the dressing
  • 1 Chef’s knife For chopping vegetables
  • 1 Cutting board For vegetable prep
  • 1 Box grater For shredding carrots
  • 1 Rubber spatula To gently fold ingredients
  • 1 Airtight container For storing salad

Ingredients

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni about 4 cups uncooked
  • 1 cup mayonnaise use full-fat for creaminess
  • 2 tablespoons white vinegar or apple cider vinegar for milder flavor
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard adds tang and depth
  • 2 tablespoons sugar balances the tangy dressing
  • 1 teaspoon salt season to taste
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground preferred
  • 1 cup celery finely diced
  • 0.5 cup red onion finely diced
  • 0.5 cup shredded carrots freshly grated
  • 0.25 cup bell pepper red or green, diced
  • 0.25 cup sweet pickle relish adds sweetness
  • 3 large hard-boiled eggs chopped, optional
  • 0.5 cup frozen peas thawed
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, optional garnish

Instructions

  • Cook macaroni in salted water until al dente, then rinse under cold water.
  • Whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper.
  • Dice celery, onion, carrots, bell pepper, and add to cooled pasta.
  • Pour dressing over pasta and vegetables; mix gently to coat evenly.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
  • Stir before serving and adjust creaminess if needed.

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.

Nutrition

Serving: 200g | Calories: 370kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 3.5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 90mg | Sodium: 420mg | Potassium: 220mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1200IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 1.4mg