No picnic or backyard BBQ is complete unless someone brings this Traditional Macaroni Salad Recipe. The classic macaroni salad is one of those delicious pasta salad recipes that never disappoints, a timeless mac salad perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or an easy summer dinner.
This creamy macaroni salad recipe has earned its place as a staple in American kitchens thanks to its simple preparation and irresistible taste. At its heart, a classic macaroni salad features tender elbow macaroni tossed with crisp vegetables and enveloped in a creamy dressing. The combination of textures and flavors makes this classic American pasta salad recipe a crowd-pleaser, perfect for serving alongside grilled meats or as a stand-alone dish.
We still have plenty of summer left, and homemade macaroni salad is good year round anyway. So... I thought I would share this classic traditional macaroni salad recipe with you today. It is perfect for your next picnic, family dinner or tail-gating (football season is about to kick-in after all). Feel free to swap up the vegetable additions a bit to suit your own tastes. After all, I think most families have their own version of macaroni salad. If yours doesn't yet, here is a starting point... make it your own.
Tip: One essential for making the best macaroni salad is a nice small somewhat even dice to all the vegetables you add. Switching some out or even adding bacon or cheese is great, but make sure the dice is small so your flavors combine & the small macaroni pasta isn't overwhelmed. The vegetables provide a nice crunch too.
Variations on the Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe
As traditional macaroni salad is such a popular pasta salad, there are of course many variations on the recipe. If you are trying to copy a macaroni salad you have had in the past and this one isn't quite there yet, try these simple changes.
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Add 1 tablespoon sweet relish (or sweet pickle relish) to the pasta salad
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1–2 tablespoons pickle juice or sweet pickle juice added in can provide a boost of flavor.
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For a creamier dressing, a ½ cup sour cream should do the trick.
- Include a little onion powder or garlic powder in the macaroni salad dressing if you find the fresh onions don't provide quite enough flavor for you.
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If you want to boost the protein in your macaroni salad, toss in some canned tuna or diced chicken.
- For cheese lovers, sprinkle shredded cheese such as cheddar or parmesan over the top.
- Some families use red wine vinegar rather than apple cider vinegar or distilled vinegar.
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Dijon mustard or even whole grain mustard can be used in place of the yellow mustard.
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Make the classic macaroni salad gluten-free, buy simple swapping gluten free pasta in to recipe. The rest of the macaroni salad ingredients are already free of gluten.
Storage
Macaroni salad can be made ahead of time and is best when chilled for at least an hour, or overnight.
Store macaroni salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
More Picnic Salads!
- Southern Potato Salad
- Broccoli and Bacon Salad
- Green Pea Salad
- Easy Potato Salad
- Strawberry Fluff Salad
Classic Macaroni Salad
Ingredients
- ½ lb elbow macaroni
- 1 cup Celery chopped
- 1 cup Bell Pepper chopped, green and/or red bell pepper
- 1 cup Cucumber Chopped
- ½ cup Red Onion chopped
- 3 Hard Boiled Eggs chopped
- ¼ cup Carrot diced
- pinch Paprika
- ¼ cup chopped Green Onion as garnish
Macaroni Salad Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoon vinegar distilled white vinegar or apple cider
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Begin by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until it’s just al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and keep the pasta firm. Set aside.
- Dice all the vegetables, made sure they are finely diced.
- Whisk dressing ingredients together well.
- Add the macaroni and finely diced veggies to the bowl of dressing and toss thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
- Chill in refrigerator for a few hours before serving.
Notes
- Macaroni salad can be made ahead of time and is best when chilled for at least an hour, or overnight.
- Store macaroni salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Nutrition
Billie @ Rowell Reviews says
This would be delicious at a picnic!
Stephanie says
My kids love macaroni salad, I have got to pin this to make later!
Shop with Me Mama (Kim) says
YUM! I love how creamy that looks. What a delicious summer salad!
Tami says
I had to comment on this post because at this very moment, I am eating lamb chops and macaroni salad. I didn't make it though, I bought it. I have to try your version though. Thank you so much for sharing the recipe.