Description
Classic Macaroni Salad is a creamy, tangy, and delicious side dish perfect for picnics, barbecues, and potlucks. Made with tender elbow macaroni, crisp vegetables, and a flavorful dressing of mayonnaise, mustard, and vinegar, this salad is easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
Vegetables
- 1/2 medium red onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 rib celery, finely diced (about 1/3 cup)
- 1/2 green bell pepper, finely diced (about 1/3 cup)
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise (such as Duke’s)
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 3 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons white sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni: Cook macaroni according to the package directions in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cool water to stop cooking and cool the pasta.
- Prepare the dressing and vegetables: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, white vinegar, black pepper, sugar, salt, granulated garlic, and onion powder until smooth. Stir in the finely diced red onion, celery, and green bell pepper until well combined.
- Combine pasta and dressing: In a large bowl, place the cooled macaroni. Pour about half of the prepared dressing over the pasta and toss thoroughly to coat each piece of macaroni. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld.
- Finish and serve: Before serving, add the remaining dressing to the macaroni salad and toss to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired. Serve chilled.
Notes
- For best flavor, refrigerate the macaroni salad overnight to allow the ingredients to fully meld.
- You can add extra vegetables like chopped carrots or pickles for more texture and taste.
- Use full-fat mayonnaise for a creamier salad, or substitute with a lighter version for a lower calorie option.
- This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
- Customize sweetness or tanginess by adjusting the amount of sugar and vinegar to your taste.
