Description
Easy Macaroni Salad is a classic, creamy side dish perfect for barbecues, picnics, or potlucks. With tender pasta, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy-sweet dressing, it’s always a crowd-pleaser and simple to make ahead.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1–2 tsp sugar (to taste)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup celery, finely chopped
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- Optional add-ins: hard-boiled eggs, sweet pickles, peas, shredded carrots
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Add the cooked macaroni, celery, red bell pepper, and onion to the bowl. Toss to coat evenly in the dressing.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
- Stir before serving. Adjust seasoning if needed and garnish as desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half Greek yogurt and half mayo.
- Make it up to a day in advance for best flavor and convenience.
- Rinse pasta under cold water to stop the cooking and keep it from sticking.
- Sweet pickles or relish add a nice touch of tangy sweetness.
- Chop vegetables finely for the best texture and distribution.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Salad
- Method: Boiling, Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: easy macaroni salad, classic pasta salad, creamy picnic side, summer BBQ salad, potluck macaroni salad, cold pasta dish