This Best Macaroni Salad Recipe is creamy, refreshing, and full of classic flavor. Made with tender elbow macaroni, crisp veggies, and a tangy, slightly sweet dressing, it’s the perfect side for cookouts, picnics, or weeknight dinners. Every bite is balanced with crunch, creaminess, and a hint of freshness that makes it hard to resist.
Best Macaroni Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Best Macaroni Salad Recipe is creamy, refreshing, and full of classic flavor. Made with tender elbow macaroni, crisp veggies, and a tangy, slightly sweet dressing, it’s the perfect side for cookouts, picnics, or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup diced celery
- ½ cup chopped cucumber
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup shredded carrot
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil macaroni in salted water according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Let it cool completely.
- Make the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Add the veggies: Mix in celery, cucumber, onion, carrot, and parsley.
- Combine: Add cooled macaroni and toss until evenly coated.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
Make it lighter with Greek yogurt, or stir in ham or eggs for added protein. Use tricolor pasta for a colorful twist. Add a tablespoon of milk or mayo before serving if it thickens too much.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: macaroni salad, pasta salad, creamy salad, picnic side, summer recipe
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- Easy to make: Simple ingredients and quick prep time.
- Perfect for gatherings: Feeds a crowd and tastes even better chilled.
- Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins like eggs, peas, or ham.
- Make ahead friendly: Gets creamier as it chills overnight.
Pair this creamy macaroni salad with smoky Garlic Butter Shrimp or juicy grilled chicken for a complete summer meal. It’s also a great side next to Roasted Delicata Squash when you want something hearty and comforting.
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup diced celery
- ½ cup chopped cucumber
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup shredded carrot
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil macaroni in salted water according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Let it cool completely.
- Make the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Add the veggies: Mix in celery, cucumber, onion, carrot, and parsley.
- Combine: Add cooled macaroni and toss until evenly coated.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Tips & Variations
- Make it lighter: Use half mayo and half Greek yogurt.
- Boost the flavor: Add pickle juice or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
- Add protein: Stir in diced ham, chicken, or chopped hard-boiled eggs.
- Colorful twist: Use tricolor pasta for a fun, vibrant look.
For another refreshing side, try the Savory Apple Salad or creamy Roasted Tomato Basil Soup for pairing with grilled meats or sandwiches.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve chilled as a side with grilled chicken, burgers, or barbecue ribs.
- Use as a base for a picnic spread alongside baked beans and coleslaw.
- Top with extra parsley and a sprinkle of paprika for presentation.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Store: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Do not freeze: The creamy dressing can separate when thawed.
- Make ahead: Prepare up to 24 hours in advance. Stir before serving and add a spoon of mayo if needed for creaminess.
FAQs
More to Try
- Italian Pasta Salad
- Fresh Basil Cherry Tomato Pie
- Creamy Ground Beef Skillet
- Crispy Roasted Chickpeas
- Charcuterie Board
Conclusion
This Best Macaroni Salad Recipe delivers that classic creamy texture and refreshing crunch everyone loves. Whether served at summer barbecues, family potlucks, or Sunday dinners, it’s a dependable crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy. Creamy, tangy, and perfectly chilled — it’s the side dish you’ll make again and again.