This recipe for The Best Macaroni Salad delivers on its promise, offering a perfectly balanced, creamy, and flavorful side dish that’s ideal for potlucks, barbecues, or any casual gathering. With tender pasta, a tangy-sweet dressing, and a delightful crunch from fresh vegetables, it’s a timeless crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
Ingredient Quantity
Elbow macaroni (or any small pasta shape) 2 cups
Mayonnaise (Duke’s or Hellmann’s recommended!) 1 cup
Yellow mustard 2 tablespoons
White vinegar (or apple cider vinegar for a milder flavor) 2 tablespoons
Granulated sugar (adjust to taste) 2 tablespoons
Salt 1/2 teaspoon
Black pepper 1/4 teaspoon
Finely diced celery 1 cup
Finely diced red onion 1/2 cup
Shredded carrots (optional, for added color and nutrition) 1/2 cup
Hard-boiled egg, chopped (optional, for richness) 1
Optional Add-Ins:
Add-in
Diced bell peppers
Frozen peas, thawed
Cooked and crumbled bacon
Shredded cheddar cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the 2 cups elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until it is al dente (tender but still firm to the bite). Drain the pasta thoroughly and immediately rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent stickiness. Let it cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Dressing In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 1 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons yellow mustard, 2 tablespoons white vinegar, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl with the dressing. Stir in the 1 cup finely diced celery, 1/2 cup finely diced red onion, 1/2 cup shredded carrots (if using), and any optional add-ins such as diced bell peppers, thawed frozen peas, cooked and crumbled bacon, or shredded cheddar cheese. Gently toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
Step 4: Chill Cover the salad bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours before serving. This crucial chilling time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and ensures the salad is thoroughly chilled, which enhances its refreshing taste.
Step 5: Adjust and Serve Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed; you might want to add a bit more salt, pepper, or sugar to reach your preferred balance of flavors. Garnish with the chopped hard-boiled egg (if using) or a sprinkle of paprika for a finishing touch and added visual appeal.