Classic Creamy Macaroni Salad: A Perfect Side Dish for Any Occasion
Description
Classic Creamy Macaroni Salad is a timeless, crowd-pleasing side dish known for its tender elbow macaroni, crunchy vegetables, and smooth, tangy-sweet dressing. It pairs perfectly with barbecue, picnics, potlucks, holiday meals, and weeknight dinners. The flavors come together beautifully after chilling—making it even better when prepared ahead of time.
Total Time Overview
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 1 hour (recommended for best flavor)
Total time: 25 minutes active, 1 hour 25 minutes including chilling
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
For the Salad
2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked; about 8 oz)
1 cup celery, finely diced
¾ cup red bell pepper (or green), finely chopped
½ cup red onion, finely diced
¾ cup carrots, shredded or finely chopped
½ cup sweet pickles or relish (optional but classic)
For the Creamy Dressing
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp sour cream (optional for extra creaminess)
1 tbsp Dijon or yellow mustard
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
1–2 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
½ tsp salt (plus more to taste)
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp paprika (optional)
1–2 tbsp pickle juice or milk (to thin, if needed)
Instructions
1. Cook the macaroni
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8–10 minutes.
Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta.
Shake off excess water (excess water can thin the dressing).
2. Prepare the dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
Mayonnaise
Sour cream (if using)
Mustard
Vinegar
Sugar
Salt
Black pepper
Paprika
Taste and adjust sweetness, tanginess, and seasoning.
3. Combine the salad
Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl of dressing.
Fold in celery, bell pepper, onion, carrots, and sweet pickles/relish.
Mix until fully coated.
4. Chill
Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour for the flavors to meld.
If salad thickens too much, stir in 1–2 tablespoons milk, mayonnaise, or pickle juice before serving.
Tips for the Best Macaroni Salad
Don’t overcook the pasta — mushy pasta ruins the texture.
Rinse pasta after cooking — keeps it cool and prevents sticking.
Chilling is essential — it helps flavors blend and improves texture.
Season generously — pasta absorbs dressing, so you may need extra salt or vinegar.
Add-ins enhance flavor — peas, cheddar cubes, boiled eggs, or ham are common additions.
Suggested Add-Ins (Optional)
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
½ cup frozen peas (thawed)
½ cup sharp cheddar cubes
½ cup chopped ham
Fresh herbs (parsley, dill)
Storage
Keeps 3–4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Not recommended for freezing.
If it dries out after a day, mix in a spoonful of mayo or milk.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is my macaroni salad dry?
Pasta absorbs dressing as it chills. Add an extra 2–3 tablespoons of dressing before chilling or stir in a little mayo or milk before serving.
2. Can I make it the day before?
Absolutely! Macaroni salad tastes better the next day after the flavors meld. Just refresh with a spoon of mayo before serving.
3. What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
Greek yogurt (for a lighter version)
A mayo–yogurt blend
Vegan mayonnaise
4. Do I have to use elbow macaroni?
No—small pasta shapes like shells, ditalini, or mini penne work great, as long as they hold the dressing.
5. Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes! Sugar is optional. Start with ½ tablespoon, taste, and add more only if needed.
6. How do I make it healthier?
Use light mayo or half Greek yogurt
Add more crunchy vegetables
Reduce sugar and salt
7. Can I serve macaroni salad warm?
It’s traditionally served chilled, but you can serve it at room temperature. Avoid serving warm if it contains mayonnaise for food-safety reasons.