The creamy, tangy macaroni salad that belongs at every barbecue, picnic and family reunion.
Prep15 min
Cook10 min
Total25 min
Serves8
LevelEasy
What makes it special
Apple cider vinegar
Sugar
Red bell pepper
Fresh parsley
Every summer gathering I go to has a bowl of this on the table, and it's always the first thing to disappear. Tender pasta, little bits of crunchy vegetables and a creamy dressing with just enough tang. Simple, nostalgic and so good.
Texture is everything
Cook the pasta al dente. Soft pasta turns mushy once it's dressed.
Rinse and cool it. A quick rinse stops the cooking; cool pasta keeps the dressing thick and creamy.
Dice the vegetables small. Celery, bell pepper and red onion should add crunch to every bite without taking over.
The dressing
Mayonnaise for richness, a little Dijon for depth, cider vinegar for brightness and a pinch of sugar to balance it all.
My tips
Salt the pasta water well.
Make it ahead; it tastes better after a few hours.
Taste again before serving. Chilled food needs a bit more seasoning.
Add a spoonful of mayo if it looks dry.
Variations
Heartier: diced ham, shredded chicken or chopped eggs.
Lighter: replace half the mayo with Greek yogurt.
Tangy: chopped pickles or a splash of pickle juice.
Colorful: peas, grated carrot or cucumber.
Serving
Burgers, barbecue chicken, pulled pork and fried chicken all love this salad.
It keeps for 3 days in the fridge. Don't freeze it.
Classic creamy macaroni salad with tender elbows, crunchy diced vegetables and a tangy mayo-mustard dressing. Even better made ahead.
Salads Easy American
Prep
15 min
Cook
10 min
Total
25 min
Servings
8
Ingredients 11 items
Tap to check off as you go
Salad
Instructions 5 steps
1
Cook the macaroni in salted water until al dente, then drain and cool completely.
2
Whisk the mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper.
3
Toss the cooled pasta with the dressing.
4
Fold in the vegetables and parsley.
5
Chill for at least an hour before serving.
Nutrition per serving
Calories
340
Protein
6g
Carbs
38g
Fat
18g
Sugar
3g
Fiber
2g
Sodium
420mg
Questions, answered
Can I make it the day before?
Yes, and I recommend it. The flavors get better overnight.
Can I use another pasta shape?
Small shells or ditalini work well too.
How do I stop it drying out?
Save a little dressing and stir it in just before serving.
Recipe by
Denise
Home cook, baker and serial recipe tweaker. I share the dishes my family asks for most, written step by step so they turn out right in your kitchen too.
