Creamy, tangy and full of nostalgic flavor, my classic macaroni salad recipe is a guaranteed hit at any picnic, cookout or potluck!
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This macaroni salad brings me right back to childhood summers. I can still picture the paper plates loaded with food, the folding chairs sinking into the grass, and someone calling out from across the yard, “Who brought the mac salad?!”
These days, macaroni salad is one of my must-makes for picnics, potlucks, or backyard BBQs. I like to serve it alongside summer favorites like Curry Chicken Salad, grilled meats slathered in Homemade BBQ Sauce, and my tried-and-true Baked Beans. This version of macaroni salad is creamy and tangy with a little crunch from finely diced veggies and that touch of sweetness that makes each bite feel like comfort food.
I make a big bowl ahead of time so the flavors can do their thing in the fridge, and no matter how much I make, somehow there are never leftovers!
This is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to summer after summer!
Macaroni Salad Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this easy, classic macaroni salad recipe, with some substitution options in case you don’t have the below on-hand:
- Elbow macaroni – elbow macaroni is the classic pasta shape for macaroni salad for a reason! The dressing and finely chopped ingredients get into the little tube-shaped pastas. I especially like elbows with ridges!
- Celery – celery just makes macaroni salad better. It adds a refreshing crunch that cuts the richness of the creamy dressing.
- Dill pickles – dill pickles add tang! I like buying mini (snack-sized) pickles because they are easier to chop up and are extra crunchy. You can also use sweet pickles if preferred!
- Red onion – for more crunch and tang, red onion is your friend!
- Red bell pepper – red bell pepper adds more color and a touch of sweetness.
- Chives – chives add mild onion flavor and a pop of green. You can also use scallion.
- Hard Boiled Eggs (optional) – chopped hard boiled eggs bring even more creaminess! You can buy them in the store or boil your own.
- Mayonnaise – mayo is the base for classic macaroni salad. I like Hellmann’s!
- Dijon mustard – Dijon mustard cuts the richness of the mayo while still keeping that creamy texture of the dressing.
- White wine vinegar – white wine vinegar thins out the dressing so it’s not too thick while adding a subtle tang. Don’t have it? You can use white balsamic or champagne vinegar instead.
- Honey – macaroni salad has that signature hint of sweetness, and I find honey is the easiest way to achieve this!
- Garlic – garlic makes everything better!
Watch the Video: How to Make Macaroni Salad
My Pro Tip
Tips for Making the Best Macaroni Salad
- Don’t overcook the pasta! Overcooked macaroni = mushy pasta salad.
- Rinse the pasta after cooking. This helps remove excess starch so the macaroni salad isn’t gloopy and the mayonnaise dressing doesn’t cook.
- Macaroni salad is at its creamiest when freshly made. As it sits in the fridge, the pasta will absorb some of the dressing and the salad may lose its creaminess. If desired, stir in a splash of milk, cream, or mayo mixed with a little vinegar to loosen and refresh the salad.
How Long Can You Keep Macaroni Salad?
Store macaroni salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Before serving, give it a good stir! If needed, loosen it with a splash of milk, cream, or mayonnaise mixed with a bit of vinegar. For food safety, avoid leaving it out at room temperature for more than one to two hours!
Freezing is not recommended since mayonnaise-based pasta salads do not hold up well.
More Pasta Salad Recipes You’ll Love!
If you’ve tried this Macaroni Salad Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please let me know in the comments below. I love hearing from you. Please consider leaving a 🌟 star rating while you are here!
Best Macaroni Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- ¾ cup finely diced celery, including some celery leaves
- ¾ cup finely diced dill pickles, or sweet pickles
- ½ cup finely chopped red onion
- ½ cup finely diced red bell pepper
- ¼ cup chopped chives, or scallions
- 4 hard boiled eggs, diced (recommended but optional)
Macaroni Salad Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- ½ tablespoon honey
- 1 large garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Add celery, pickles, onion, bell pepper, and chives to a large bowl. Set aside.
- Boil the macaroni according to the package instructions.
- While pasta is boiling, mix together the mayo, mustard, vinegar, honey, garlic, and salt and pepper.
- When the pasta is al dente, drain into a colander and rinse the pasta well under cold running water to release excess starch.
- Shake dry, and then add the pasta and the dressing to the veggies.
- Toss, add the chopped egg and more salt and pepper, and toss again. Serve right away or store, covered, in the fridge until ready to enjoy!
Video
Notes
- You can buy hard boiled eggs or make them according to the directions linked above.
- Macaroni salad with be creamiest when served right away. Stored in the fridge, the pasta will soak up the dressing and become less creamy. If you want to loosen the dressing after storage, add a splash of milk, cream or mayo mixed with a splash of vinegar to rejuvenate!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
The hard-boiled eggs make this more hearty than most macaroni salads. I love that it incorporates that extra protein so I don’t end up in a carb coma afterward! Perfect as a side dish or full meal.
Love it! So true!! So glad you enjoyed.
Grace
So many macaroni salads can become too thick and congealed, but the dressing for this recipe has a light creaminess that is just the right texture and balance with the mustard. My new go-to!
Totally agree the texture is key!! Thanks for your review ๐
Grace
This tastes exactly like the one my mom used to make!!! So nostalgic. I love the addition of pickles (my mom didnโt do that). Thank you!!
Awesome! A little nostalgia, a little something new ๐
Grace