Macaroni Salad – Spend With Pennies
This classic macaroni salad recipe has been a family favorite for gatherings for many years.
With tender elbow macaroni, a creamy dressing and a handful of add-ins, I love how easy it comes together.
Potluck perfect, it’s an easy favorite for almost any occasion.
Macaroni Salad Ingredients
Macaroni noodles hold a special place in my heart beyond just mac and cheese. The this is the best macaroni salad recipe – simple, tasty, and easy to make!
- Pasta: I love elbow macaroni but any short pasta will work for this recipe.
- Red onion: Onion adds flavor, ensure it is finely diced so it doesn’t overpower the other flavors. For a milder flavor either soak the diced onion in cold water or use green onion in place.
- Add-Ins: Celery, red bell pepper, and shredded carrots add freshness and crunch.
Dressing for Macaroni Salad
- Mayonnaise: Mayo is the creamy base of this macaroni salad recipe.
- Tang: White vinegar or apple cider vinegar add a bright, tangy flavor.
- Sweetness: A bit of sugar and a spoonful of sweet pickle relish balance the tang from the vinegar.
- Seasoning: Mustard, salt, & pepper add a subtle flavor. You can also use prepared mustard.
To lighten up the dressing, you can substitute half of the mayo for Greek yogurt.
Variations
- Dressing: Replace the homemade dressing with prepared coleslaw dressing.
- Bold – cheese, bacon bits, diced ham, dill pickles
- Savory – garlic powder, hard boiled eggs
- Sweet – baby peas, sweet bell peppers, sweet pickles, or extra pickle relish
How to Make Macaroni Salad
- Cook Pasta: Boil, drain, and cool the macaroni per the recipe below.
- Prepare Add-Ins: While the macaroni is boiling, chop the veggies or add-ins.
- Mix & Chill: Mix the dressing ingredients and toss with the macaroni and add-ins.
Tips for The Best Macaroni Salad
- Elbows can be swapped for ditalini, small shells, or wagon wheels.
- Dice the add-ins about the size of the macaroni for a bit in each bite.
- Rinse the pasta after draining to stop it from cooking.
- Mix the dressing directly in the salad bowl and then add the other ingredients, one less dish to wash.
- Store leftovers in the fridge in a covered container for up to 4 days.
More Easy Sides
Did your family love this macaroni salad? Leave a comment and rating below!
Macaroni Salad
Everyone loves this classic macaroni salad recipe! Elbow macaroni and a handful of add-ins in a simple homemade dressing.
Prevent your screen from going dark
- In a large pot, cook the elbow macaroni in salted water according to the instructions on the package. Do not overcook. Drain well and rinse it under cold water to stop cooking.
- To make the dressing, in a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, relish, mustard, salt and pepper a small bowl. Mix well.
- In a large bowl, add the cooled macaroni, the dressing, celery, carrots, red pepper, and onion. Mix well. Taste and add additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Refrigerate the macaroni salad for at least 1 hour before serving.
*You will need 2 to 2 ½ cups of add-ins. Use the list above for a basic macaroni salad or change them to your liking. Other favorite add-ins include pickles, olives, ham, sweet peas, and cheddar cheese.
- Elbows can be swapped for ditalini, small shells, or wagon wheels.
- Dice the add-ins about the size of the macaroni.
- Rinse the pasta after draining to stop it from cooking.
- Mix the dressing directly in the salad bowl and then add the other ingredients, one less dish to wash!
- Store leftovers in the fridge in a covered container for up to 4 days.
Calories: 432 | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 17g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 408mg | Potassium: 214mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 2332IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Pasta, Salad, Side Dish
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Can you freeze macaroni salad?
Sadly, it does not freeze well.
How long is macaroni salad good for?
Macaroni salad is best made beforehand, making it party-perfect. Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
What to eat with macaroni salad?
We love to serve macaroni salad as a side for anything off the grill! Bbq chicken, hot dogs, or hamburgers are great options. It’s also a great dish to serve with pulled pork
