Macaroni Salad

Macaroni salad is a classic, creamy, and comforting dish that brings a touch of nostalgia to any meal. Its tender pasta, crisp vegetables, and rich dressing make it a favorite for family dinners, casual lunches, or busy weeknights. I love tossing it together when I want something simple but satisfying—no fuss, just good food that everyone enjoys. This macaroni salad is versatile enough to pair with grilled proteins, enjoy on its own, or pack for a picnic. It’s an easy, cool dish that fits perfectly into everyday life, especially when you want a quick, wholesome side.

creamy macaroni salad in a white bowl 1

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This macaroni salad is both cozy and practical, which makes it a recipe you’ll come back to often. The creamy dressing clings to perfectly cooked pasta, while crisp vegetables add freshness and crunch. It’s incredibly easy to make, and the ingredients are simple, budget-friendly, and easy to find. Leftovers taste just as good the next day, making it weeknight-friendly and ideal for meal prep. You can customize it with herbs, extra vegetables, or protein for a crowd-pleasing dish. Whether you’re serving it alongside roasted chicken, packing it for lunch, or bringing it to a family gathering, this macaroni salad is versatile, approachable, and save-worthy for Pinterest boards.

creamy macaroni salad in a white bowl

Ingredients

Tip: Use elbow macaroni for the best texture—small pasta holds dressing beautifully.

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup celery, diced
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
macaroni salad ingredients on a white background

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Chop vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, and parsley while the pasta cools. Keep everything ready for easy assembly.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste. This creates a creamy, tangy base that will coat the pasta and vegetables evenly.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Add the cooled macaroni, celery, bell pepper, red onion, and eggs to the dressing. Gently fold everything together, ensuring each piece of pasta is coated. Sprinkle in parsley for freshness and mix lightly without mashing the vegetables.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. Taste before serving and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Serve chilled as a side or standalone dish, perfect for casual meals or gatherings.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

Macaroni salad is a lifesaver for busy schedules. It can be prepared ahead, stored in the fridge, and served straight from the container. Leftovers stay creamy and flavorful, so it works well for make-ahead lunches or family meals. Minimal cooking, quick chopping, and simple mixing make it approachable even on hectic days, letting you enjoy a homemade dish without stress.

Tips & Tricks

  • Perfect Pasta: Cook macaroni until just tender; overcooked pasta turns mushy and won’t hold the dressing well. Rinse under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
  • Creamy Dressing: Mix mayonnaise and sour cream thoroughly for smooth texture. Whisking avoids lumps and ensures even coating on pasta.
  • Vegetable Crunch: Dice vegetables uniformly to prevent large pieces from overwhelming the salad. This also makes each bite balanced and visually appealing.
  • Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a teaspoon of pickle juice for subtle tanginess. Taste as you go to avoid overpowering the base flavors.

Variations

  • Meaty Version: Stir in diced cooked ham, shredded rotisserie chicken, or crispy bacon for extra protein. It makes the salad heartier and transforms it into a main dish for casual family dinners.
  • Vegetarian Option: Add roasted vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or peas. This keeps it fresh and colorful while maintaining a plant-based profile for veggie-friendly meals.
  • Ingredient Swap: Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier dressing. You can also replace mayonnaise with avocado mayo for a dairy-free twist.
  • Flavor or Herb Boost: Mix in chopped dill, chives, or tarragon to elevate freshness. A teaspoon of lemon juice brightens the dish without changing the creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions

  • Classic Side: Serve alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or hot dogs for casual weeknight meals that the whole family will enjoy.
  • Picnic-Ready: Pack in airtight containers for a summer picnic or potluck. Easy to transport and keeps well for several hours.
  • Lunch Bowl: Spoon over greens and add chickpeas or tuna for a filling, cold lunch bowl that’s ready in minutes.
  • Appetizer Platter: Use small cups or ramekins to serve as a starter for gatherings. Add a sprinkle of paprika for Pinterest-worthy presentation.

Storage Instructions

  • Fridge Storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Stir before serving to redistribute dressing and freshness.
  • Reheating: Macaroni salad is best served cold; avoid microwaving. If desired, let it come to room temperature for 10–15 minutes.
  • Freezing: Not recommended, as the mayonnaise-based dressing may separate and change texture. Keep it fresh in the fridge instead.
  • Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare up to a day in advance to save time. Chill thoroughly to allow flavors to meld and improve taste.

Recipe Timing

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Rest Time: 1 hour (chilling)
  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Nutrition Information

Approximate per serving: 280–320 calories, 8–10 g protein, 15–18 g fat, 25–28 g carbohydrates. Rich in fiber from vegetables and moderate protein from eggs. Values vary depending on brands, portion sizes, and ingredient substitutions.

FAQs

Yes, it tastes better after chilling for 1–2 hours.

Pasta may be overcooked or not drained properly; rinse and cool fully.

Greek yogurt or avocado mayo works for a tangy or dairy-free version.

Adjust with a teaspoon of milk or vinegar to loosen dressing.

Up to 3–4 days in the fridge in an airtight container.

Conclusion

This macaroni salad is a reliable, cozy dish that fits effortlessly into everyday life. Its creamy texture, crisp vegetables, and tangy dressing make it a dish everyone will reach for again and again. Feel free to customize with herbs, proteins, or extra vegetables to match your family’s preferences. It’s an easy, chill, save-worthy recipe perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or casual meals. I always keep a batch ready for busy evenings or spontaneous gatherings. Macaroni salad proves that simple ingredients, tossed together thoughtfully, can create a comforting dish that never goes out of style.

Macaroni Salad
Print

Macaroni Salad

Recipe by Edan SalamonCourse: Salad Recipes
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

10

minutes
Calorieskcal

Ingredients

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni

  • 1 cup mayonnaise

  • 1/2 cup sour cream

  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

  • 1/2 cup celery, diced

  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced

  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

  • Step 1: Preparation
    Cook macaroni until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Chop vegetables, eggs, and parsley while pasta cools.
  • Step 2: Make Dressing
    Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  • Step 3: Combine Ingredients
    Add cooled pasta, vegetables, eggs, and parsley to the dressing. Fold gently to coat everything evenly.
  • Step 4: Chill & Serve
    Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour. Taste before serving and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve cold.

Notes

  • Storage Instructions
    Fridge: Airtight container up to 3–4 days.
    Reheating: Best served cold; let sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes if desired.
    Freezing: Not recommended, mayonnaise may separate.
    Make-Ahead: Prepare a day ahead for best flavor.

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