Name: Best Classic Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked); ¾ cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon yellow mustard; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon sugar; ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste); ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup celery, finely diced; ⅓ cup red onion, finely diced; ½ cup red bell pepper, diced; ¼ cup carrots, shredded; 2 tablespoons dill pickle relish; Optional: 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re searching for a crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress, look no further than the Best Classic Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe. This timeless treat brings together tender elbow macaroni and a luscious, tangy dressing that clings perfectly to every bite. With crunchy vegetables adding freshness and bursts of flavor, this macaroni salad is an absolute star at BBQs, potlucks, and casual dinners alike. It’s the kind of recipe that friends beg to have again and again, making it a must-have staple in your recipe collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a wooden cutting board on a white marbled surface with four piles of chopped vegetables arranged in rows. From top to bottom, the first layer is light green chopped celery, the second layer is bright green chopped green onions, the third layer is dark green chopped kale, and the fourth layer is bright orange-red chopped carrots. A knife with a light brown handle rests across the middle of the board. Nearby, there is a white bowl filled with cooked elbow macaroni pasta at the bottom right and a small white bowl with diced celery to the top right. A woman's hand is reaching in from the right edge, near two garlic cloves lying on the surface. A folded mint green cloth is on the left side of the board. The light is soft and natural. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the key to making this macaroni salad shine. Each component plays an essential role, whether it’s providing creamy texture, zippy tang, or vibrant color that makes this dish as beautiful as it is delicious.

2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked): The classic pasta shape that holds the creamy dressing perfectly and adds satisfying bite.
¾ cup mayonnaise: Creates that signature smooth and creamy base for the salad’s luscious mouthfeel.
1 tablespoon yellow mustard: Adds a subtle tanginess that balances the richness.
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Provides a bright, slightly fruity acidity to lift all the flavors.
1 tablespoon sugar: Just a touch to counterbalance the vinegar and bring harmony to the dressing.
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste): Enhances every ingredient’s natural flavor perfectly.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle warmth without overpowering the salad.
½ cup celery, finely diced: Offers refreshing crunch and subtle earthiness.
⅓ cup red onion, finely diced: Brings a sharp bite and vibrant purple hue that brightens the dish visually.
½ cup red bell pepper, diced: Sweet, colorful, and perfect for texture contrast.
¼ cup carrots, shredded: Adds a hint of natural sweetness and cheerful orange color.
2 tablespoons dill pickle relish: Imparts a zesty, tangy pop that makes this salad uniquely addictive.
Optional: 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped: For an extra layer of richness and protein if you want it to be more filling.

How to Make Best Classic Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni Just Right

Start by boiling your elbow macaroni in salted water according to the package directions. The key is to cook it until just tender—al dente is best—to avoid mushiness. Once cooked, drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and help it cool quickly. This step ensures your macaroni salad has the perfect texture with firm, separate noodles ready to soak up that creamy dressing.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until smooth and fully incorporated. This dressing is the heart and soul of the Best Classic Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe—rich, tangy, and just the right balance of sweet and savory. It’s what turns simple macaroni and veggies into something truly special.

Step 3: Mix in the Vegetables and Pasta

Add the cooled macaroni along with the diced celery, red onion, red bell pepper, shredded carrots, and dill pickle relish into the bowl with the dressing. Gently stir everything together until all the ingredients are coated evenly. This is where the salad comes alive with vibrant colors and textures, the veggies adding freshness and crunch that contrast perfectly with the creamy noodles.

Step 4: Fold in Optional Hard-Boiled Eggs

If using hard-boiled eggs, fold them in gently now. They offer a subtle richness and extra protein, making your macaroni salad a bit heartier and more satisfying. This step is optional but highly recommended for a classic touch that’s sure to be appreciated.

Step 5: Chill for Flavor

Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. This chilling time is crucial—it allows the flavors to meld beautifully and gives the macaroni salad its signature creamy, cohesive taste that everyone loves. Trust me, it tastes even better the next day!

How to Serve Best Classic Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe

A close-up of a white bowl filled with a three-layered pasta salad. The bottom layer has creamy, yellow macaroni shaped like small tubes. The middle layer includes small pieces of pink shrimp mixed evenly throughout. The top layer is sprinkled with small green herbs and tiny bits of red pepper. In the center, a small bunch of fresh green parsley sits as decoration. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle the top with a few fresh herbs like chopped parsley or dill for a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens each bite. If you’re feeling fancy, a dusting of paprika can add a lovely warm hue and a hint of subtle spice that complements the creamy dressing.

Side Dishes

This macaroni salad shines alongside grilled meats like juicy burgers, smoky ribs, or tender chicken. It’s also a fantastic partner for picnic staples such as sandwiches or fried chicken, balancing rich and savory flavors with its tangy creaminess. No matter your main dish, this salad is a perfect, crowd-pleasing sidekick.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn the salad into individual portions by serving it in clear cups or small bowls for parties—easy to grab and enjoy. You can also stuff it into hollowed-out tomatoes or mini bell peppers for a colorful and fun appetizer. Presentation primes the palate and can make this classic side feel extra special and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your macaroni salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors continue to develop as it sits, so leftovers are often tastier than freshly made. Just give it a gentle stir before serving and add a little extra mayonnaise if it seems dry.

Freezing

It’s best to avoid freezing this salad because mayonnaise and crunchy vegetables don’t hold up well to freezing and thawing. The texture can become watery or mushy, so if you want to prep in advance, it’s better to assemble fresh or store only for short-term refrigeration.

Reheating

This macaroni salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. Simply take it out of the fridge about 10–15 minutes before serving to let it warm slightly if you prefer, but it’s always delicious chilled straight from the fridge.

FAQs

Can I make this macaroni salad vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute the mayonnaise for a vegan or plant-based mayo, and omit the hard-boiled eggs or replace them with vegan alternatives. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly, ensuring you still get that creamy, delicious texture and taste.

What can I add to make it more flavorful?

Enhance your salad with extras like chopped fresh herbs (dill or parsley), a dash of smoked paprika, or even some chopped celery seed for extra bite. Adding a splash of pickle juice can also elevate the tang and deepen the flavor profile wonderfully.

Is it okay to use other types of pasta?

While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can certainly use other small pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or mini farfalle. Just make sure they’re bite-sized so they mix well with the veggies and dressing, keeping that balanced texture everyone loves.

Can I prepare parts of the salad in advance?

You can definitely cook and cool the pasta ahead of time and keep the dressing mixed separately. Veggies can be chopped in advance too. Just combine everything and stir together right before serving for the freshest flavor and ideal texture.

How can I adjust the salad if I like it less creamy?

If you prefer a lighter salad, reduce the mayonnaise slightly and add a bit more apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness. You can also stir in a little Greek yogurt for tang without as much richness, creating a refreshing twist on the classic.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give the Best Classic Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe a try because it’s one of those timeless dishes that brings people together. It’s simple yet packed with flavor, offering a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and crunchy that makes every gathering brighter. Once you taste this, it might just become your go-to recipe for every picnic, BBQ, and comfort meal. Enjoy every creamy forkful!