Name: Classic Macaroni Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 4 h 30 min
Cuisine: American / Picnic
Ingredients: 4 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (yields about 10 servings); 1 cup mayonnaise; ⅔ cup white sugar (adjust to taste); ¼ cup distilled white vinegar; 2½ Tbsp prepared yellow mustard; 1½ tsp salt; ½ tsp ground black pepper; 2 stalks celery, chopped; 1 large onion, chopped; 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped; ¼ cup grated carrot (optional); 2 Tbsp chopped pimento peppers (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Short description

Classic Macaroni Salad is a creamy, chilled pasta salad featuring tender macaroni and crisp vegetables coated in a tangy, sweet-mustard dressing—perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or as a flavorful side dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Refreshing, cool, and creamy—ideal for warm-weather meals.
Combines a satisfying crunch from vegetables with soft pasta for great contrast.
Blends savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors for a perfect balance.
Simple and quick to prepare, yet gets even better when chilled overnight.
Easily customizable—adaptable to individual tastes and kitchen staples.

Classic Macaroni Salad

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (yields about 10 servings)
1 cup mayonnaise
⅔ cup white sugar (adjust to taste)
¼ cup distilled white vinegar
2½ Tbsp prepared yellow mustard
1½ tsp salt
½ tsp ground black pepper
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
¼ cup grated carrot (optional)
2 Tbsp chopped pimento peppers (optional)

Directions

Cook macaroni in salted water until al dente (about 8–10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to cool and prevent sticking.
In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
Gently stir in cooled macaroni and mix until evenly coated with dressing.
Add diced celery, bell pepper, onion, and any optional vegetables like carrot or pimentos. Toss to mix.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (preferably overnight) to let flavors meld and mellow.
Before serving, stir the salad and adjust seasoning if needed. If desired, stir in sour cream or a splash of extra mayo for richness.

Servings and timing

Servings: Approximately 8–10 servings
Prep time: 15–20 minutes
Cook time: 8–10 minutes
Chill time: At least 2 hours, ideally overnight
Total time: Around 30 minutes active time, plus chilling

Variations

Extra crunchy: Add diced hard-boiled egg, cucumber, shredded carrot, or shredded cheese.
Lightened-up version: Substitute half the mayo with Greek yogurt or sour cream.
Flavor boost: Use apple cider vinegar for a different tang.
Pickle lovers’ twist: Mix in chopped pickle relish or dill pickles for briny flavor.
Spiced-up: Add a dash of paprika, garlic powder, or a pinch of cayenne for subtle heat.
Vegan alternative: Use vegan mayonnaise and skip any dairy-based variations.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days—flavors only improve with time.
No reheating needed: Serve chilled straight from the fridge.
Avoid freezing: The creamy dressing and vegetables don’t freeze well and may become watery when thawed.

FAQs

1. Can I rinse the macaroni after cooking?

Yes—rinsing under cold water stops cooking and helps the dressing cling better to the pasta.

2. What makes the salad taste better the next day?

Chilling allows the dressing to fully permeate the pasta, melding flavors beautifully.

3. Can I substitute other pasta for elbow macaroni?

Absolutely—small shapes like shells, rotini, or penne work just as well.

4. How can I cut down on the mayo?

Swap half of the mayo for Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter texture.

5. What if I don’t like raw onion?

Soak diced red onion in cold water for 5 minutes, then drain to tone down the sharpness.

6. How much dressing should I use?

Start with enough to coat the pasta comfortably—more or less can be added based on preference.

7. Is this suitable for large gatherings?

Definitely—it’s easy to double or triple, and tastes even better when made ahead.

8. Can I adjust the sweetness?

Yes—add sugar to your preferred level, or reduce it entirely for a more savory salad.

9. Should I season again after chilling?

Tastes change when cold—give it a quick stir and adjust salt, pepper, or vinegar before serving.

10. Is there a dairy-free version?

Yes—use dairy-free mayonnaise and skip sour cream to make it fully vegan.

Conclusion

This Classic Macaroni Salad brings nostalgic comfort with its creamy, tangy dressing and refreshing crunch. Easy to prepare, wonderfully customizable, and always a crowd favorite—especially when prepared ahead and chilled. Whether for a summer picnic, barbecue, or everyday side, this salad brings timeless deliciousness to the table.

Chef MARTHA