Macaroni Salad: The 1 Easy Creamy Recipe

Name: Macaroni Salad: The 1 Easy Creamy Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups elbow macaroni; 1 cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup celery, finely chopped; 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped; 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped; 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed; Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pickles or relish

by Fatima Garcia

•

17 de August de 2025

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Macaroni salad has been a staple at every family gathering I can remember. It’s that quintessential side dish that just screams summer picnics and backyard barbecues. I still recall my aunt’s version, a truly creamy macaroni salad that was always the first to disappear from the potluck table. It tasted like pure comfort, a perfect blend of tangy dressing and tender pasta, reminiscent of an old fashioned macaroni salad. The subtle crunch from the veggies and the smooth, cool dressing made it irresistible. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Macaroni Salad

This recipe is a winner for so many reasons! You’ll adore the incredible flavor combination, balancing creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet notes that make it the best macaroni salad. Plus, it’s wonderfully quick to whip up, perfect for those busy weeknights or last-minute picnic invites, making it an easy macaroni salad. It’s also surprisingly budget-friendly, using common pantry staples that won’t break the bank. This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, loved by kids and adults alike, which is why it’s such a popular cold pasta salad. It’s also a fantastic option for meal prep, as it holds up beautifully in the fridge. You’ll find it’s an incredibly easy macaroni salad to make and enjoy!

Ingredients for Creamy Macaroni Salad

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this delightful macaroni salad with mayonnaise. Here’s what you’ll need to create that perfect blend of flavors and textures:

2 cups elbow macaroni – the classic pasta shape that holds the dressing beautifully
1 cup mayonnaise – the creamy base that makes this salad so satisfying
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar – brightens up the dressing with a touch of acidity
1/2 teaspoon salt – enhances all the other flavors
1/4 teaspoon black pepper – for a hint of warmth
1 cup celery, finely chopped – provides a lovely crunch and freshness
1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped – adds a pop of color and a slight sweetness
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped – offers a mild, sharp bite
1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed – a touch of sweetness and color
Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pickles or relish – for an extra layer of zing and texture

How to Make the Best Macaroni Salad

Let’s dive into how to make macaroni salad that’s truly unforgettable! This recipe is straightforward, and the results are incredibly rewarding, giving you that perfect, creamy texture everyone loves.

Step 1: Start by cooking the elbow macaroni. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add 2 cups elbow macaroni and cook according to the package directions until it’s al dente – tender but still with a slight bite. I find it’s best not to overcook it, as it will continue to soften in the dressing.
Step 2: Once the macaroni is cooked, drain it thoroughly. Rinse the pasta immediately under cold running water. This stops the cooking process and cools it down quickly, which is essential for a cold pasta salad. Let it drain very well to remove any excess water.
Step 3: While the pasta is draining, prepare the dressing. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until you have a smooth, creamy mixture. The aroma of the mustard and vinegar starting to meld is a good sign of what’s to come!
Step 4: Now it’s time to bring everything together. Add the drained and cooled macaroni to the bowl with the dressing. Then, stir in the 1 cup celery, finely chopped, 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped, 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped, 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed, and the optional 1/2 cup chopped pickles or relish.
Step 5: Gently fold all the ingredients together with a spatula or large spoon. Make sure every piece of macaroni and every chopped vegetable is coated in that luscious dressing. This is a crucial step in how to make macaroni salad that tastes amazing.
Step 6: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving. This chilling time is super important because it allows all the flavors to meld and deepen, transforming it into the best macaroni salad possible. The salad tastes even better the next day!

Pro Tips for Perfect Homemade Macaroni Salad

Elevating your macaroni salad from good to absolutely amazing is all about a few key techniques. Follow these tips for a truly memorable dish:

Always cook your macaroni al dente; it will continue to soften in the dressing, and you don’t want mushy pasta.
Don’t skip the chilling time! This is crucial for allowing the flavors to meld and develop, transforming it into the best cold pasta salad.
Taste and adjust seasoning before chilling. The flavors will mellow slightly as it sits, so a little extra salt or pepper now makes a big difference later.
For an extra layer of flavor, consider toasting your elbow macaroni lightly in a dry skillet before boiling.

What’s the secret to perfect creamy macaroni salad?

The real secret to a perfect creamy macaroni salad, especially one that mimics a deli style macaroni salad, is the quality of your mayonnaise and not overcooking the pasta. A good, full-fat mayonnaise makes all the difference in richness and flavor. Plus, ensuring the macaroni is perfectly al dente prevents a gummy texture. For more on mayonnaise, check out this guide to mayonnaise.

Can I make this macaroni salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This homemade macaroni salad is actually *better* when made ahead. I usually prepare it the day before a picnic or BBQ. This gives the flavors ample time to meld beautifully. Just store it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. Learn more about meal prepping.

How do I avoid common mistakes with macaroni salad?

The biggest pitfall is overcooking the pasta, leading to a mushy texture. Another common mistake is not chilling it long enough, which means the flavors don’t fully develop. Lastly, be sure to drain the pasta really well after rinsing; excess water dilutes that delicious dressing. Proper pasta cooking is key, as discussed in pasta cooking tips.

Best Ways to Serve Classic Macaroni Salad

This classic macaroni salad is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. It’s the quintessential side for any summer gathering, making it a perfect picnic macaroni salad. Try serving it alongside grilled burgers, smoky barbecue ribs, or fried chicken for a truly satisfying meal. It also makes a fantastic accompaniment to sandwiches or wraps, adding a creamy, flavorful element. For a lighter option, pair it with a fresh green salad or some roasted vegetables. It’s a dish that truly enhances any meal!

Macaroni Salad: The 1 Easy Creamy Recipe - Macaroni Salad - additional detail

Nutrition Facts for Macaroni Salad

When you’re enjoying a generous helping of this delicious macaroni salad, here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per serving:

Calories: 250
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: N/A
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: N/A

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more information on general nutrition, you can consult resources like the National Library of Medicine.

How to Store and Reheat Macaroni Salad

Proper storage is key to keeping your delicious macaroni pasta salad fresh and safe to eat. Once your salad has cooled down completely after preparation, transfer it into airtight containers. This prevents it from absorbing odors from other foods in the refrigerator. You can confidently store your homemade macaroni salad in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. It holds up wonderfully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers. While freezing isn’t ideal for maintaining the creamy texture of this particular salad, if you must freeze it, aim for a maximum of 3 months. Reheating isn’t typically necessary for this cold dish, but if you prefer it slightly less chilled, you can let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Macaroni Salad

What is macaroni salad?

At its heart, macaroni salad is a cold pasta salad, typically made with elbow macaroni as the base. It’s tossed in a creamy dressing, usually mayonnaise-based, and often includes finely chopped vegetables like celery, onions, and bell peppers for added texture and flavor. It’s a beloved classic in American cuisine. Learn more about American cuisine.

Why is macaroni salad popular?

Macaroni salad is popular because it’s incredibly versatile, budget-friendly, and appeals to a wide range of tastes. Its creamy texture and familiar flavors make it a comfort food for many. It’s also a fantastic make-ahead dish, perfect for potlucks, picnics, and BBQs, which contributes significantly to its widespread appeal as a go-to side.

Can I add other ingredients to my macaroni salad?

Absolutely! This cold pasta salad is a blank canvas. Feel free to add cooked chicken or ham, hard-boiled eggs, different types of cheese, or even a splash of hot sauce for a kick. The possibilities are endless for customizing your own unique version of this American favorite. Consider adding hard-boiled eggs for extra protein.

What’s the best way to store leftover macaroni salad?

To keep your homemade macaroni salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay delicious for about 3-4 days. Make sure it’s properly sealed to prevent it from drying out or picking up other smells from the fridge.

Variations of Macaroni Salad You Can Try

While this recipe is a fantastic classic, there are so many ways to customize your macaroni salad! If you’re looking for a lighter option or have dietary restrictions, you can easily make a delicious macaroni salad without eggs by using a good quality mayonnaise or even a vegan alternative. For a taste of the South, try a southern style macaroni salad by adding a touch of sugar and perhaps some chopped pimento or a dash of hot sauce to your dressing. You could also experiment with different pasta shapes, add grilled chicken or ham for a heartier meal, or even incorporate ingredients like capers or olives for a briny twist. The possibilities for this versatile cold pasta salad are endless!

About the Author

Fatima Garcia