This Macaroni Salad recipe is a classic side dish that everyone raves about. It’s easy to make, creamy, delicious and perfect for any occasion.
You can’t go wrong with bringing a macaroni salad to a party. Everybody loves it! This recipe is so simple, you can even make it the night before to save time.
It’s just as good as the next day for lunch or as a side for dinner. Follow the recipe as is, or customize with additions like peas or carrots.
The secret ingredient to perfect creamy macaroni salad is mayonnaise. Don’t skip it as it gives the dish its signature texture and flavor.
With budget friendly ingredients and the ability to serve a crowd, it’s hard to beat.
For more easy potluck favorites, try my strawberry pretzel fluff or summer pasta primavera.
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Ingredients
- Pasta: I used elbow macaroni but you can use any kind of short pasta you’d like.
- Gherkins: Chopped fine
- Large red bell pepper: Chopped fine
- Large hard boiled eggs: Chopped into small pieces
- Celery ribs: Chopped fine
- Small red onion: Chopped fine
- Seasonings: Pepper, salt, garlic powder and onion powder
- You will also need: Mayonnaise, yellow mustard, sugar and white vinegar
How to Make Macaroni Salad
Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, pepper, sugar, salt, garlic powder and onion powder.
In a large bowl, combine cooled macaroni, gherkins, bell pepper, celery, onion and hard boiled eggs.
Pour dressing over mixture and gently toss to coat.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, then stir before serving.
Helpful Tips and Variations
- Mix in cubed mild cheddar for extra flavor.
- Add in bacon for a savory flavor.
- Avoid overcooking the pasta. Make sure it’s al dente.
- If making ahead, reserve or prepare extra dressing to stir in before serving, as the pasta will absorb it overnight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Grilled chicken, burgers, coleslaw and baked beans are some good dishes to go with macaroni salad.
Recipe
Easy Macaroni Salad
Ingredients
- 8 ounces macaroni noodles
- ½ cup gherkins chopped fine
- 1 large red bell pepper chopped fine
- 2 celery ribs chopped fine
- 1 small red onion chopped fine
- 2 large hard boiled eggs chopped
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp. yellow mustard
- 2 tbsp. white vinegar
- ½ tsp. pepper
- 2 tsp. sugar
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. onion powder
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, pepper, sugar, salt, garlic powder and onion powder.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled macaroni, gherkins, bell pepper, celery, onion and hard boiled eggs.
- Pour dressing over mixture and gently toss to coat.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, then stir before serving.
Nutrition Disclosure
Nutritional facts are estimates and are provided as a courtesy to the reader. Please utilize your own brand nutritional values to double check against our estimates. Nutritional values are calculated via a third party. Changing ingredients, amounts or cooking technique will alter the estimated nutritional calculations.
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