Macaroni Salad Recipe: Perfectly Creamy & Delicious

Welcome to the last Macaroni Salad Recipe you’ll ever need. This isn’t just any pasta salad; it’s a celebration of creamy, tangy, and crunchy textures that come together in one perfect bite. Forget the bland, dry macaroni salads of the past. We’re diving deep into the secrets of creating a consistently delicious side dish that’s perfect for potlucks, barbecues, and easy summer lunches. This recipe guarantees a rich, flavorful dressing that clings to every noodle, packed with crisp veggies for that satisfying crunch.

Whether you’re planning a family gathering or just need a reliable side, this classic macaroni salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s simple, satisfying, and incredibly easy to customize. Let’s make something delicious together!

Why This is the Best Macaroni Salad Recipe

There are thousands of macaroni salad recipes out there, but this one truly stands out. Here’s what makes it special:

• Ultra-Creamy Dressing: We use a specific ratio of mayonnaise, a touch of sour cream, and a secret ingredient to create a dressing that’s rich and flavorful without being heavy. It never soaks in and disappears!
• Perfectly Cooked Pasta: The key to a great macaroni salad is the pasta. I’ll show you the right way to cook it—just past al dente—and the crucial step of rinsing it to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch.
• Balanced Flavors: This recipe balances tangy, sweet, and savory notes perfectly. A splash of apple cider vinegar, a hint of sugar, and sharp Dijon mustard elevate the dressing from good to unforgettable.
• Customizable Core: This recipe is a fantastic base. You can add a variety of ingredients like hard-boiled eggs, tuna, or different herbs to make it your own.

The Key Ingredients for Classic Macaroni Salad

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. We use pantry staples to create a dish that tastes like it came from a gourmet deli. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Salad:

• Elbow Macaroni: The classic choice for its shape, which holds the dressing perfectly.
• Celery: Provides an essential, refreshing crunch.
• Red Onion: Offers a sharp, zesty bite that cuts through the richness of the dressing.
• Red Bell Pepper: Adds a touch of sweetness and beautiful color.
• Sweet Pickle Relish: A non-negotiable for that classic sweet and tangy flavor profile.

For the Creamy Dressing:

• Mayonnaise: The foundation of our creamy dressing. Use a good quality, full-fat mayo for the best results.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Adds a subtle tang and extra creaminess.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides the acidity needed to brighten all the flavors.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a layer of complexity and a zesty kick.
• Sugar: Just a pinch to balance the vinegar and mustard.
• Seasoning: Salt, black pepper, and a touch of garlic powder are all you need.

How to Make the Perfect Macaroni Salad Recipe

Making this macaroni salad is a breeze. Just follow these simple steps for a foolproof result every single time.

1. Cook the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions, but for about 1-2 minutes longer, until it’s very tender. This helps it absorb the dressing without getting mushy later.
2. Rinse the Pasta: This is a crucial step! Drain the pasta in a colander and immediately rinse it under cold water until it’s completely cooled. This stops the cooking process and removes excess starch, which can make the dressing gummy.
3. Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta cooks, finely dice the celery, red onion, and red bell pepper. Add them to a large mixing bowl.
4. Mix the Dressing: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
5. Combine Everything: Add the cooled, drained macaroni to the large bowl with the vegetables. Pour the dressing over the top and gently stir until everything is evenly coated.
6. Chill and Meld: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours before serving. This is the most important step! It allows the flavors to meld together and the pasta to absorb some of the dressing’s flavor. For best results, let it chill overnight.

Expert Tips for Success

Want to elevate your macaroni salad game? Here are a few pro tips I’ve learned over the years.

• Don’t Undercook the Pasta: Unlike Italian pasta dishes, you want the macaroni to be soft, not al dente. This allows it to meld beautifully with the creamy dressing.
• Rinse, Rinse, Rinse: Rinsing the pasta under cold water is non-negotiable. It prevents a starchy, clumpy salad and ensures a clean flavor.
• Taste and Adjust: After the salad has chilled, taste it again. The flavors will have settled, and the pasta will have absorbed some seasoning. You may need to add a bit more salt, pepper, or a splash of vinegar to brighten it up.
• Reserve Some Dressing: If making it a day ahead, consider reserving about a quarter of the dressing to stir in just before serving. This will refresh the salad and make it extra creamy. This is the best way to serve a perfect side dish at a potluck, alongside some delicious Cheeseburger Sliders.

Delicious Variations to Try

While this classic Macaroni Salad Recipe is fantastic on its own, it’s also a wonderful canvas for creativity. Here are some popular variations:

• With Hard-Boiled Egg: Add 3-4 chopped hard-boiled eggs for extra richness and protein.
• With Tuna or Chicken: Stir in a can of drained tuna or a cup of shredded rotisserie chicken to turn this side dish into a light main course. It’s a great lunch option, much like a refreshing Cucumber Ranch Salad.
• Spicy Macaroni Salad: Add a finely diced jalapeño or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy kick.
• Herb-Infused: Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives can add a wonderful freshness. Stir in 2-3 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs before chilling.

Serving and Storage

This macaroni salad is the ultimate companion for grilled meats, burgers, and sandwiches. It’s a star at any BBQ or picnic. For a complete meal, serve it alongside other classic sides like our fan-favorite Crack Green Beans.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The salad will actually taste even better on the second day as the flavors continue to meld. If it seems a little dry after a day or two, simply stir in a tablespoon of mayonnaise or a splash of milk to loosen it up.

FAQs About This Macaroni Salad Recipe

Enjoy This Classic Side Dish!

This Macaroni Salad Recipe is more than just a dish; it’s a taste of summer, a potluck staple, and a beloved comfort food. Once you try this version, with its perfectly balanced creamy dressing and satisfying crunch, you’ll never go back to store-bought again. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your creations and tag us on Pinterest!

The Recipe

Macaroni Salad Recipe: Perfectly Creamy & Delicious

The last Macaroni Salad Recipe you'll ever need! This dish features an ultra-creamy, tangy dressing and a classic blend of crisp vegetables. Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, and summer side dishes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb Elbow Macaroni
• 3 Celery Stalks finely chopped
• 1/2 Red Onion finely chopped
• 1/2 Red Bell Pepper finely chopped
• 1/3 cup Sweet Pickle Relish
• 1 1/2 cups Mayonnaise good quality
• 1/4 cup Sour Cream or full-fat Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
• 1 tbsp Granulated Sugar
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Salt or to taste
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper freshly ground

Equipment

• 1 Large Pot
• 1 Colander
• 1 Large Mixing Bowl

Instructions

 

1. Cook the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook for 1-2 minutes longer than the package directions, until very tender.
2. Rinse the Pasta: Drain the macaroni in a colander and immediately rinse under cold running water until completely cool. Shake well to remove all excess water.
3. Mix the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Combine: In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled macaroni, chopped celery, red onion, red bell pepper, and sweet pickle relish. Pour the dressing over the salad and stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
5. Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld. Before serving, give it a good stir and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Notes

For the creamiest result, make this salad a day in advance. The flavors will deepen and the texture will be perfect.
If the salad seems a bit dry after chilling (especially overnight), stir in an extra tablespoon or two of mayonnaise to freshen it up before serving.