Macaroni salad is a timeless side dish that shows up at picnics, barbecues, and family gatherings. It’s creamy, tangy, and loaded with crunchy vegetables for texture. This dish is as versatile as it is comforting—you can enjoy it alongside grilled meats, fried chicken, or even as a light lunch on its own. The key to a great macaroni salad lies in balancing the creaminess of the dressing with a bit of tang and crunch.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup celery, diced
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup carrots, shredded
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the macaroni:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Set aside. - Make the dressing:
In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and black pepper. The vinegar adds a nice tang, while the sugar balances the flavors and keeps the dressing bright. Adjust seasoning to taste. - Combine the salad:
Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl with the dressing. Stir gently to coat the pasta evenly. Mix in celery, red bell pepper, onion, carrots, and chopped eggs if using. Fold everything together until well combined. - Chill for best flavor:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and gives the pasta time to absorb the dressing. - Finish and serve:
Just before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and garnish with fresh parsley. If it seems a little dry, you can stir in another spoonful of mayonnaise to refresh the creaminess.
Serving:
Classic macaroni salad is the perfect side dish for grilled chicken, burgers, barbecue ribs, or fried fish. It also makes a great addition to lunchboxes or potluck spreads. Its creamy texture, vibrant colors, and familiar flavors make it a dish that appeals to all ages.