Classic Macaroni Salad
A creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet pasta salad made with elbow macaroni, crisp vegetables, and a flavorful dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, and family gatherings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
4 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 cup mayonnaise
⅔ cup white sugar, or to taste
¼ cup distilled white vinegar
2 ½ tablespoons prepared yellow mustard
1 ½ teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
¼ cup grated carrot (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped pimento peppers (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add the cooked and cooled macaroni to the bowl and stir to coat with the dressing.
- Mix in the celery, onion, bell pepper, and, if desired, the carrot and pimento peppers.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Stir well before serving chilled.
Notes
Use half mayonnaise and half sour cream for a lighter, tangier dressing.
Swap yellow mustard with Dijon or spicy brown mustard for a bolder flavor.
Add hard-boiled eggs for extra richness.
Mix in peas, corn, or red bell peppers for variety.
Best served cold and not meant for reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/classic-macaroni-salad/
