Simple Macaroni Salad Recipe – I Wash You Dry

This Simple Macaroni Salad Recipe is filled with all the classic ingredients, tossed in a creamy sauce and perfect for summer potlucks and parties!

I love making this macaroni salad to go along with my Crispy Fried Chicken for a delish summer dinner.

If there’s one thing I love about going to potlucks and parties, it’s all the different types of salads available. I could pretty much eat only side dishes and be totally happy.

Simple Macaroni Salad Recipe

This classic Macaroni Salad is always the first thing to go, and people are always asking for the simple recipe, so here it is!

Macaroni Salad Ingredients

Macaroni salad is comprised of three main components: macaroni noodles, add-ins and the dressing.

The best part about macaroni salad, in my opinion, is that you can add in whatever you like to make it completely unique to your taste. Here are some of my favorite add-ins…

• Chopped Celery
• Diced Red Onion
• Finely Chopped Red Bell Pepper
• Frozen Peas (they defrost when added)
• Cubed Sharp Cheddar Cheese (you can also use shredded cheese)
• Hard Boiled Eggs
• Diced Ham
• Cooked Bacon
• Shredded Carrots
• Pickles

As you can see, there are several options available for sprucing up your macaroni salad. Feel free to toss in whatever you like!

How To Make Macaroni Salad

BOIL MACARONI    Start by boiling your elbow macaroni noodles until they are tender to the bite. Quickly drain the noodles then run cool water over them to stop them from cooking any further.

COMBINE ADD-INS    Gather all your macaroni salad add-ins and toss them in a large bowl with the cooled and drained noodles.

MAKE THE DRESSING    Whisk together the creamy sauce and stir everything together. Keep the salad chilled until ready to serve.

Creamy Macaroni Salad Dressing Recipe

Now that you have your noodles and all your add-ins in the bowl, it’s time to whisk up that super easy, finger-licking good dressing!

• Whisk together mayo, white vinegar (you can also use apple cider vinegar for a little added sweetness), sugar, dijon mustard (I like one with a little more kick to it), salt, pepper and just a little bit of sweet pickle relish.
• Pour the dressing into the salad bowl and stir to coat the ingredients evenly.
• Chill the mixture until ready to serve, make sure to stir again before serving.

Watch Video How To Make Macaroni Salad

So easy!!

What Can I Use As A Mayo Substitute?

Instead of using all mayo, you can use half plain greek yogurt and half mayo. Or you can try using half sour cream and half mayo. I wouldn’t recommend omitting all of the mayo because that is what helps keep this macaroni salad nice and creamy.

Can Macaroni Salad Be Made Ahead?

YES! In fact, I think this salad tastes even better the second day, once the flavors have had a chance to blend together. Store the salad in an air-tight container in the fridge and make sure to stir again before serving.

More Simple Pasta Salad Recipes to Make

Looking for more pasta salad recipes for your next bbq or potluck? I’ve got you covered with these delicious recipes…

I’m confident you’re going to get RAVE reviews with this simple and easy Macaroni Salad Recipe at all your potlucks!

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Simple Macaroni Salad Recipe

This Simple Macaroni Salad Recipe is filled with all the classic ingredients, tossed in a creamy sauce and perfect for summer potlucks and parties!

Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time15 mins

Total Time25 mins

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings: 12

Calories: 321 kcal

Author: Shawn

Ingredients

• 1 lb. elbow macaroni noodles, uncooked
• 1/4 cup diced celery
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup cubed sharp cheddar cheese

For the Dressing:

• 1 cup mayo
• 1/4 cup distilled vinegar
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

• Cook the noodles according to package instructions, then drain and rinse with cool water. I like to add a few ice cubes to the noodles while running cool water over them to help cool the noodles faster. Drain and add pasta to a large bowl.

• Add in the diced celery, red onion, red bell pepper, peas and cheese.

For the Dressing:

• Whisk together the dressing ingredients in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.

• Pour the dressing into the large bowl and stir to coat evenly. Keep the salad covered and refrigerated until ready to serve. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

Macaroni Salad Recipe can be made up to a day ahead of time. Keep refrigerated and stir just before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 321kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 18mg | Sodium: 429mg | Potassium: 51mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 387IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 72mg | Iron: 1mg

Keywords: Creamy, Easy, Macaroni Salad, Peas, Pickles, Quick

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