Classic Macaroni Salad
This easy Classic Macaroni Salad recipe is ready in just 20 minutes and has everything you want in this cookout staple. This elbow macaroni salad has a creamy mayo dressing that’s packed full of flavor thanks to a couple of our unique ingredients!
It’s a cookout staple that everyone should have in their summer recipes repertoire. Our easy Classic Marconi Salad recipe is one that you’ll want to add! Not only is it made super fast, but it’s also perfect to make ahead for a quick, no-fuss, delicious side for any cookout or BBQ! Plus, thanks to a couple of our additions that you may not see in your everyday macaroni salad, this one is sure to be a cookout favorite!
Ingredients
- Elbow Macaroni – We like to use a large elbow, but you can of course use the smaller classic size, too. Or any other pasta you’d like!
- Carrots, Celery, and Red Onion – All the regs in a classic macaroni salad.
- Bread and Butter Pickles – Our favorite sweet addition to this classic that adds some sweet flavor and crunch!
- Mayonnaise – The creaminess of any classic macaroni salad recipe. Have you made your own yet? It’s so easy!
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Just a touch to add just the right amount of tang and loosen the mayo.
- Dijon Mustard – We love the kick that the mustard adds! Just a touch though, but if dijon is not your jam, then you can absolutely use regular yellow mustard or stone-ground mustard.
- Celery Seed – This is the macaroni salad addition that’s been a secret ingredient in my family’s recipe that adds a great additional celery flavor without being too overwhelming.
- Salt and Pepper – Of course! There’s nothing worse than an under-seasoned macaroni salad!
Easy to Make
Boil Pasta and Mix Mayo
The best part of this elbow macaroni salad is that it is so fast and easy to make. Boil your macaroni and mix the mayo with some dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar.
Once you have everything prepped, you’re ready to assemble this easy macaroni salad, which is so fast!
Assemble
Add all of your veggies to a bowl, mix, and then add your mayo and give a final mix.
Classic Macaroni Salad, done!
A little tang (from the vinegar), some crunchy sweetness (from the dill pickle), a little kick (from the dijon mustard), plenty of veggies, and tons of flavor (thanks to the celery seed!)
Recipe FAQs
All macaroni is pasta, but not all pasta is macaroni. Macaroni is specific to being c-shaped and in a tube, while pasta can be in any shape. It’s also not made with eggs as pasta typically is, and because of its shape, it cannot be made by hand and is made by machines.
Of course! You can use any kind of pasta for this recipe. While macaroni is the classic for this salad, you can also make this into a pasta salad with rotini, penne, or any of your other favorites.
Whatever you’d like! Red bell peppers add some nice color and added sweetness. Capers add a great salty component. Hard-boiled eggs add a little protein.
Absolutely! This is why I love this recipe, you can make it the day before and leave it in the fridge and then just add the mayo mixture right before you leave the house and you’re good to go. Easy and no fuss side to any party.
Creamy and dreamy, but packed full of veggies and so so flavorful. Everything you want in a classic macaroni salad, but with a few added bonuses!
Other Summer Salad Favorites
- Mom’s Bean Salad
- Greek Orzo Salad
- Israeli Couscous Cucumber Salad
- Avocado Pasta Salad
- Asian Cucumber Salad
- Asian Sesame Ginger Slaw
- Raw Broccoli Salad
- American Potato Salad
So even if you have a regular go-to macaroni salad, I urge you to try this one, as you might be surprised with all of the added flavors in ours!
Enjoy! As always, if you make this recipe or any of my others, I love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below, email me, or you can find me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest!
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Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni we like extra large
- 1 cup celery halved and diced, approx 4 celery stalks
- 1 cup carrots grated, approx 3 medium carrots
- 1/4 cup bread and butter pickles diced
- 1/4 cup red onion diced
Dressing
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon celery seed
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni for 8 minutes (or other pasta for however long is instructed on box).
- Meanwhile, prep veggies and pickles and then add mayo, vinegar, dijon, salt, pepper, and celery seed and mix well.
- Once pasta is done, drain and add to a medium-sized bowl. Add veggies, pickles, and mayo mixture and mix well.
- Season with additional salt or pepper to taste and either enjoy immediately or store in the fridge until ready to serve.
Pasta salads are our favorite sides (or mains) in the summer and this one’s a classic. Definitely bringing it to our next cookout!
Delicious macaroni salad for get-togethers. My family is always a fan of potluck salads, and this one fits the category the best.
Thanks so much!