May 25, 2022
Review RecipeElbow Macaroni Pasta Salad (Easy Recipe)
Table of Contents
Simple and quick, this delicious macaroni salad is a breeze to make from scratch. This classic side dish combines tender pasta, a quick homemade creamy dressing, and fresh, crunchy veggies. You’ll love how tasty it is!
This great recipe is a go-to dish all year round. I serve it at potlucks and barbecues as well as large family gatherings and parties — alongside other side dishes such as dill pickle pasta salad, KFC copycat coleslaw, classic coleslaw, cheesy potato casserole, and scalloped potatoes.
MORE SALAD RECIPES
Pistachio Pudding Salad | Ambrosia Salad
ELBOW MACARONI PASTA SALAD INGREDIENTS
You will need:
- 1 1-pound box of elbow macaroni, cooked
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 2 stalks of celery, finely chopped
- 1 cup of shredded carrots
- 1 cup of mayo
- ¼ cup of sour cream
- 1½ tablespoons of sugar
- 1½ tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- 1½ tablespoons of Dijon mustard
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley
SUBSTITUTIONS AND ADDITIONS
MIX-INS: If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many ingredient possibilities that you can add to your salad. Try olives, red onion, dill pickles, sweet pickles, pickle relish, cucumbers, radishes, pimentos, green pepper, yellow bell peppers, roasted red peppers, grape tomatoes, kidney beans, boiled eggs, peas, baby corn, cheddar cheese cubes, red onions, banana peppers, bacon, ham, hot dogs, chicken, turkey, tuna, and crab.
PRO TIP: If you decide to include bacon, I suggest cutting it into bite-sized pieces before you fry it. That way it’s ready to be tossed into the salad without further messy crumbling.
HOW TO MAKE THIS ELBOW MACARONI PASTA SALAD RECIPE
STEP ONE: In a large pot, boil pasta according to the package directions but slightly undercook it so that it doesn’t become mushy when you add dressing. Drain cooked pasta well but don’t rinse it. Add it to a large bowl and toss it with a little olive oil so it doesn’t stick together.
PRO TIP: Avoid using butter in place of the olive oil because it will clump when it becomes cold and that changes the salad’s taste.
STEP TWO: Then toss your chosen add-ins with the pasta, gently folding the ingredients together with a spatula or large wooden spoon so the macaroni retains its shape.
PRO TIP: The flavors meld better if the add-ins are in small pieces or chunks. For example, halve cherry tomatoes, dice the celery, and cube the ham.
STEP THREE: For the salad dressing whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, vinegar, mustard, and parsley together in a small bowl and pour over the salad. Be generous.
STEP FOUR: I like to chill the entire salad for a minimum of two hours before serving but six hours are even better.
HOW TO SERVE
This classic macaroni salad is a simple side dish for backyard BBQs, potlucks or even just a family dinner at home. Because of its versatility, you can serve it often and simply change up the extra ingredients you decide to add in. Serve alongside our popular potato salad and burgers or beer marinated grilled chicken. This side dish would also be perfect to serve with popcorn chicken or turkey tenders.
STORAGE
IN THE FRIDGE: You can keep this creamy macaroni salad in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
IN THE FREEZER: We do not recommend freezing this easy pasta salad as the mayo in the dressing will separate and leave the salad watery.
This classic macaroni salad recipe is a crowd-pleasing favorite that is quick and easy to make. Combine tender macaroni noodles with crisp vegetables, and a fast, from-scratch sauce for a winning side dish that is an excellent choice for any meal or potluck.
FAQ
This simple macaroni salad recipe is perfect for making the day before. It will give all of the ingredients time to mingle and will be ready for serving the next day.
You can use any small bite-size pasta for this pasta salad. Just follow the package directions for cooking time.
This pasta salad won’t freeze well. The mayo in the dressing will end up separating while frozen and won’t taste very good once thawed.
MORE RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE
- Mexican Layered Salad
- Easy Italian Pasta Salad
- Baked Mac and Cheese
- Creamy Beef and Shells
- Big Mac Salad
- Mexican Corn Salad
- 5 Cup Salad
- Cucumber Salad
Elbow Macaroni Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni cooked
- 1 red pepper diced
- 2 stalks celery finely chopped
- 1 cup carrots shredded
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 ½ tablespoons sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 ½ tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 green onions chopped
- 1 tablespoon parsley chopped
Instructions
- In a large bowl toss cooked macaroni with celery, red pepper, and carrots.
- In a small bowl whisk together mayo, sour cream, sugar, vinegar, mustard, green onions and parsley.
- Pour over macaroni and toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving.
Comments
Debra says
Looks awesome
Jackie Paxton says
I would add dill pickles or cucumbers and serve it with anything bbq
Linda says
There are so many fresh veggies out there right now with farmers markets, that I’d add any that look good, like fresh tomatoes.