October 23, 2023
Review RecipeElbow Macaroni Pasta Salad (Easy Recipe)
This classic elbow macaroni pasta salad side dish combines tender pasta, a quick homemade creamy dressing, and fresh, crunchy veggies.
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Tender elbow macaroni, a homemade sauce, and colorful, fresh veggies combine for this simple and quick elbow macaroni pasta salad. This delicious macaroni salad is a breeze to make from scratch and a classic favorite at barbecues and potlucks.
Best Macaroni Salad ingredients
The soft texture of the elbow macaroni pairs perfectly with crunchy celery, bell peppers, and carrots. And the creamy dressing brings the ingredients together to create a delicious melody of flavors.
To make this easy recipe for pasta salad, you’ll need:
- 1-pound box of elbow macaroni, cooked
- 2 stalks of celery, finely chopped
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 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
Simple Macaroni Salad Recipe 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.
ELBOW MACARONI: If you don’t have elbow macaroni on hand, feel free to use other short pasta shapes such as penne, rotini, or fusilli. These pasta shapes will work just as well and provide a different texture to the salad.
PRO TIP:
If you decide to include bacon, we 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 Macaroni Salad
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 the 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.
OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS
Avoid using butter in place of 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 the 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 is even better.
What to serve with Pasta Salad
This classic macaroni salad is a simple side dish for backyard BBQs, potlucks, or even just a family dinner at home. It’s a go-to dish all year round.
AS A SIDE
- With Grilled Meats: The creamy nature of the elbow macaroni salad balances the smoky flavors of grilled chicken, marinated steak.
- With Sandwiches and Wraps: Serve a small portion alongside a hearty sandwich or wrap. The salad adds a refreshing contrast to the fillings.
- With Seafood: The salad’s creaminess complements the delicate flavors of dishes such as grilled salmon or cajun shrimp.
AT A PICNIC
Pack your elbow macaroni salad in a mason jar or airtight container. The compact nature makes it easy to transport, and its refreshing taste is perfect for an outdoor setting. The creaminess nicely contrasts with tomato sandwiches.
AT A BABY SHOWER
Serve the elbow macaroni salad in small cups or dishes. You can also garnish the top with a sprinkle of fresh herbs – or, even, a tiny edible flower to add a touch of sophistication. Complement the macaroni salad with cucumber sandwiches, sliders and cupcakes.
AT A POTLUCK
Pasta salad works well as part of a buffet at potlucks, family gatherings and parties. Put it on the food table alongside other side dishes such as dill pickle pasta salad, KFC copycat coleslaw, coleslaw, cheesy potato casserole and scalloped potatoes.
MORE PASTA RECIPES
This side dish would also be perfect to serve with popcorn chicken or turkey tenders.
Simple Macaroni Salad storage
Whether you want to make it ahead of time or have some leftovers, here’s what you need to know about storing this pasta salad.
MAKE AHEAD: If you’re planning to make this elbow macaroni salad ahead of time, it’s best to prepare the salad without adding the dressing. Cook the macaroni, chop the veggies, and mix everything together except for the dressing.
Store the salad and the dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Just before serving, give the dressing a good shake and toss it with the salad.
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 elbow macaroni pasta salad recipe is a crowd-pleasing favorite that is quick and easy to make. Combine 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.
Best Macaroni Salad Recipe FAQs
Can I make this macaroni salad recipe ahead of time?
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.
Can I change the pasta I’m using for this recipe?
You can use any small bite-size pasta for this pasta salad. Just follow the package directions for cooking time.
Can I freeze pasta salad?
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.
Why is macaroni salad big in Hawaii?
Macaroni salad became popular in Hawaii due to its fusion with local cuisine and its suitability for potlucks and plate lunches.
Should you rinse macaroni when making macaroni salad?
Yes, rinsing macaroni after cooking helps cool it down quickly and removes excess starch, preventing clumping in the salad.
Why does my macaroni salad taste bland?
Your macaroni salad might taste bland due to insufficient seasoning, undercooked pasta, or a lack of flavorful ingredients.
How do you get mayonnaise to stick to macaroni?
While the macaroni is still warm, toss it with a bit of oil or vinegar to prevent sticking, then add mayonnaise while the pasta is slightly warm.
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Best Macaroni Salad Recipe with Mayo
This classic elbow macaroni pasta salad side dish combines tender pasta, a quick homemade creamy dressing, and fresh, crunchy veggies.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 10
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni, cooked
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1½ tablespoons sugar
- 1½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1½ 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.
Video
Notes
- 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.
- Avoid using butter in place of the olive oil to toss the pasta because it will clump when it becomes cold and that changes the salad’s taste.
- 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.
Nutrition
Calories: 352kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 192mg | Potassium: 214mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 2656IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 1mg
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Comments
BOB JOHNSON says
Can you email me macaroni recipe?
Thx
Geri Sonnenberg says
how big is the box of macaroni?
Sue C says
Yes how big of a box of macaroni is it please? A size would be helpful.
Thanks
Sue C
Layne Kangas says
I used a one-pound box!
Michele says
Love the combination of veggies and the dressing recipe you have for this macaroni salad! I’m pinning and making!
treena says
Macaroni salad is one of my favorites and this recipe definitely did not disappoint.
kitchens city says
My family is in love with this dish and I love how easy it is!!!!
Laura says
Outstanding recipe! This turned out so well that my mother said, “This is HOLIDAY good, you must make it for everyone!” This recipe is saved on my Favorites board and will delight many people in the future. Thank you for sharing!
Andrea says
I love macaroni salad! I love to try different types of pasta when I make it. I like cavatappi pasta! I can’t wait to try this recipe!
Thank you
Jerry Earl says
Yes I would try a different shape pasta also would try with hot off the grill chicken wings mmmm
Laura Nott says
Some finely chopped mint in this recipe is also amazing and brings colour with a splash of flavors
Michelle says
This would go with any potluck or BBQ. Can’t wait til try it!
Connie Hughes says
Love this. I think I would serve this with butter garlic steak tips
Caroline B says
This looks super yummy. Mum used to make something very similar with spiral pasta. Going to have to make some now <3
Amanda Greer says
I would try a different pasta. I think I would like it spicy but I think my husband will disagree 😉. No salad for us my husband love homemade garlic cheesy bread. I also think I might add some chickpeas.
Heather Swank says
This looks so good! I can’t think of a thing I would change or add, so I’ll try this recipe exactly as-is! I would serve it with marinated grilled chicken, a green vegetable, and biscuits. Yum!
Jolayne says
I would use baby seashells
Lisa Woolison says
I think I would add some cauliflower to this recipe. Sounds amazing!
jim says
the sour cream would be the kicker never had it that way it would add a nice flavor to it
Brenda Newman says
Wagon wheel pasta for summer bar b que
Laura Palmer says
This is almost exactly my Mama’s macaroni salad recipe! It is so creamy and delicious! I wouldn’t change a thing!
Jim Hess says
Great recipe!
I would add about a cup of diced dill pickles and a cup o pepperoni.
Jim
Charlotte says
Easy, fast, and delicious this is our new family favorite way to make macaroni salad. We enjoy bacon as an add in.
Michelle Fraser says
This salad is amazing! If I’m gonna be honest I wouldn’t change a thing about it! Always best the next day, but if u can’t wait let it rest at least couple hrs! This is good all by itself & amazing w any meat also!! My family absolutely loves this!! Ty
Janice says
Yes- next time I would make the sauce a little spicy!
Stacy Scott says
Love this! I will definitely add cucumber next time! Thank you for another great recipe!
Joanie says
Delicious but I like use shells instead of elbows and I’d add in a bit of dill and tuna fish.
Sherri Steinman says
I would serve this salad with hotdogs and hamburgers.
Melinda Stokes says
I would use whatever shape pasta is in the pantry if I wanted to make this.
Mary Bailey says
Nice easy recipe, I use whatever veggies I have out of the garden or fridge at the time. Good way to get kids to eat the veggies.
Debbie Smith says
I would use bow tie pasta and add cubed ham.
Elizabeth M Heimlich says
I would definitely add peas to this salad- I can’t remember the last time I made a macaroni salad without them!
Belle says
I would add radishes..mmm
Judy Pasqualone says
Sounds good! I like to use medium shells and add large chunks of old bay steamed shrimp with additional old bay when mixing. Season but not too much to avoid being too salty. People love it.
Stacey Burdine says
I always use corkscrew pasta, it holds the dressing well and looks great on the plate!
Marlene Tamblyn says
Great with a big juicy burger.
Lori Pennington says
I make pasta salad usually for our Sunday dinners and I put peas and carrots in it I serve it with a meat and usually mashed potatoes it is so good…….
France says
All my family loves this recipe, it was a big deal here, so thanks a lot!
I made it with a different pasta: Scoobydoo
I add another veggie: shallot.
Donna says
I would add boiled eggs. Sounds really good
Donna says
I would add some boiled eggs. Sounds really good
Katrina says
I personally would probably use a different pasta because elbow noodles are a little boring. My choice for pasta would be bowtie pasta to give it a little umph.
Sheena says
I tried this but left out the sugar and the peppers (allergic.) why I never put sour cream in my macaroni salad is beyond me! I love it-see if the family loves it tonight for dinner!
Becky MacMillan says
I would add a little celery to this also. Yum!
Jennifer says
I would definitely change add some vegetables according to what seasonal veggies I have. Absolutely love the recipe!!
Anna says
I haven’t rated this recipe accurately yet because I haven’t made it yet.
I would totally try different shaped pasta . Just make it fun.🙂
Ann says
Can’t wait to try it. I think I’ll add finely chopped apples!
Trista says
This salad sounds yummy! Can’t wait to make it! I would omit the pepper and celery because my belly doesn’t handle peppers very well and my husband doesn’t like celery. I would add olives and ham. Maybe even some cubed cheddar cheese.
Chris Schubert says
Yes, I would try this. Love macaroni salad! I would also ad as suggested…pickle relish. Think I’ll make some later!!
Stephanie says
I look forward to making this recipe & I will use tri Color spiral pasta 😋
Ann Wawira Mwobe says
I lo ve it when topped with cream . Thank s.
Sammie Warren says
Instead of sugar I would use Splenda. I would add peas and corn. Would leave out the carrots.
Donna Walker says
This sounds so good. I would also add along with the ham, some Colby jack cheese in half inch chunks, and maybe some bacon as well. And a couple of boiled and chopped eggs.
Diane E Eckstine says
I would add sweet pepper relish to this
Gerri says
I( would make it a little spicier or even add some dill 🙂 looks good though !
Karen says
Because I love spicy food I would definitely make the dressing spicy
Jeffrey sarrin says
I served it at a fish fry. Everyone loved it.
Teena Laroue says
I would add some bacon and maybe even a little tomato just to give it a little extra special flavor
Patricia says
I will make this recipe, I would do that recipe, it looks good and refreshing, but I add a little paprika to it.
Brenda says
I may use cubed ham instead of bacon
Jeanne Campo says
I LOVE Macaroni Salad & this is definitely a keeper (I would use Ditalini Pasta instead)!!
Lesa Decker says
Add hard boiled eggs AND eliminate the carrots!
Denise Carpenter says
This macaroni salad sounds scrumptious. I think I would add little chunks of cheddar cheese to it. And I’d serve with Brats and Sausage cooked on the grill!!
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.
Donna B Reidland says
My mom made great pasta salads but I never quite mastered her dressing. This recipe sounds amazing, especially the dressing so, I plan on trying it very soon.
Richella J Parham says
This looks so good! I’ve pinned it to my Side Dishes board.
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