Macaroni Salad Recipe

Close up of Macaroni Salad in a bowl with a spoon.

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: classic macaroni salad, creamy macaroni salad, easy macaroni salad

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 10

Chill Time:: 1

Total Time: 1 25

Servings: (1 cup servings)

Calories: 451kcal

Author: Malinda Linnebur

This classic creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe will be your go-to! It's filled with easy to find ingredients such as celery, onion, and red pepper all dressed in a creamy mayo dressing. It's the perfect side dish to take to any potluck or get together.

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Ingredients

8 ounces (227g) elbow pasta
1 large green onion, diced
¼ cup (30g) diced celery
¼ cup (40g) diced dill pickle
¼ cup (35g) diced bell pepper
1 large hard boiled egg, chopped

DRESSING:

1 cup (225g) mayonnaise
¼ cup (70g) sour cream
1 tablepoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon prepared mustard
½ teaspoon garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare macaroni noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse immediately with cold water, then drizzle with a teaspoon of olive oil and stir to coat.
Combine dressing ingredients in medium sized bowl. Add cooked pasta, and all remaining ingredients and stir well to combine.
Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour before serving.

Notes

STORAGE: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Use any small pasta if you don't have elbows on hand. Small shells, ditalini, or mini penne are other great options.
Dicing the vegetables small ensures they flavor the salad well and are evenly distributed.
This salad is perfect for making ahead of time as it gives the salad more time for the flavors to develop.
If you salad is a little dry mix in a little milk, sour cream, or mayo before serving.
Other options add-ins: bacon, cheddar, shredded carrots, peas, ham, olives, fresh parsley, sweet pickles

Nutrition