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5.0 from 345 votes

Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe

Macaroni Salad is perfect for a summer menu. Paired with BBQ meats, hot dogs, and hamburgers, it's the perfect creamy, refreshing side dish.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 348 kcal
Course: Side Dish , Salad
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients 
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni uncooked
  • 1 cup red bell peppers diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion diced
  • 1/2 cup celery diced
  • 2 large hard-boiled eggs
  • 1 Tbsp chopped parsley optional for garnish
Dressing Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 3 tbsp sweet relish
  • 3 tsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt adjust to taste

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Cook the elbow macaroni in salted water according to the package instructions until it is aldente - it should be tender but firm to the bite. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and set it aside.
  2. In a separate bowl, combine all the dressing ingredients together and whisk until smooth and creamy.
  3. Place the macaroni into a large bowl. Add the diced bell peppers, red onion, celery, eggs, and any other desired mix-ins*.
  4. Pour in the dressing and stir to combine. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve right away or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

  • Variations & Substitutions:
  • - Add or replace any of the veggies with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, peas, grated carrots, boiled corn kernels, or black olives.
  • - swap out the eggs with
  • ,
  • , diced
  • , or diced
  • - add diced cheddar, mozzarella, feta, parmesan, Colby jack, or gouda cheese.
  • - try adding some diced dill pickles for a bit of tanginess. Sun-dried tomatoes also add a nice tang.
  • Veggies - Add or replace any of the veggies with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, peas, grated carrots, boiled corn kernels, or black olives.
  • Protein - swap out the eggs with baked chicken breast, cooked shrimp, diced baked ham, or diced roast turkey
  • Cheese - add diced cheddar, mozzarella, feta, parmesan, Colby jack, or gouda cheese.
  • Pickles - try adding some diced dill pickles for a bit of tanginess. Sun-dried tomatoes also add a nice tang.

Nutrition Information

Calories 348kcal (17%) Carbs 41g Protein 9g (18%) Fat 16g (25%) Saturated Fat 3g (15%) Polyunsaturated Fat 9g Monounsaturated Fat 4g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 62mg (21%) Sodium 627mg (26%) Potassium 237mg (7%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 5g (10%) Vitamin A 1002IU (20%) Vitamin C 33mg (37%) Calcium 32mg (3%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 348

% Daily Value*

Calories 348kcal 17%
Carbs 41g
Protein 9g 18%
Fat 16g 25%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Polyunsaturated Fat 9g 53%
Monounsaturated Fat 4g 20%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 62mg 21%
Sodium 627mg 26%
Potassium 237mg 5%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 5g 10%
Vitamin A 1002IU 20%
Vitamin C 33mg 37%
Calcium 32mg 3%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.