5.0 from 987 votes
Macaroni Salad
Everyone loves this classic macaroni salad recipe! Elbow macaroni and a handful of add-ins in a simple homemade dressing.
Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Additional Time
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 35 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 432 kcal
Course:
Side Dish , Main Course , Salad
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- ½ pound elbow macaroni approx. 2 cups dry, or any short pasta
Add Ins (see note)
- 1 cup diced celery
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup diced red bell pepper
- ¼ cup diced red onion or green onion
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons sweet relish
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard or Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook the elbow macaroni in salted water according to the instructions on the package. Do not overcook. Drain well and rinse it under cold water to stop cooking.
- To make the dressing, in a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, relish, mustard, salt and pepper a small bowl. Mix well.
- In a large bowl, add the cooled macaroni, the dressing, celery, carrots, red pepper, and onion. Mix well. Taste and add additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Refrigerate the macaroni salad for at least 1 hour before serving.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- *You will need 2 to 2 ½ cups of add-ins. Use the list above for a basic macaroni salad or change them to your liking. Other favorite add-ins include pickles, olives, ham, sweet peas, and cheddar cheese.
- ½
- Elbows can be swapped for ditalini, small shells, or wagon wheels.
- Dice the add-ins about the size of the macaroni.
- Rinse the pasta after draining to stop it from cooking.
- Mix the dressing directly in the salad bowl and then add the other ingredients, one less dish to wash!
- Store leftovers in the fridge in a covered container for up to 4 days.
Nutrition Information
Calories
432
(22%)
Carbohydrates
37g
(12%)
Protein
6g
(12%)
Fat
29g
(45%)
Saturated Fat
4g
(20%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
17g
Monounsaturated Fat
6g
Trans Fat
1g
Cholesterol
16mg
(5%)
Sodium
408mg
(17%)
Potassium
214mg
(6%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
9g
(18%)
Vitamin A
2332IU
(47%)
Vitamin C
18mg
(20%)
Calcium
25mg
(3%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 432
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 432 | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 37g | 12% |
| Protein | 6g | 12% |
| Fat | 29g | 45% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 17g | 100% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 16mg | 5% |
| Sodium | 408mg | 17% |
| Potassium | 214mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 9g | 18% |
| Vitamin A | 2332IU | 47% |
| Vitamin C | 18mg | 20% |
| Calcium | 25mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.