Macaroni salad. Just the words bring back a flood of memories, right? Summer picnics, family reunions where the aunts competed for “best dish,” and that one time my dad tried to make it and… well, let’s just say we ordered pizza that night! But seriously, a good macaroni salad? It’s a must-have at any gathering. And this, my friends, this Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe is the real deal. It’s creamy, it’s tangy, it’s got that perfect little *zing* that keeps you coming back for more. I remember one 4th of July, I ate so much I nearly missed the fireworks – totally worth it!

Why You’ll Love This Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe

Okay, so why *this* macaroni salad recipe? Lemme tell ya:

It’s super quick to whip up – perfect when you’re in a pinch!
Seriously, everyone loves it. Total crowd-pleaser!
You can totally make it your own. Add whatever veggies you’re feelin’!
Picnics, BBQs, potlucks… this salad is ready for anything!
And hey, it’s vegetarian-friendly. Win-win!

Ingredients for the Best Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing classic macaroni salad recipe. Trust me, using fresh ingredients makes *all* the difference:

1 pound elbow macaroni – the small kind!
1 cup mayonnaise – good quality stuff, okay?
1/2 cup celery, diced – nice and small!
1/4 cup red onion, diced – adds a little zing!
1/4 cup sweet pickle relish – can’t skip this!
2 tablespoons yellow mustard – classic!
1 tablespoon white vinegar – for that tang!
1 teaspoon salt – to taste!
1/2 teaspoon black pepper – freshly ground is best!
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped – adds a creamy texture!

How to Make Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, ready to get cookin’? This classic macaroni salad recipe is super easy, I promise! Just follow these steps and you’ll be enjoying creamy, tangy goodness in no time.

First things first: cook your macaroni! Follow the package directions, but *don’t* overcook it. Mushy macaroni is a no-no! Once it’s done, drain it quick and rinse it with cold water. This stops the cooking and gets rid of extra starch.
While the macaroni’s cookin’, grab a big ol’ bowl and get ready to mix! Toss in your mayonnaise, diced celery, red onion, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, white vinegar, salt, and pepper. Whisk it all together until it’s nice and smooth. This is your creamy base, so make sure it tastes good!
Now for the fun part! Add the cooked macaroni and those chopped hard-boiled eggs to the bowl with the dressing. Mix it all together gently until everything’s coated in that creamy sauce. Don’t be afraid to taste it and adjust the seasonings if you need to!
Almost there! Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the fridge. This is important: let it chill for at least 2 hours, or even better, overnight! This lets all the flavors meld together and makes the macaroni salad recipe taste even better. Trust me on this!

And that’s it! You’ve made a killer classic macaroni salad recipe! Get ready to impress everyone at your next picnic!

Tips for the Perfect Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe

Okay, wanna take your classic macaroni salad recipe from “good” to “OMG-this-is-amazing”? Here are my top tips. Seriously, these little tricks make *all* the difference!

Whatever you do, don’t overcook the macaroni! Soggy noodles are the enemy. Aim for al dente – a little bit firm.
Use good mayo, people! It’s the base of everything. My personal fave is Hellmann’s, but you do you!
Patience is key! Gotta chill that salad for at least 2 hours. Overnight is even better. The flavors need time to get to know each other.
Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust! A little more salt? A dash of pepper? It’s your salad, make it how *you* like it!
Okay, this is my secret weapon: a tiny pinch of sugar. Just a *tiny* one! It balances out the tang and adds a little somethin’ somethin’.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Macaroni Salad Recipe

So, wanna tweak this classic macaroni salad recipe a bit? Here’s the lowdown on some ingredients and what you can swap ’em with. Don’t be afraid to experiment, okay?

Mayonnaise: Okay, if you’re watchin’ your waistline, light mayo *can* work. Or, for a tangier twist, try Greek yogurt! Just know it’ll change the flavor a bit.
Sweet Pickle Relish: Not a fan of sweet? Dill relish is your friend! Or, finely chop some pickles – that works too!
Red Onion: If you don’t have red onion, yellow or white will do in a pinch. But honestly, red onion gives it a milder, slightly sweeter vibe that I love.
Mustard: Dijon mustard? Sure, go for it! It’ll give your macaroni salad a bit more of a zing. I like the classic yellow, but hey, you do you!

Variations on This Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe

Okay, so you’ve nailed the basic classic macaroni salad recipe. Awesome! Now, wanna get a little wild? Here are some fun ways to mix it up and make it your own. Seriously, the possibilities are endless!

Veggies, veggies, veggies! Bell peppers (any color!), shredded carrots, peas… go crazy! Just make sure they’re chopped small.
Protein power! Ham, tuna, cooked chicken… toss it in! Suddenly, it’s a whole new meal!
Herbs and spices, baby! Dill is amazing, paprika adds a smoky touch, and garlic powder? Yes, please!
Spice it up! A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your fave hot sauce? Whoa! Just be careful not to overdo it!

Serving Suggestions for Your Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe

Alright, you’ve got this amazing classic macaroni salad recipe ready to go. Now, what do you serve it with? Here’s my take:

Grilled burgers or hot dogs? Obvi!
Fried chicken? Yes, please! That crispy-creamy combo is outta this world!
Pulled pork sandwiches? Heck yeah! The cool salad cuts through the richness perfectly.
BBQ ribs? Another winner!
And hey, don’t forget the classics: potato salad or coleslaw! Double the salad, double the fun!

Storing Your Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe

So, you’ve got leftover classic macaroni salad recipe? Lucky you! Just pop it in an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It’ll be good for 3-5 days – perfect for lunches! Just give it a good stir before you dig in, as the mayo can sometimes separate a bit. Enjoy!

Nutritional Information for Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe

Okay, so here’s the deal: the nutrition info on this classic macaroni salad recipe? It can vary *a lot* depending on what brands and ingredients you use. So, keep in mind, this is just an estimate!

Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe FAQs

Got questions about this classic macaroni salad recipe? I got answers! Here are a few of the most common things folks ask me. Don’t be shy, though – if you’ve got another question, just ask!

Can I make this ahead of time? Heck yeah! In fact, I *highly* recommend it! Making it a day ahead of time lets all those flavors meld together. Just store it in the fridge, covered, and you’re golden!

How long does this macaroni salad last? In the fridge, it’ll be good for about 3-5 days. After that, it might start to get a little watery. Nobody wants watery pasta salad!

Can I freeze macaroni salad? Nope, don’t do it! The mayo will separate and the macaroni will get all weird. Trust me, it’s not worth it. Fresh is best!

What can I add to my macaroni salad to make it better? Oh, the possibilities! A little chopped ham, some shredded cheddar cheese, maybe some bell peppers? Get creative! It’s *your* classic macaroni salad recipe now!

Rate This Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe!

So, what’d ya think? Leave a comment and let me know how you liked this classic macaroni salad recipe! And hey, if you made it your own, share your tweaks – I wanna know!

Irresistible Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe: Only $2

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Author: Rachel Evans
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This classic macaroni salad is a creamy, tangy, and flavorful side dish. It is perfect for picnics, potlucks, and barbecues.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound elbow macaroni
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup celery, diced
1/4 cup red onion, diced
1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

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Instructions

Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, celery, red onion, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, white vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Add the cooked macaroni and chopped eggs to the bowl and mix well.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Notes

Adjust mayonnaise for desired creaminess.
Add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 50mg

Hi, I’m Rachel!

Recipe creator, food enthusiast, and busy mom on a mission to simplify dinner without sacrificing flavor. I share tried-and-true recipes that are easy to follow, budget-friendly, and always satisfying. Let’s make dinnertime the best part of your day!

About Me