Creamy, Cold, And Packed With Crunchy Veggies, This Classic Macaroni Salad Is The Kind Of Old-Fashioned Side Dish That Shows Up At Every Summer BBQ For A Reason. It’s Simple, Budget Friendly, And Somehow Even Better The Next Day After The Flavors Have Had Time To Blend Together.

This Version Has Tender Elbow Macaroni, A Creamy Mayo Dressing, Crunchy Celery, Tangy Pickles, And Hard-Boiled Eggs For That Classic deli-style flavor everyone expects. Serve It Alongside Burgers, Hot Dogs, Fried Chicken, Or Pulled Pork For The Ultimate Cookout Plate.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy And Flavorful Without Being Heavy
• Easy To Make Ahead
• Perfect For BBQs, Picnics, And Potlucks
• Simple Pantry Ingredients
• Tastes Even Better After Chilling

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Ingredients

For The Macaroni Salad

• 1 Pound Elbow Pasta
• 3 Hard-Boiled Eggs, Chopped
• 3 Celery Stalks, Finely Diced
• 1/2 Cup Red Onion, Finely Diced
• 1/2 Cup Dill Relish
• 1/2 Cup chopped Black Olives

For The Dressing

• 1 Cup Mayonnaise
• 2 Tablespoons Spicy Brown Mustard
• 1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper
• 1/4 Teaspoon Paprika

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Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Large Pot
• Colander
• Large Mixing Bowl
• Sharp Knife And Cutting Board
• Measuring Cups And Spoons

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How To Make Classic Macaroni Salad

1. Cook The Pasta

Bring A Large Pot Of Salted Water To A Boil. Cook The Elbow Macaroni Until Just Past Al Dente According To Package Instructions.

Drain And Rinse Under Cold Water Until Completely Cool. Let The Pasta Drain Well So The Salad Doesn’t Become Watery.

2. Prep The Mix-Ins

While The Pasta Cools, Chop The Eggs, Celery, Onion, And Pickles.

3. Make The Dressing

In A Large Bowl, Whisk Together The Mayonnaise, Mustard, Vinegar, Sugar, Salt, Pepper, And Paprika Until Smooth.

4. Combine Everything

Add The Cooled Pasta, Eggs, Celery, Onion, Pickles, And Carrot To The Bowl. Stir Until Everything Is Evenly Coated.

5. Chill Before Serving

Cover And Refrigerate For At Least 1 Hour Before Serving For The Best Flavor.

Stir Again Before Serving And Add A Spoonful Of Mayo If Needed To Freshen It Up.

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Tips For The Best Macaroni Salad

• Slightly Overcook The Pasta For That True Classic Texture
• Rinse The Pasta Well To Stop The Cooking
• Chill Before Serving So The Flavors Blend Together
• Add Extra Mayo Before Serving If The Pasta Absorbs Too Much Dressing
• Dice Everything Small For The Best Texture In Every Bite

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Variations

Southern Style Macaroni Salad

Add A Little Sweet Relish And A Sprinkle Of Extra Paprika.

Deli Style Macaroni Salad

Use More Vinegar And Finely Grated Onion For A Tangier Flavor.

Loaded Macaroni Salad

Add Diced Ham, Cheddar Cheese, Or Crispy Bacon.

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What To Serve With Macaroni Salad

• Burgers
• Hot Dogs
• BBQ Chicken
• Pulled Pork Sandwiches
• Fried Chicken
• Grilled Corn On The Cob

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How To Store

Store Covered In The Refrigerator For Up To 4 Days.

Stir Before Serving And Add A Little Mayo If Needed To Bring Back The Creamy Texture.

Do Not Leave Sitting Out For More Than 2 Hours.

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FAQs

Do You Rinse Pasta For Macaroni Salad?

Yes. Rinsing Stops The Cooking Process And Helps Cool The Pasta Quickly For A Cold Pasta Salad.

Why Does Macaroni Salad Dry Out Overnight?

The Pasta Absorbs Some Of The Dressing As It Chills. Stir In A Little Extra Mayo Before Serving To Refresh It.

Can I Make Macaroni Salad Ahead Of Time?

Absolutely. It Actually Tastes Better After A Few Hours In The Refrigerator.

What’s The Best Pasta For Macaroni Salad?

Classic Elbow Macaroni Is The Most Traditional Choice, But Small Shells Also Work Well.

Can I Freeze Macaroni Salad?

No. Mayo-Based Pasta Salads Do Not Freeze Well And Tend To Separate After Thawing.

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