Easy Macaroni Salad

This Easy Macaroni Salad is a southern classic, crowd-pleasing side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. You start with cooked elbow macaroni that’s cooled and tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing. The result is a balanced blend of rich creaminess and bright acidity.

I add crisp diced celery, sweet red bell peppers, sharp red onion, diced jalapenos, and cheddar cheese to give it texture and freshness. For extra flavor and a hint of tang, I mix in sweet relish.

This salad tastes better when chilled to perfection. This macaroni salad is refreshing, satisfying, and easy to make ahead. It’s the ideal side dish for get-togethers with family and friends, bringing together creamy comfort and crunchy freshness in every bite.

Key Ingredients

Elbow Macaroni – The base of the salad, cooked until al dente and cooled.

Mayonnaise – Provides the creamy texture for the dressing.

Dijon Mustard – Adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor.

Apple Cider Vinegar – Brightens the dressing with a touch of acidity.

Granulated Sugar – Balances the tanginess with a hint of sweetness.

Salt & Black Pepper – For basic seasoning and flavor enhancement.

Celery – Adds a refreshing crunch.

Red Bell Pepper – Offers sweetness and color.

Red Onion – Gives a sharp, savory bite.

Sweet Relish – For tangy flavor and texture.

Fresh Parsley – For a fresh, herby finish.

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Easy Macaroni Salad

This Easy Macaroni Salad is a classic side dish made with tender elbow pasta, crisp veggies and a creamy dressing. it's the perfect make-ahead salad for picnics, potlucks, and barbecues. Simple, refreshing, and full of flavor!

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Ingredients

  

• 16 oz Macaroni Pasta
• 1 cup Mayo
• ¼ cup Dijon Mustard
• 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1 cup Red Bell Pepper
• 1 cup Celery chopped
• ½ cup Red Onion
• ¼ cup Sweet Relish
• 1 tablespoon Sugar
• ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
• ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
• ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoon Fresh Parsley
• 1 Jalapeno diced
• ¾ cup Cheddar Cheese diced small

Instructions

 

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
• Drain the pasta, then rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside to drain completely.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the following ingredients: mayo, apple cider vinegar, dijon mustard, granulated sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper
• Mix until smooth and fully combined to create a creamy, tangy dressing.
• Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss until all the pasta is well coated.
• Add the diced celery, diced red onion, diced red bell pepper, green onions, jalapenos, sweet relish, cubed cheese
• Gently stir all ingredients together until evenly mixed and everything is coated in the dressing.
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld together.
• Before serving, give the salad a final stir and taste to adjust seasoning if needed.

Video

Recipe Tips

For the best flavor and texture, I make my macaroni salad a few hours ahead or even the day before. This gives the pasta time to absorb the dressing and the flavors to fully develop. If it seems too thick from chilling add a little mayo to loosen it up.

Keyword elbow macaroni salad, macaroni recipe, macaroni salad