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    You are here: Crunchy Creamy Sweet / Salad / Simple Macaroni Salad

    Simple Macaroni Salad

    Published: Jun 26, 2021 by Anna 4 Comments · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    This Simple Macaroni Salad is the most popular pasta salad! Made with macaroni, eggs, vegetables and creamy dressing, this classic dish is a must for summer!

    Serve this dish with grilled chicken, pulled pork or even fried chicken. It's a simple yet delicious side that everyone will love!

    Macaroni Salad in a white bowl

    When it comes to classic summer dishes, macaroni salad always makes the list. Most everyone knows it and loves it. It's simple, yet absolutely delicious because the combination of macaroni (our childhood's favorite pasta!), chopped veggies, and a tangy creamy dressing never fails!

    This is my simple version of the classic macaroni salad. No vinegar, because pickle juice tastes better. No red onion because it can overwhelm the salad. No carrots because I don't like the texture. I hope you enjoy it too!

    Ingredients:

    • elbow macaroni
    • red pepper
    • celery
    • pickles
    • hard-boiled eggs
    • mayo
    • sour cream
    • pickle juice or vinegar
    • mustard
    • salt and pepper
    Ingredients for macaroni salad in small bowls on a board.

    How to make Macaroni Salad from scratch?

    • Start by making the dressing. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk together. Chill.
    • Cook macaroni. Once done, drain and rinse with cold water. This will prevent sticking.
    Dressing for macaroni salad in a bowl.
    • Place cooked macaroni in a large bowl. Add eggs, vegetables and dressing. Stir together.
    • Serve or chill until ready to serve.
    Macaroni and veggies in a bowl.

    How long does it last in the fridge?

    This salad needs to be refrigerated to remain fresh. It will last well for 2 days if chilled.

    Can I make it ahead of time?

    Absolutely! You can prep the macaroni salad for up to 2 days in advance. I highly recommend storing the dressing separately and adding it to macaroni and veggies just before serving. Otherwise, the pasta will absorb it.

    Tips for the Best Macaroni Salad:

    • Macaroni: rinse it after cooking to prevent sticking; if you forgot to rinse it and the macaroni is stuck together, place it in a colander and rinse under cold water, stirring with a spatula at the same time to break up the clumps;
    • Dressing: I highly recommend using pickle juice for the dressing, instead of vinegar. Lemon juice works great too!
    • Vegetables: use mini sweet peppers or red bell pepper; add red onion, carrots, green peas, etc.
    • Eggs: cook them easily following my tutorial How to Boil Eggs.
    Macaroni salad in a white bowl.

    More summer salad recipes:

    • BLT Pasta Salad
    • Tuscan Pasta Salad
    • Tomato Feta Salad
    • Fresh Corn Salad

    For more recipes like this one, feel free to browse our Salad category.

    If you like this recipe and make it, snap a photo and share it on INSTAGRAM! Tag me @crunchycreamysweet so I can check it out and leave a comment!

    Macaroni Salad in a white bowl

    Simple Macaroni Salad

    Author: Anna
    This Simple Macaroni Salad is the most popular pasta salad! Made with macaroni, eggs, vegetables and creamy dressing, this classic dish is a must for summer!
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 mins
    Cook Time 10 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Course Salad
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6 servings
    Calories 367 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    for the macaroni salad:

    • 2 cups dry elbow macaroni
    • ½ cup chopped celery ribs
    • ½ cup chopped red bell pepper
    • ½ cup chopped pickles
    • 2 large eggs

    for the dressing:

    • ½ cup mayonnaise
    • ½ cup sour cream
    • 1 tablespoon pickle juice
    • 2 teaspoons mustard
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

    Instructions
     

    • Cook macaroni. Once done, drain and rinse with cold water. This will prevent sticking. See note for fixing stuck pasta.
    • Cook eggs. Peel and chop.
    • Make the dressing by combining all ingredients in a bowl and whisking together. Chill in the fridge while you prepare the rest of ingredients.
    • Place cooked macaroni in a large bowl. Add chopped eggs, vegetables and stir together.
    • Pour dressing over salad. Stir with a spatula or a wooden spoon.
    • Serve or chill until ready to serve.

    Notes

    • If you forgot to rinse it and the macaroni is stuck together, place it in a colander and rinse under cold water, stirring with a spatula at the same time to break up the clumps
    • I highly recommend using pickle juice for the dressing, instead of vinegar. Lemon juice works great too!
    • Please note, that the nutrition value can vary depending on what product you use. The information below is an estimate. Always use calorie counter you are familiar with.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 367kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 519mg | Potassium: 218mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 661IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Leave a comment with rating below!

    More Salad Recipes

    • Chickpea Quinoa Salad
    • Olive Garden Salad Dressing
    • Homemade Ranch Dressing and Dip
    • Leftover Turkey Salad

    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Donna says

      September 11, 2021 at 5:03 pm

      Just wondering what kind of mustard to use. Yellow mustard or ground mustard??

      Reply
    2. Natalie says

      June 28, 2021 at 12:45 pm

      5 stars
      Always a family favorite! This is a must at picnics & BBQ's. Creamy, easy to make, & kid-friendly!

      Reply
    3. Beth says

      June 28, 2021 at 12:08 pm

      5 stars
      I love how simple and easy this salad is! Such a delicious and tasty pasta salad. So excited to make this again. My hubby and I loved this pasta salad!

      Reply
    4. April says

      June 28, 2021 at 10:18 am

      5 stars
      This recipe is so simple, but so good! Definitely one of the better macaroni salads I've tried.

      Reply

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    Crunchy Creamy Sweet Anna

    Hi, I'm Anna! Thank you for stopping by! Here you will find easy and delicious recipes for busy people. My recipes are made with everyday ingredients and all of them are family approved!

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