Classic Macaroni Salad is a fast and easy family favorite. Its tart flavors and creamy, crunchy texture make it a great side dish for any menu!
Prep Time 15 minutesminutes
Cook Time 20 minutesminutes
Total Time 35 minutesminutes
Servings 12servings
Ingredients
16ounceselbow macaroni
4ribs celeryfinely diced
1green bell pepperfinely diced
1red bell pepperfinely diced
½cupred onionfinely diced
2hard boiled eggschopped
Dressing
½cupmayonnaise
1tablespoonDijon mustard
1tablespoonred wine vinegar
½teaspoondill pickle juicemore to taste
2teaspoonsgranulated white sugar
1/2teaspoonsalt
1/4teaspoonblack pepperor to taste
Instructions
Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the box. Rinse the pasta in cold water and leave it to cool and drain well.
While the pasta is draining and cooling, chop the veggies and the hardboiled eggs.
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled, drained pasta, veggies, and eggs. Gently stir to combine all the ingredients.
In a smaller bowl, mix the remaining ingredients for the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the pasta and veggies. Toss it to combine.
Cover the salad bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour before serving. Don’t skip this part as it needs the resting time for the flavors to mellow and blend.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
Notes
Leftovers will keep for 5 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Macaroni salad is a good choice for making ahead, especially since it needs to chill before serving. It may be made as much as three days in advance of serving.
It’s important to remember for food safety concerns that any recipe with mayonnaise as a base cannot be left out at room temperature for more than two hours.