This Classic Macaroni Salad is the most requested salad at my house during the summer. I’ve used several other recipes over the years, but always come back to this one.
This pasta salad is full of flavor, easy to make and is the perfect side dish for dinners, picnics, bbq’s, or for potluck dinners.
Plus the ingredients are ones usually already on hand. This recipe is very adaptable, add in what’s appealing to you.
When to Rinse Cooked Pasta
- For pasta salads, rinse the pasta after cooking. Rinsing, will stop the cooking process. and prevents the pasta from turning sticky and clumping together.
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Learn more about macaroni salad.
Macaroni Salad
Looking for the perfect summer side dish? Our macaroni salad recipe is a crowd favorite – tasty, versatile, and quick to prepare. Try this crowd-pleasing Macaroni Salad.
Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked rings or elbow macaroni
- 1/2+ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3/4 tablespoon yellow mustard, or 1 teaspoon dijon
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 teaspoons onion powder, or 1 medium onion/diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 medium carrot, coursley grated
- 1 stalk celery, diced optional
- 1/2 cup frozen peas optional
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley optional
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta accordingto package directions. Drain and then rinse with cold water and drain again.
- Mix the remaining ingredients in a bowl until mixed. Add in the drained pasta. Chill for at least 2 hours. Serve.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
This was a hit at our family bbq. Pam
I made this for a potluck dinner. Everyone liked it, there wasn’t any leftover….that’s always a good sign. Thanks for sharing the recipe, it’s a keeper.