Looking for: Best macaroni salad recipe? Don’t look any further! This is the perfect side dish for every party or potluck, and it’s soft, spicy flavors have enough creaminess and crunch to really get your taste buds going. And there’s no doubt that this recipe is a crowd-pleaser for ur summer picnic, backyard grill out or family gathering. Better yet, it’s easy to this double recipe so no one goes hungry!
Why You’ll Love It
- Easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.
- Stays creamy for hours — perfect for potlucks.
- Pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, ribs, or burgers.
- Crowd-pleasing classic that never goes out of style.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Macaroni Salad
- 8 oz. dry macaroni noodles (227 g)
- ½ cup finely diced sweet gherkins (usually 4-6 sweet gherkins for me, 80g)
- ¾ cup finely diced red bell pepper (about ½ pepper, 100g)
- ⅓ cup thinly sliced celery (about 1-2 stalks, 55g)
- ⅓ cup finely diced red onion (45g)
- 2 large hard-boiled eggs, finely diced
For the Macaroni Salad Dressing
- ¾ cup mayonnaise (I use olive oil mayo, 175g)
- ¼ cup sour cream (70 g)
- 2 Tablespoons sweet pickle juice
- 1 Tablespoon red wine vinegar (*)
- 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
Note: If you don’t have red wine vinegar on hand, white wine or apple cider vinegar would also work well.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus at least 1 hour chilling time)
- Servings: Serves 8-10
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add 8 oz dry macaroni noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and rinse the noodles immediately with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Drizzle with a teaspoon of olive oil and gently stir to prevent the noodles from sticking together as they cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled macaroni noodles, ½ cup finely diced sweet gherkins, ¾ cup finely diced red bell pepper, ⅓ cup thinly sliced celery, ⅓ cup finely diced red onion, and 2 large hard-boiled eggs.
- Stir until all ingredients are well combined. Set aside while you prepare the dressing.
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the following:
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 Tablespoons sweet pickle juice
- 1 Tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional for a bit of heat)
Continue whisking until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the dressing is smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the macaroni salad mixture.
- Toss everything together until the macaroni and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
- For the best flavor, cover the bowl and allow the macaroni salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
- Stir the salad once more before serving to redistribute the dressing.
- Transfer the macaroni salad to a serving dish.
- Garnish with additional diced sweet gherkins or a sprinkle of paprika for an extra touch.
- Enjoy immediately or keep chilled until ready to serve.
Tips for Perfect Macaroni Salad
- Don’t overcook pasta — slightly firm keeps the texture right.
- For extra creaminess, stir in 1 Tbsp milk before chilling.
- Add pickle relish or chopped ham for variation.
Serving & Storage
- Serve cold from the fridge.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.
- Avoid leaving out more than 2 hours at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to make this macaroni salad ahead of time?
Of course! In fact, the tastes get better after being chilled for at least an hour. It can be made up to 24 hours ahead of time and kept in the fridge.
What Can I Use Instead of Macaroni Noodles?
You could also use rotini, penne, or shells instead of the other forms. For people who have to watch what they eat, there are also gluten-free pasta choices.
How do I make the salad without meat?
To keep the salad’s richness, just leave out the hard-boiled eggs or add more veggies like olives or cherry tomatoes in their place.
Is it possible to freeze macaroni salad?
It’s not a beneficial idea to freeze noodles and veggies because the structure might change. It tastes best when it’s fresh or cold.
What are some different ways to make this recipe?
- Add Protein: Use diced ham, chicken, or tuna to make the dish heavier.
- Make it spicier by adding jalapeños or a little hot sauce.
- Make It Vegan: To make a tasty vegan macaroni salad, use plant-based mayonnaise and leave out the eggs.
Spread Love
Did you enjoy this macaroni salad recipe? Do not keep it to yourself! Talk about it with your family and friends so they can enjoy making this tasty dish.
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Finding the right balance of tastes, textures, and looks is key to making the best macaroni salad. This recipe is not only simple to follow, but it can also be changed to fit different tastes and dietary needs. This macaroni salad is a wonderful addition to your cooking skills, no matter how experienced you are or how new you are to cooking. Take your goods and follow the steps to make a tasty dish that everyone will love. It will become a favorite at your next get-together.
Rate This Recipe
Best Macaroni Salad: 5 Easy Steps
Creamy, tangy, and done fast. Perfect with BBQ, burgers, and summer picnics.
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked & cooled
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 cup diced celery
- ½ cup chopped onion
- ½ cup diced red bell pepper
- 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- Salt & black pepper
Instructions (5 Steps)
- Boil macaroni; rinse cold; drain well.
- Whisk mayo, vinegar, mustard, sugar.
- Fold in celery, onion, pepper, eggs.
- Add macaroni; season with salt & pepper.
- Chill 1 hour; serve cold.
Tips
- Stir in 1 Tbsp milk if you like it extra creamy.
- Add relish or chopped ham for variation.
Nutrition (est.)
Easy enough for a weeknight, special enough for Sunday dinner.
