Best Macaroni Salad

The Best Macaroni Salad Recipe: Your Complete Guide to Making a Perfect, Tasty, and Popular Side Dish

On the hunt for the best macaroni salad recipe that will make your friends want more? Don’t look any further! This ultimate macaroni salad is the perfect side dish for any event because it has the right amount of creamy, spicy, and crunchy tastes. There’s no doubt that this recipe will be a hit at your summer picnic, backyard grill, or family get-together. More than that, it’s simple to double, so no one goes hungry!

Delicious homemade macaroni salad with fresh vegetables and creamy dressing, perfect for summer BBQs and picnics

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

Cook the Macaroni Noodles

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.

Prepare the Vegetables and Eggs

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.

Make the Macaroni Salad 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.

Combine and Chill

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.

Serve and Enjoy

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.

Best macaroni salad recipe with creamy dressing, fresh vegetables, and hard-boiled eggs, perfect for summer BBQs and family gatherings

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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Close-up of delicious creamy macaroni salad in a colorful bowl, showcasing fresh ingredients and perfect for crowd-pleasing events

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.