Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe
Macaroni Salad is perfect for a summer menu. Paired with BBQ meats, hot dogs, and hamburgers, it's the perfect creamy, refreshing side dish.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 cup red bell peppers, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 2 large hard-boiled eggs
- 1 Tbsp chopped parsley, optional for garnish
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 3 tbsp sweet relish
- 3 tsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt, adjust to taste
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni in salted water according to the package instructions until it is aldente - it should be tender but firm to the bite. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and set it aside.
- In a separate bowl, combine all the dressing ingredients together and whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Place the macaroni into a large bowl. Add the diced bell peppers, red onion, celery, eggs, and any other desired mix-ins*.
- Pour in the dressing and stir to combine. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve right away or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
Variations & Substitutions:
- Veggies - Add or replace any of the veggies with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, peas, grated carrots, boiled corn kernels, or black olives.
- Protein - swap out the eggs with baked chicken breast, cooked shrimp, diced baked ham, or diced roast turkey
- Cheese - add diced cheddar, mozzarella, feta, parmesan, Colby jack, or gouda cheese.
- Pickles - try adding some diced dill pickles for a bit of tanginess. Sun-dried tomatoes also add a nice tang.
Nutrition Facts
Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
348
% Daily Value*
Fat
16
g
25
%
Saturated Fat
3
g
19
%
Trans Fat
1
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
9
g
Monounsaturated Fat
4
g
Cholesterol
62
mg
21
%
Sodium
627
mg
27
%
Potassium
237
mg
7
%
Carbohydrates
41
g
14
%
Fiber
3
g
13
%
Sugar
5
g
6
%
Protein
9
g
18
%
Vitamin A
1002
IU
20
%
Vitamin C
33
mg
40
%
Calcium
32
mg
3
%
Iron
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
