Description

This irresistible Best Macaroni Salad recipe is a creamy, tangy, and crunchy side dish perfect for picnics, barbecues, or family gatherings. Featuring perfectly cooked elbow macaroni tossed with a zesty dressing of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar, it’s loaded with fresh vegetables and optional add-ins like hard-boiled eggs and pickles to add texture and flavor. Easy to prepare in just under 30 minutes, this macaroni salad is sure to steal the show at any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked

Dressing

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetables & Add-ins

1/2 cup diced celery
1/3 cup diced red bell pepper
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1/4 cup chopped pickles or relish (optional)
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside and let it cool completely before mixing.
Prepare the dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
Combine ingredients: Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl with the dressing. Then add diced celery, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, and chopped pickles or relish if using. Fold in chopped hard-boiled eggs if desired.
Toss to coat: Gently toss all the ingredients together until the macaroni and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
Chill and serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld together. Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

For best texture, rinse the cooked macaroni with cold water to prevent it from becoming mushy.
The optional pickles and hard-boiled eggs add extra flavor and richness but can be omitted for a lighter salad.
Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.
Make the salad a few hours ahead of time or the day before to enhance the flavor melding.
This macaroni salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a picnic favorite.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Boiling
Cuisine: American