Quick and Easy Classic Macaroni Salad with Few Ingredients

What better to bring to a potluck or picnic than a classic Macaroni Salad? This recipe uses a surprise ingredient that makes the dressing extra special and the salad one everyone will surely enjoy. You can make it ahead, it tastes even better the day after!

Ingredients For Classic Macaroni Salad:

To make this exceptionally delicious salad, you will need:

• Elbow macaroni
• Celery
• Red bell pepper
• Red onion
• Peas
• Cheddar cheese
• Mayonnaise
• White vinegar
• Relish
• Salt and pepper

How To Make Easy Macaroni Salad?

1. Cook the macaroni in a large pot of salted water until al dente (cooked but firm). Drain and run it under cold water.
2. Make the dressing: place all dressing ingredients in a small bowl and mix until well combined.
3. Place the cooked and drained macaroni in a large bowl. Add the chopped veggies and dressing. Toss until everything is well coated with the dressing. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.

Quick and Easy Classic Macaroni Salad With Few Ingredients

4.67 from 3 votes

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Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

CHILL TIME: 1 hour hour

Total Time: 35 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: 497kcal

Author: Katherine - Yummfully

Equipment

• Large pot
• Large bowl
• Small bowl
• Knife and cutting board
• Colander

Ingredients

• 8 oz dry elbow macaroni
• 1 cup celery diced (about 100g)
• ½ cup red bell pepper, diced (about 75g)
• ½ cup peas (frozen peas work well — thaw before using)
• ¼ cup red onion, diced (about 40g)
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed (about 115g)

Dressing:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 3 tbsp white vinegar
• 2 tbsp sweet relish
• 1 tsp yellow mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• Cook the macaroni in a large pot of salted water until al dente (firm to the bite). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Toss with a small drizzle of oil to prevent sticking, then spread the pasta out briefly to cool.
• Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, white vinegar, sweet relish, mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning — the dressing should be smooth and creamy with a sweet, tangy, well-balanced flavor. If needed, add ½ teaspoon of sugar or a pinch of onion powder for more depth.
• While the macaroni cooks, finely dice the celery, red bell pepper, and red onion. Cube the cheddar cheese into small bite-size pieces and set aside.
• Once the macaroni has cooled, add it to a large bowl along with the diced vegetables, peas, and cheese. Pour the dressing over the top and toss until everything is well coated. Give the salad a final taste and season with more salt or pepper if needed — start with ¼ teaspoon of each and adjust to your preference. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.
• Stir well before serving — the dressing may thicken slightly after chilling. Then garnish with a sprinkle of paprika or a handful of chopped fresh parsley for added color and freshness.

Notes

Notes:

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir well before serving. If the salad seems dry, mix in a spoonful of mayo or a splash of milk or pickle juice to refresh the texture.

Nutrition

Calories: 497kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 36g

Frequently Asked Questions

What Type of Pasta is Best for Macaroni Salad?

It is traditionally made with elbow macaroni, but really any small pasta will do.

How Long Does Macaroni Salad Last in The Fridge?

It can last up to 5 days if properly stored. It needs to be stored in an airtight container.

Can I Use Other Veggies?

Yes you can! I would recommend you add celery, onion, and bell pepper, and then add any other veggie you have like carrots and broccoli florets.

What Can I Use Instead of Mayonnaise?

If you want to reduce the amount of calories, I recommend you use Greek Yogurt instead of Mayo, or a half mayo, half yogurt mix.

What if My Salad is Too Dry?

As the salad sits in the fridge, the pasta absorbs some of the dressing, so you might want to make more and mix it in before serving.

Can I Add Protein to the Macaroni Salad?

Yes! I love to serve it with diced ham, cooked chicken, or bacon bits.