Traditional Elbow Macaroni Salad

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
Be the First to Review!

Traditional Elbow Macaroni Salad is the perfect crowd-pleasing side dish for any gathering, picnic, or simple family dinner. With its creamy dressing and colorful veggies, this classic recipe combines nostalgia with fresh flavors. It's a guaranteed hit wherever you serve it!

Ingredients for Traditional Elbow Macaroni Salad

Elbow macaroni is the classic pasta choice here, bringing that perfect bite-sized chew. The mayonnaise forms the creamy base of the dressing, while apple cider vinegar adds a tangy kick that balances the richness. A touch of Dijon mustard introduces a subtle sharpness, and a pinch of sugar rounds off the flavors nicely. Salt and black pepper season the salad to perfection. For crunch and color, diced celery, red bell pepper, and red onion are mixed in, with a bit of chopped parsley for a fresh, herby finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use freshly cooked pasta for the best texture. Overcooked pasta can turn mushy in the salad.
  • If you prefer less mayonnaise, substitute part of it with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
  • For extra flavor, add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the dressing.

Serving Suggestions

This macaroni salad shines alongside grilled meats like chicken or steak. It also pairs beautifully with BBQ dishes, acting as a creamy counterpoint to smoky flavors. For a vegetarian meal, serve it with a hearty quiche or frittata.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! It actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours or even overnight.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I add other vegetables?
Sure thing! Try adding some peas, cherry tomatoes, or even corn for extra color and flavor.

Traditional Elbow Macaroni Salad Recipe Walkthrough

Start by cooking the elbow macaroni in a big pot of boiling salted water. You want it al dente, so check the package instructions for timing. Once cooked, drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop it from cooking further. This also helps cool it down for the salad.

In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is smooth and well combined. This dressing is the heart of your salad, so take a moment to taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Add your cooled macaroni to the bowl along with the diced celery, red bell pepper, red onion, and chopped parsley. Gently mix everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the dressing.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and develop, making the salad taste even better.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare with minimal ingredients.
  • Perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and crunchy textures.
  • Versatile side dish that pairs well with almost any main course.
  • Great make-ahead option for busy days.

Ingredients

2 cups elbow macaroni
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup diced celery
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1/4 cup diced red onion
2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Cook macaroni in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
3. Add the cooked macaroni, diced celery, red bell pepper, red onion, and chopped parsley to the dressing and mix until well combined.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled, garnished with extra parsley if desired.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!