What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade macaroni salad is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or just a quick family meal. It’s creamy, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up with simple pantry staples, and it’s customizable to suit your taste. Plus, it’s a dish that tastes even better the next day, making it a great make-ahead option. And let’s not forget, it’s a nostalgic classic that’ll bring back memories of summer barbecues and family gatherings!
Recipe
This classic homemade macaroni salad is a creamy, tangy, and invigorating side dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, or summer barbecues. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the cooled macaroni, celery, red onion, red bell pepper, and parsley to the bowl.
- Toss everything together until well coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
For a creamier salad, add an extra 1/4 cup of mayonnaise. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Equipment
Large pot, colander, mixing bowl, whisk
Time
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 25 minutes (includes chilling)
Cuisine
American
Serving
6-8 servings
Nutrition
Homemade macaroni salad is a delicious dish, but it’s important to be mindful of its nutritional content. Here’s a breakdown of the nutrition per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 15mg |
| Sodium | 450mg |
| Carbohydrates | 33g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Protein | 8g |
What To Serve With It
I love serving my homemade macaroni salad with grilled meats, like burgers or chicken, because the flavors complement each other perfectly. Fresh summer sides, such as corn on the cob or a crisp green salad, add brightness to the plate. It’s a combo that feels like sunshine on a plate!
Grilled Meats Pairing
Since macaroni salad is a classic side dish that’s both creamy and rejuvenating, it pairs beautifully with all kinds of grilled meats. I love serving it alongside juicy burgers, smoky ribs, or even simple grilled chicken—the cool, tangy flavors cut through the richness perfectly. For a backyard BBQ, try it with charred sausages or marinated steak skewers; the contrast is unbeatable. Even grilled shrimp or fish tacos work, adding a revitalizing touch to each bite. Trust me, once you’ve tasted macaroni salad with your favorite grilled protein, you’ll never want to eat one without the other. It’s a match made in summer heaven.
Fresh Summer Sides
Though macaroni salad is a star on its own, it shines even brighter when paired with fresh summer sides that bring balance and variety to the table. I love serving it with crisp cucumber slices, juicy cherry tomatoes, or a tangy coleslaw for a revitalizing crunch. Grilled corn on the cob, lightly buttered and sprinkled with herbs, adds a smoky sweetness that complements the creamy pasta. For something heartier, I’ll toss together a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette. These sides keep the meal light, satisfying, and perfect for warm weather gatherings, making every bite a celebration of summer flavors.
