Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe
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This classic Macaroni Salad Recipe is a terrifically flavorful side dish that’s sure to be a crowd pleaser at any gathering all year round. It can be made ahead of time which makes it perfect for picnics or potlucks. Easily make this macaroni salad in about 30 minutes and pop in the fridge until ready to serve.
Macaroni Salad
Summer is the perfect time to break from the boring routine. Head out for a day at the park or beach and pack a picnic, or make plans to gather together for a fun evening cookout while listening to the frogs and crickets create melodies that only summertime can bring. I don’t know about you but we sure do enjoy kicking it into a lower gear during the summer. The longer days and comfortable evenings create the perfect atmosphere for enjoying time outdoors, especially entertaining outdoors. It’s the best way to takes things slower in our book!
Of course the menu can always be simple. Simple is always a good thing, don’t you think? Food does not have to be fancy to enjoy time with friends and family. That’s why I like to fall back on the basics for menus when entertaining, like this classic Macaroni Salad Recipe.
This summery classic side dish, snuggled up next to the potato salad and deviled eggs, makes a regular appearance at any picnic or cookout gathering. Deservedly so. This Macaroni Salad is full of flavor with a medley of garlic, dill, Dijon mustard, and a little bit of crunch from a smidgen of celery and red onion. Plus it is such a simple recipe that can be made a few days ahead of time (if it lasts that long), then kept refrigerated until ready to serve. Recipes that can be made ahead are great for entertaining, aren’t they? Dishes can be done and ready to serve so when your guests arrive you can enjoy at the party too. So what are you waiting for? Let’s do the Macaroni!
Macaroni Salad Ingredients
- Elbow Macaroni Pasta
- Mayonnaise
- Red Wine Vinegar
- Dijon Mustard
- Garlic Powder
- Dried Parsley
- Dried Dill
- Salt
- Black Pepper
- Celery
- Red Onion
How to Make Macaroni Salad
- Begin by cooking the macaroni pasta according the to package instructions. Then drain it and set it aside.
- Next, make the dressing by thoroughly whisking together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, dried parsley, dried dill, salt, pepper, celery and red onion.
- Stir together the dressing and cooked macaroni pasta until combined.
- Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days until ready to serve.
What to Serve With Macaroni Salad
- Honey Jalapeno Grilled Chicken Recipe
- Mint Lime Grilled Chicken Breasts Recipe
- Perfect Grilled Salmon
- Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs Recipe
- BBQ Chicken Recipe
- Southwestern Grilled Chicken with Lime Butter
- Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken Wings Recipe
- Buttermilk Chicken Recipe
- Skirt Steak Recipe
- Glazed Baby Back Ribs Recipe
More easy pasta salad recipes you will enjoy:
- Easy Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe
- Southwestern Black Bean Pasta Salad Recipe
- BLT Macaroni Salad Recipe
Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe
This flavorful favorite macaroni salad is perfect for picnics and potlucks and can easily be made ahead of time.
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni pasta
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/3 cup finely chopped red onion
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain. Set aside.
- Whisk together all other ingredients to make dressing.
- Pour dressing over drained macaroni and mix to combine.
- Refrigerate covered tightly up to 4 days until ready to serve.
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Hi Amy, looks like a great classic to me, perfect for summer.
I love macaroni salad, but we don’t make it very much for some reason. I would love to eat it more and this simple recipe is exactly the inspiration I needed. Pinned!
I love macaroni salad and I could have sworn I had this one but didn’t when I checked. Glad I looked and can’t wait to try it!
Simple summer recipes are THE BEST. I know this would vanish at any potluck!
I loved the macaroni salad. It was delicious and very easy. I did follow the receipe , but I added a few more veggies. Just some green and red pepper which added color. I also used a one pound box of elbows.
As I stated it was delicious but on the dry side not creamy. I always seem to have that problem. Suggestions would be helpful.
Dusty1
Made this recently and was very happy with the result. Didn’t have the red wine vinegar so substituted apple cider vinegar. That gave it a nice zing but will try with the red wine vinegar next time. Everyone in the house enjoyed it a lot.