Best Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe

This cool, creamy Classic Macaroni Salad base recipe, can be easily customized with ham and colorful vegetables, for the Best Classic Macaroni Salad ever, and will be the most popular side dish at your summer BBQ or picnic!

Course Side Dishes

Cuisine American

Keyword best classic macaroni salad, best macaroni salad, classic macaroni salad, macaroni salad, pasta salad

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Refrigerate overnight 8

Servings

Calories 397kcal

Author Michele @ Flavor Mosaic

Ingredients

Best Classic Macaroni Salad

1 lb elbow macaroni
2 stalks celery (chopped)
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1/4 cup shredded carrots
1/4 cup peas
1/4 cup bell peppers (red, green, or yellow)
1 cup chopped ham (can use chopped bacon instead, if desired)
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
3 hard boiled eggs (chopped)

Macaroni Salad Dressing

1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup distilled vinegar
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 Tablespoons yellow mustard
1 tablespoon sweet relish
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Best Classic Macaroni Salad

Boil a large pot of water on the stove. Add the elbow macaroni and cook for 8 minutes or until cooked al dente.
Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water. Allow the cold water to drain.
In a large bowl stir together all ingredients for the macaroni salad, except for the dressing.

Macaroni Salad Dressing

In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, mustard, relish, salt and pepper
Pour the dressing over the macaroni salad and stir to coat all ingredients in the dressing.
Cover and refrigerate the macaroni salad until ready to serve.

Nutrition