This classic creamy macaroni salad is the perfect side dish for backyard barbecues, potlucks, picnics, and family dinners.
Loaded with tender elbow macaroni, crunchy celery, crisp bell peppers, onions, and a sweet-and-tangy dressing, every bite delivers a refreshing balance of flavor and texture.
The creamy mayonnaise-based dressing coats the pasta beautifully, creating a rich and satisfying salad that tastes even better after chilling.
Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled burgers, fried chicken, ribs, or sandwiches, this easy macaroni salad recipe is always a crowd favorite.
The combination of sweet sugar, zesty mustard, and vinegar gives the dressing its signature flavor, while optional carrots and pimentos add a colorful finishing touch.
Make it ahead of time for the best flavor and enjoy a chilled, comforting side dish everyone will ask you to bring again.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Additional Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 10
Ingredients
- 4 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2/3 cup white sugar, or to taste
- 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
- 2 1/2 tablespoons prepared yellow mustard
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1/4 cup grated carrot (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped pimento peppers (optional)
Directions
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until tender but still slightly firm to the bite, about 8 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and rinse thoroughly under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow the macaroni to drain completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, yellow mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl and stir until evenly coated with the dressing.
- Mix in the chopped celery, onion, green bell pepper, grated carrot, and pimentos until well combined.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best flavor and texture.
- Stir before serving and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled.
Chefs Notes
- For extra flavor, prepare the salad a day in advance to allow the dressing to fully soak into the pasta.
- If the salad thickens too much after chilling, stir in a small splash of milk or additional mayonnaise before serving.
- Finely diced dill pickles or hard-boiled eggs make delicious additions to this classic recipe.
- Use red bell pepper instead of green for a slightly sweeter flavor and more vibrant color.
- This macaroni salad pairs perfectly with grilled meats, sandwiches, fried chicken, and picnic favorites.