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This Easy Macaroni Salad is my go to dish to bring to potlucks, BBQ’s, parties and more. It is loaded with lots of delicious veggies, cheese and more!
The mayonnaise is the secret to making the salad creamy. You can certainly try reduced fat or light versions but I don’t recommend it. You want this easy salad recipe to be really creamy and sometimes the light version make it taste watered down.
This Shrimp Macaroni Salad is another family favorite that is a must try.
What's in this post: Easy Macaroni Salad
Why I Love this Recipe
I love to make this Easy Macaroni Salad. It’s super easy and everyone always loves this easy summer salad. This Easy Macaroni Salad is budget friendly and makes feeding a crowd a breeze!
This Best Macaroni Salad Recipe is creamy and delicious. The veggies combined with the cheese really make this simple side dish hearty and tasty. We have even sprinkle in tsp of sweet paprika.
It is the perfect compliment to hot dogs with the Best Coleslaw, BBQ Ranch Grilled Chicken, and more! We even like it with Jalapeno Poppers Burger Sliders Recipe.
Ingredients
- Elbow Macaroni Noodles – You can use other types of small noodles
- Cheddar Cheese – You can use cube cheese but shredded cheese works great too
- Red Onion, Celery Stalks, Red Bell Pepper – Chop veggies with a vegetable chopper to ensure that it is about the same size.
- Mayo – Use full fat mayonnaise
- Apple Cider Vinegar – If you are out, see The Best Apple Cider Vinegar Substitutes. White vinegar is a great substitute
- Fresh Dill – See The Best Fresh Dill Substitutes if you are out
- Sugar – We used granulated sugar
- Dijon Mustard – You can also use regular mustard
For the full list of ingredients and the recipe card, scroll down to the recipe card.
Simple Macaroni Salad Additions
- Mayo Substitute – You can also substitute some of the mayo with sour cream. It will make it the sauce more tangy so just keep that in mind. You might want to try half mayo and half sour cream.
- Add Vegetables – This macaroni salad is even better with added veggies. Add in sliced cherry tomatoes, carrots, pickles, sweet pickle relish, green bell pepper
- Hard Boiled Eggs – Hard boiled eggs are also good in the salad and add protein. Diced ham is also a great addition.
- Shredded Parmesan Cheese – When serving top the easy macaroni salad with parmesan cheese for added flavor.
How to Make Macaroni Salad Recipe
Step 1 – Boil macaroni according to package instructions. You want the pasta to still be firm so cook until al dente in a large pot with salted water. Immediately rinse under cold water and drain so it isn’t sticky and prevents it from over cooking. Drain well.
Step 2 – In a large bowl, toss together cooked pasta with the cubed cheese, onion, celery, bell pepper, and peas.
Step 3 – In a small mixing bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, dill, 2 tbsp sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
Step 4 – Pour the macaroni salad dressing over the pasta and stir until everything is well coated.
Step 5 – Cover bowl with plastic wrap and chill at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before serving.
Step 6 – Top with fresh dill or fresh parsley, kosher salt and black pepper. Enjoy!
Expert Tips
- Cooking Pasta – Make sure that you do not over cook the pasta. Over cooked pasta will make this macaroni salad mushy. Watch the pasta closely when cooking, cook to al dente and rinse with cold water immediately to stop the cooking process.
- Chill Macaroni Salad – Ensure that you refrigerate this salad before. Chilling the salad gives it time for the flavors to meld together.
- Ingredients – Make sure to use fresh ingredients when making this macaroni salad. This will help to keep the salad fresh.
What to Serve with Pasta Salad
This pasta salad recipe is perfect to serve with your favorite grilling recipes. I love serving this recipe at barbecues, picnics and any outdoor event.
Here are a few of my favorite recipes that I love serving with this easy macaroni salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
When making this macaroni salad, we think it is best to stick with full fat real mayo. It gives the salad the best texture and is so creamy.
Traditional Southern macaroni salad has mayonnaise, cheese, vinegar and a few veggies. You can easily add or omit the ingredients you do not like.
A very simple version is just tomato and cheese with the mayo or Italian dressing. Cheddar cheese cubed is what is traditionally in this salad. You can mix it up with pepper jack or other cheeses though for something different. Classic Macaroni Salad uses elbow macaroni but you can use what you prefer or have on hand.
You can store leftover pasta salad for up to five days. Simply, scoop it out of the bowl and transfer it into an airtight container. Add the lid, and keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to eat it.
More Cold Pasta Salad Recipes
Easy Side Dishes
Italian Pasta Salad
Easy Side Dishes
Easy Pasta Salad
Easy Side Dishes
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Easy Side Dishes
Ramen Noodle Salad
We love to hear from you. If you make this Easy Macaroni Salad Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review.
Easy Macaroni Salad
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 6 oz cheddar cheese cubed
- 1/2 red onion minced
- 4 celery stalks diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup fresh dill
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni until al dente. You want them still firm. Immediately run the pasta under cold water so it isn’t sticky and prevents it from over cooking. Drain well.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss together cooked pasta with the cubed cheese, onion, celery, bell pepper, and peas.
- In a small mixing bowl, mix together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, dill, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture over the pasta and toss until everything is well coated. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and chill at least 1 hour before serving. Enjoy!
Could you post the Nutrition Facts list with carbs, calories, etc. Thx.?
The nutritional information is listed at the bottom of the recipe card after the video.
This is truly now my favorite macaroni salad!! I added some sliced hard boiled eggs and it was perfect, otherwise don’t change a thing. My family all loved it ??
I love hearing this! Thank you so much for sharing!
Made this and it was awesome!!!!!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it Kathy! Thank you for the positive review!
Wonderful Ymmmm
I love this recipe so much thank you.
Thank you so much Debbie!
Very good!!
I have made this for years with variations depending on what is on hand and how much time I have. Typically I use rigatoni pasta, green onions, hard boiled eggs, cheese shredded, and canned sweet tender baby peas, they are more expensive but worth it. Also my husband like mayo and dill pickles I don’t. So I found a way to compromise; I used half and half mayo and miracle whip, half and half sweet pickle relish and dill relish and the final touch is crab meat. I also add regular mustard, not much just a small amount. I think no matter how you make this it will be a hit for your family and there really is no right or wrong.
Thanks so much for your comment!
Sounds delicious,I will try. adding 1 T sugar instead of 2.