This flavorful macaroni salad is easy to make and is the perfect crowd-pleasing dish to bring to your next picnic or potluck.
How to Make Macaroni Salad
You'll find a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the recipe below, but let's go over the basics:
Macaroni Salad Ingredients
These are the ingredients you’ll need to make this macaroni salad recipe:
- Macaroni: Of course, you’ll need macaroni noodles!
- Condiments: A creamy blend of mayonnaise and yellow mustard adds tons of flavor.
- Sugar and vinegar: White sugar adds a dose of sweetness, which is pleasantly balanced by white vinegar.
- Seasonings: This macaroni salad is simply seasoned with salt and ground black pepper.
- Vegetables: You’ll need celery, an onion, and a bell pepper. Grated carrots and pimento peppers are optional, but they add welcome flavor and color.
How Do You Make Macaroni Salad?
Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect when you make homemade macaroni salad:
- Cook the macaroni in salted water.
- Mix the mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, mustard, and seasonings together.
- Stir in the macaroni and remaining ingredients. Chill in the refrigerator.
Can You Make Macaroni Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, macaroni salad makes a great make-ahead potluck dish. In fact, since the flavors need time to meld in the refrigerator, it might actually be better to make it a day or two in advance.
How Long Does Macaroni Salad Last?
This homemade macaroni salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. We don’t recommend freezing this recipe, as the noodles will likely become mushy after they are thawed.
Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise
“This recipe is fantastic, I tasted it when I finished mixing,” says Sue Newman. “WOW, can't wait for it to get cold. I did make a couple of changesL I used celery salt instead of just salt and left the green pepper and pimento out.”
“Great flavor,” raves one Allrecipes community member. “I used cellentani pasta and only ⅓ cup sugar. Also used some garlic powder and did not use bell pepper or pimento. Perfect accompaniment to our BBQ.”
“This is a fantastic pasta salad,” according to Rebecca Timbers. “The only drawback is I have found is that now I am required to bring a big bowl to every family gathering no matter the season or holiday!”
Editorial contributions by Corey Williams
