The Best Macaroni Salad

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The Best Macaroni Salad: A Classic Dish That Never Goes Out of Style

There’s something timeless and comforting about a creamy, flavorful macaroni salad. It’s the perfect side dish for picnics, barbecues, and family gatherings — a bowl full of nostalgia that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, fried chicken, or even a simple sandwich. The best macaroni salad is all about balance — creamy yet tangy, rich but refreshing, with a mix of textures and flavors that complement each other perfectly.

Let’s dive into the step-by-step method to make the best macaroni salad that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious salad, gather the following ingredients:

For the Salad:

2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
1 cup diced celery
¾ cup finely chopped red bell pepper
½ cup shredded carrot
½ cup chopped red onion (or green onion for a milder taste)
¾ cup diced pickles (sweet or dill, based on your preference)

For the Dressing:

1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard for a classic flavor)
2 teaspoons sugar (optional, to balance tanginess)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra depth)

Optional Add-ins (for extra flavor):

2 boiled eggs, chopped
½ cup cooked peas
¼ cup crispy bacon bits
A sprinkle of paprika or fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until just al dente — tender but still slightly firm to the bite.
Once done, drain immediately and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. This also prevents it from becoming sticky.

Tip: Do not overcook the macaroni! Soft pasta will absorb too much dressing and turn mushy.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

While the pasta cools, dice your celery, bell pepper, onion, and carrot. The goal is to keep everything finely chopped so that each bite has a balanced mix of textures and flavors.
If you like a touch of sweetness, use sweet pickles. For more tang, go with dill pickles.

Pro Tip: If you prefer a milder onion flavor, soak chopped onions in cold water for 10 minutes before adding them to the salad.

Step 3: Mix the Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, sugar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Taste the dressing — this is your chance to adjust the flavor. You can add a bit more vinegar for tanginess or a touch more sugar for sweetness.

Tip: A good macaroni salad dressing should taste slightly tangy before mixing with pasta because the flavors mellow as they combine.

Step 4: Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled macaroni, chopped vegetables, and pickles. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
If you’re using boiled eggs, peas, or bacon, fold them in at this stage. Be gentle so you don’t mash the eggs or break the macaroni.