Easy Macaroni Salad

Introduction

Craving something cool, creamy, and utterly crowd-pleasing? Let me introduce you to my go-to side dish—Easy Macaroni Salad. This dish is a staple at every potluck, backyard BBQ, or holiday table in my life, and once you try it, it’ll likely become yours too. Loaded with crunchy veggies, chunks of cheddar cheese, and that tangy-creamy dressing we all love, this is comfort food in a bowl.

Reasons to Love This Easy Macaroni Salad Recipe

• It’s a make-ahead winner. The flavors only get better as it chills.

• Ridiculously easy. If you can boil pasta, you can make this.

• Customizable. Add your favorite veggies, swap out dressings, or toss in proteins.

• Perfect for a crowd. It’s budget-friendly and makes a big batch.

• Pairs with everything. From grilled meats to burgers and sandwiches, it’s the ultimate sidekick.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break down what goes into making this salad irresistible:

• Elbow Macaroni – Classic shape for soaking up that creamy dressing.

• Cheddar Cheese – Go for cubed for some texture or shredded if you like it melty.

• Red Onion – Adds crunch and a bit of bite.

• Celery – For that fresh, crisp contrast.

• Red Bell Pepper – Sweet and colorful.

• Frozen Peas – Just toss them in frozen; they thaw as the salad chills.

• Mayonnaise – Full-fat is best for rich creaminess.

• Apple Cider Vinegar – Adds tang and cuts through the richness.

• Fresh Dill – Brings a bright, herby freshness.

• Granulated Sugar – A touch of sweetness to balance things out.

• Dijon Mustard – Adds depth and a bit of zing.

• Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning everything just right.

Possible Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

Want to mix things up? Here are some tasty ways to tweak your macaroni salad:

• Sour Cream – Sub in half the mayo for a tangier dressing.

• Hard-Boiled Eggs – A protein boost and classic touch.

• Diced Ham or Chicken – Turn it into a meal.

• Cherry Tomatoes – Slice them in for juicy bursts.

• Green Bell Pepper or Pickles – Adds crunch and flavor.

• Sweet Pickle Relish – Adds a pop of sweetness.

• Parmesan Cheese – A salty topping that takes it up a notch.

• Vinegar Swap – No apple cider vinegar? Use white vinegar or lemon juice.

Tools You’ll Need

Nothing fancy required here, just a few kitchen basics:

• Large pot (for boiling pasta)

• Colander (to drain)

• Mixing bowls (one large, one small)

• Whisk (for the dressing)

• Vegetable chopper or sharp knife

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Plastic wrap (for chilling)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

Boil your macaroni in salted water until just al dente. You want it firm, not mushy. Drain and rinse under cold water immediately to stop the cooking and remove excess starch.

Step 2: Prep the Veggies and Cheese

Dice your onion, celery, and red bell pepper. Cube your cheddar cheese unless using shredded. Keep everything uniform in size so you get a little bit of everything in every bite.

Step 3: Mix the Salad Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled macaroni with your chopped veggies, peas, and cheese.

Step 4: Whip Up the Dressing

In a smaller bowl, whisk together mayo, apple cider vinegar, dill, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently but thoroughly to coat.

Step 6: Chill Before Serving

Cover with plastic wrap and let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—an hour is even better. This helps all the flavors blend together.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, give it a quick stir and top with extra fresh dill or parsley. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.

What to Serve with Macaroni Salad

This salad is the MVP of summer sides. Here’s what goes great with it:

• BBQ Chicken or Ribs

• Burgers and Hot Dogs

• Grilled Steak

• Pulled Pork Sandwiches

• Teriyaki or Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers

• Sandwich platters

• Corn on the Cob and Coleslaw

How to Store Macaroni Salad

Got leftovers? Lucky you. Store them like this:

• In the Fridge: Keep it in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Avoid Freezing: The dressing may separate, and the texture gets weird.

Pro tip: Give it a stir and a taste test before serving again. Sometimes it needs a splash of vinegar or mayo to freshen it up.

Can I Freeze Macaroni Salad?

Short answer: not really. Freezing macaroni salad isn’t ideal because the mayo-based dressing tends to split and turn grainy after thawing. If you do try it, just be ready for a potential texture change.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, it tastes better after a few hours or even overnight in the fridge.

2. What’s the best pasta shape for macaroni salad?

Elbow macaroni is the traditional choice, but shells or rotini work well too.

3. Is it okay to use light mayonnaise?

You can, but full-fat mayo gives the best creamy texture. Light versions may water it down.

4. How can I make it more filling?

Add hard-boiled eggs, diced ham, grilled chicken, or even canned tuna for a protein boost.

5. What can I use instead of fresh dill?

Dried dill works in a pinch, or try chopped parsley, chives, or a dash of Italian seasoning.

Two Resources

• Best Pasta Salad Recipes Collection – Food Network

• How to Cook Pasta Perfectly – Bon Appétit Guide

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on exact ingredients and quantities.

Conclusion

This Easy Macaroni Salad recipe is the kind of dish that never goes out of style. It’s cool, creamy, and packed with flavor and texture. Whether you’re bringing it to a summer BBQ, whipping it up for a family dinner, or meal-prepping for the week ahead, it always hits the spot. So go ahead, grab that big mixing bowl, and get stirring—you’re about to make everyone’s new favorite side dish.

Easy Macaroni Salad

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• Author: sellie
• Total Time: 30min
• Yield: 8 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Craving something cool, creamy, and utterly crowd-pleasing? Let me introduce you to my go-to side dish—Easy Macaroni Salad. This dish is a staple at every potluck, backyard BBQ, or holiday table in my life, and once you try it, it’ll likely become yours too. Loaded with crunchy veggies, chunks of cheddar cheese, and that tangy-creamy dressing we all love, this is comfort food in a bowl.

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Ingredients

• Elbow macaroni

• Cheddar cheese – cubed or shredded

• Red onion

• Celery

• Red bell pepper

• Frozen peas

• Mayonnaise

• Apple cider vinegar

• Fresh dill

• Dijon mustard

• Granulated sugar

• Salt and black pepper

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Instructions

Cook the pasta

Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.

Prep the mix-ins

Chop all veggies and cube cheese.

Make the dressing

Whisk mayo, vinegar, dill, sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

Assemble the salad

Toss pasta, veggies, and cheese with dressing until well coated.

Chill and serve

Refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with herbs.

Notes

• Cook Pasta Al Dente
  Make sure the macaroni is cooked just until al dente. Overcooking will make the salad mushy once the dressing is added.

• Rinse with Cold Water Immediately
  After draining the pasta, rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and remove extra starch. This prevents it from sticking together.

• Prep Time: 20min
• Cook Time: 10min
• Category: side dish
• Method: Mixing, Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 325kcal
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 380mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 15mg