Name: Best Macaroni Salad
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 15 ounces Miracle Whip or mayonnaise; 3 tablespoons sugar; 1 teaspoon celery seed; 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt; 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar; 2 tablespoons dill pickle relish; 2 tablespoons yellow mustard; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 pound elbow macaroni or ditalini pasta; 3 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped; 3/4 cup diced red onion; 3/4 cup diced celery; 3/4 cup diced bell peppers

I make this macaroni salad whenever I need a simple and reliable side dish for gatherings, cookouts, or family dinners. The creamy dressing, crunchy vegetables, and tender pasta create the perfect balance of flavor and texture. I love how easy it is to prepare ahead of time, and it always tastes even better after chilling in the refrigerator.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

15 ounces Miracle Whip or mayonnaise

3 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon celery seed

1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons dill pickle relish

2 tablespoons yellow mustard

Salt and black pepper to taste

1 pound elbow macaroni or ditalini pasta

3 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped

3/4 cup diced red onion

3/4 cup diced celery

3/4 cup diced bell peppers

Directions

I start by cooking the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Once the pasta is tender, I drain it well and let it cool completely so the dressing stays creamy.

In a large mixing bowl, I whisk together the Miracle Whip or mayonnaise, sugar, celery seed, garlic salt, apple cider vinegar, dill pickle relish, yellow mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well blended.

Next, I add the cooled pasta, chopped hard-boiled eggs, diced red onion, celery, and bell peppers into the bowl with the dressing.

I gently stir everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated in the creamy dressing.

Finally, I cover the bowl and refrigerate the macaroni salad for at least 1 hour before serving so the flavors have time to blend together beautifully.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12 servings.

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 258 kcal per serving

Variations

I sometimes swap the bell peppers for shredded carrots or chopped cucumbers when I want a slightly different crunch. For extra flavor, I like adding diced cheddar cheese.

When I want a brighter taste, I mix in a little fresh dill or parsley. I also occasionally use spicy mustard or add a dash of paprika for extra seasoning.

If I prefer a lighter version, I replace part of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.

Storage/Reheating

I store the macaroni salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Before serving leftovers, I usually stir in a spoonful of mayonnaise to freshen up the creamy texture since pasta tends to absorb the dressing over time.

I do not recommend reheating this salad because it is best served cold.

FAQs

Can I make this macaroni salad ahead of time?

Yes, I actually prefer making it a few hours ahead because the flavors become even better after chilling in the refrigerator.

What type of pasta works best for macaroni salad?

I usually use elbow macaroni, but ditalini pasta also works very well because it holds the creamy dressing nicely.

Can I use mayonnaise instead of Miracle Whip?

Yes, I can use either mayonnaise or Miracle Whip depending on the flavor I want. Mayonnaise gives a richer taste, while Miracle Whip adds a sweeter tang.

How do I keep macaroni salad from drying out?

I make sure the pasta is not overcooked and sometimes stir in a little extra mayonnaise before serving leftovers to keep it creamy.

Can I add extra vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely. I like adding shredded carrots, peas, cucumbers, or even chopped green onions for extra flavor and texture.

Conclusion

I love how simple, creamy, and flavorful this macaroni salad is. It is one of those classic recipes that works for almost any occasion, from summer cookouts to holiday dinners. The combination of tender pasta, crunchy vegetables, eggs, and tangy dressing always makes this dish a favorite at the table. I keep coming back to this recipe because it is easy to prepare, perfect for making ahead, and consistently delicious.

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