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–+ servings
Macaroni Salad

Creamy Macaroni Salad That’ll Wow Your Summer BBQ Guests

This creamy macaroni salad is a summer favorite, perfect for potlucks and BBQs, featuring a blend of tender pasta, crunchy veggies, and a luscious dressing.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8 cups
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 16 ounces Macaroni Noodles Use for best texture
  • 1 medium Red Onion Substitute with sweet Visalia or white onions if desired
  • 1 cup Dill Pickles Pre-sliced to save prep time
  • 3-4 stalks Celery Finely diced
  • 1 medium Red Bell Pepper Diced
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Add more for desired richness
  • 3 tablespoons Pickle Juice Can substitute with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard Adds tang
  • to taste Salt Adjust according to taste
  • to taste Pepper Adjust according to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Optional
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder Optional
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Optional
  • to taste Cayenne Pepper Optional for heat

Equipment

  • large mixing bowl
  • pot
  • Colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Classic Creamy Macaroni Salad
  1. Finely dice the red onion, celery, dill pickles, and red bell pepper. Combine all the diced vegetables in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Add mayonnaise, pickle juice, Dijon mustard, and optional seasonings to the same bowl with diced veggies. Stir until well combined and refrigerate for about 20 minutes.
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni noodles according to package instructions until al dente, about 7-9 minutes. Drain and let cool.
  4. Return the cooled macaroni to the bowl with the chilled dressing and gently stir to coat the noodles evenly.
  5. Cover and refrigerate the macaroni salad for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours, to allow flavors to meld.
  6. Before serving, stir the salad and add more mayonnaise if desired. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 6gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 220mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freeze for up to 3 months, though texture may change. Allow to sit at room temperature before serving leftovers.

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