Classic Macaroni Salad (Print)
Creamy macaroni salad with tender elbow pasta, crisp vegetables, and tangy mayo-Dijon dressing—ideal chilled summer side.
# Ingredient list:
→ Pasta
01 - 8 ounces elbow macaroni
→ Vegetables
02 - 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
03 - 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
04 - 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
05 - 1/2 cup shredded carrots
06 - 1/2 cup thawed frozen peas
→ Dressing
07 - 3/4 cup mayonnaise
08 - 2 tablespoons sour cream
09 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
10 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
11 - 1 teaspoon sugar
12 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
13 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Optional Additions
14 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
15 - 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
# Directions:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni until al dente following package instructions. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold running water to cool completely.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled macaroni, celery, red bell pepper, red onion, carrots, and peas.
03 - In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth.
04 - Pour the dressing over the macaroni and vegetable mixture. Stir gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
05 - Fold in parsley and chopped hard-boiled eggs if using.
06 - Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
07 - Stir the salad gently before serving and adjust seasoning if necessary.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It’s one of those rare dishes that tastes even better after a night in the fridge.
- The combination of crisp veggies and creamy dressing gives every bite a gentle crunch and a mellow zing.
02 -
- Once, skipping the chilling step left my salad oddly flat—patience really pays off.
- Rinsing the pasta until cool keeps it from getting gummy and keeps the flavors bright.
03 -
- Never skip salting your pasta water—it’s the foundation of good flavor.
- If you make it a day ahead, save a few spoonfuls of the dressing to stir in fresh before serving—revives creaminess beautifully.