Name: Best Macaroni Salad Recipe with Mayo Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon dijon mustard; 1 ½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon salt, plus additional for boiling the pasta; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 12 ounces elbow macaroni noodles; ½ cup red bell pepper, diced ½ inch; ½ cup celery, sliced ¼ inch; ⅓ cup red onion, diced ¼ inch; ¼ cup carrot, finely shredded; 1 large hard-boiled egg, finely chopped

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 21 reviews

If you’ve ever found yourself longing for a side dish that feels like home, look no further than this Best Macaroni Salad Recipe with Mayo. Imagine perfectly tender elbow macaroni tossed with crisp, colorful veggies and a luscious, tangy-creamy dressing that hugs every bite—it’s a picnic classic that never goes out of style. Whether you’re serving it up for summer gatherings, meal prepping your week, or searching for that taste of nostalgia, this macaroni salad brings ultimate comfort and cheer to your table.

Best Macaroni Salad Recipe with Mayo Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This salad shines thanks to a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that each play a special part. The dressing brings creamy tang, the veggies add irresistible crunch and color, and the pasta ties everything together for a bite that’s pure delight from start to finish.

Mayonnaise: The velvety base that makes the dressing so rich and smooth, binding all the flavors into one creamy masterpiece.
Sweet pickle relish: Adds a subtle zing and sweetness that lifts the entire dish and balances out the savoriness.
Granulated sugar: Just enough to complement the vinegar’s tang and round out the flavors for that classic macaroni salad taste.
Dijon mustard: A gentle kick of sharpness to wake up the creamy dressing without overpowering it.
Apple cider vinegar: Lends a touch of brightness that keeps the salad light and lively on the palate.
Salt: Essential for seasoning both the pasta water and the salad for maximum savoriness.
Garlic powder: Adds a mild, savory undertone that enhances the other flavors.
Black pepper: A pop of peppery depth to contrast with the sweet and tangy notes.
Elbow macaroni noodles: The heart of the salad, these sturdy little noodles cling to every bit of dressing.
Red bell pepper: Fresh crunch and a splash of vivid color that make each forkful exciting.
Celery: A familiar, crisp element that brings that signature bite and freshness.
Red onion: Just enough sharpness and color to provide flavor without overwhelming the mix.
Carrot: Delicately shredded, it adds color, sweetness, and a little extra crunch.
Hard-boiled egg: Chopped and scattered throughout, it gives richness and substance while tying everything together.

How to Make Best Macaroni Salad Recipe with Mayo

Step 1: Mix the Creamy Dressing

Start by whisking together mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, granulated sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Stir until the dressing is completely smooth and well-blended. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and set it aside, letting all those flavors meld while you move on to the rest of the salad. The homemade dressing is truly the secret to this Best Macaroni Salad Recipe with Mayo!

Step 2: Cook and Cool the Macaroni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the elbow macaroni noodles. Cook them for 9 to 11 minutes, or just until al dente—this ensures the pasta has the perfect bite and won’t turn mushy once dressed. Drain the cooked macaroni, then rinse it thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process and help cool it down quickly. Cold pasta is key for a refreshing salad!

Step 3: Prep the Fresh Veggies and Egg

While the pasta is cooling, finely dice your red bell pepper, celery, and red onion. Shred a carrot and chop up a hard-boiled egg. Each ingredient should be cut small enough to easily scoop up with every forkful, giving the salad its irresistible rainbow appeal and signature crunchy bits.

Step 4: Combine and Toss Everything Together

In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled macaroni, all the prepped veggies, and the chopped egg. Pour most of the dressing over the top (reserve about a quarter cup if you like to stir it in later for extra creaminess). Gently but thoroughly toss everything together until every piece of pasta and veggie is coated with the dressing’s creamy goodness. The more you mix, the more the flavors start to come alive!

Step 5: Chill and Let the Flavors Mingle

Cover your macaroni salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes (or up to 1 hour). This chill time isn’t just for texture; it allows all those delicious flavors to marry and soak into the pasta, transforming the dish into the Best Macaroni Salad Recipe with Mayo you know and love. If you reserved some dressing, add it just before serving to restore that velvety, just-mixed texture.

How to Serve Best Macaroni Salad Recipe with Mayo

Garnishes

Don’t skip garnishing! A sprinkling of extra chopped fresh parsley, paprika, or even a few slices of hard-boiled egg on top can make your Best Macaroni Salad Recipe with Mayo look as irresistible as it tastes. If you’re serving at a party, a colorful garnish signals freshness and invites everyone to dig in.

Side Dishes

This salad is the perfect companion to backyard burgers, grilled chicken, tender pulled pork, or tangy barbecue dishes. It also completes any picnic spread alongside baked beans, coleslaw, or sweet corn on the cob, offering a creamy contrast and cooling bite to heartier mains.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving your macaroni salad in individual mason jars or colorful cups for grab-and-go ease at potlucks. Layer it in a trifle dish for a stunning, crowd-pleasing centerpiece, or spoon it into lettuce cups for a refreshing and light presentation. However you present it, the Best Macaroni Salad Recipe with Mayo is sure to shine!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover macaroni salad keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Before sealing it up, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the salad to minimize air exposure and help preserve maximum freshness and creaminess.

Freezing

While technically possible, freezing this salad isn’t recommended. The mayo-based dressing changes texture when frozen and thawed, often becoming watery or separated, which can impact the familiar creaminess that makes this Best Macaroni Salad Recipe with Mayo a favorite.

Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If it’s been in the fridge, let it sit out for 10–15 minutes before serving, and give it a quick stir. Add a bit of reserved or fresh mayo if it seems dry, refreshing the texture to its original creamy state.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic for the Best Macaroni Salad Recipe with Mayo, other small, bite-sized pastas like shells, ditalini, or even rotini work well and soak up the dressing nicely.

Is it possible to make this salad egg-free?

Yes. Simply omit the hard-boiled egg if you need an egg-free version, or feel free to double up for extra richness if that’s your style—it’s all about personal preference!

How far in advance can I make this salad?

You can prep the entire salad one day ahead, and in fact, letting it chill overnight deepens the flavors. Just be sure to save a bit of extra dressing to stir in right before serving for optimal creaminess.

Can I use store-bought dressing instead of homemade?

While homemade dressing brings unbeatable freshness and flavor, you can substitute your favorite creamy store-bought dressing in a pinch. Keep in mind the flavor will be different but still delicious!

What if I want the salad a little healthier?

Lighten things up by using light mayonnaise or half plain Greek yogurt in place of some of the mayo. You’ll keep the creamy texture while reducing calories and fat without sacrificing what makes the Best Macaroni Salad Recipe with Mayo so crave-worthy!

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to try this Best Macaroni Salad Recipe with Mayo and make it part of your own celebrations. There’s something special about a dish that brings people together with every creamy, crunchy bite—don’t be surprised if you find yourself making it again and again!