Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, this recipe is both easy and economical.
Quick to Prepare: With minimal prep time, you can have this salad ready in no time.
Versatile: Easily adaptable with various mix-ins to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

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

Elbow macaroni
Mayonnaise
White vinegar
Granulated sugar
Kosher salt
Ground black pepper
Celery
Sweet relish
Cheddar cheese

Directions

Cook the Macaroni: Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente. Rinse under cold water and drain well.
Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, white vinegar, granulated sugar, kosher salt, ground black pepper, finely chopped celery, sweet relish, and diced cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined.
Combine: Gently fold the cooked and cooled macaroni into the dressing mixture, ensuring all pasta is evenly coated.
Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to allow the flavors to meld.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Approximately 8 servings.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes.
Chilling Time: At least 3 hours.

Variations

Vegetable Mix-Ins: Enhance the salad with diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, peas, or minced red onion for extra crunch and color.
Pickle Substitutes: Swap sweet relish with chopped dill pickles or gherkins for a different flavor profile.
Pasta Alternatives: Use rotini or shell pasta instead of elbow macaroni for a fun twist.
Creamier Dressing: Replace part of the mayonnaise with sour cream for added tang and creaminess.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: Not recommended, as the mayonnaise-based dressing may separate upon thawing.

FAQs

Can I make this macaroni salad ahead of time?

Yes, preparing it a day in advance allows the flavors to meld, enhancing the overall taste.

What can I use instead of sweet relish?

Chopped dill pickles or gherkins make excellent substitutes for sweet relish.

Is there a low-fat alternative to mayonnaise?

You can use light mayonnaise or substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a healthier option.

Can I add hard-boiled eggs to this salad?

Absolutely, chopped hard-boiled eggs can be a delicious addition.

How do I prevent the macaroni from becoming mushy?

Cook the macaroni until just al dente and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, feel free to experiment with cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor.

What if my salad is too dry after chilling?

Stir in a small amount of mayonnaise before serving to refresh the creaminess.

Is this macaroni salad gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.

Can I add fruits like grapes or raisins?

Yes, adding fruits can provide a sweet contrast to the savory ingredients.

How long can this salad sit out at a picnic?

It’s best not to leave it out for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety.

Conclusion

This Classic Macaroni Salad is a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to prepare. With its creamy dressing and customizable ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite at your gatherings. Enjoy the delightful blend of textures and flavors in every bite!

Macaroni Salad

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Author: Julia
Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes (including chilling)
Yield: 8 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Classic Macaroni Salad is a creamy, tangy, and crunchy side dish that’s perfect for summer cookouts, picnics, or potlucks. Made with elbow macaroni, a simple mayonnaise-based dressing, and cheddar cheese, it’s a nostalgic favorite that’s easy to customize and make ahead.

Instructions

Cook macaroni in salted water until al dente. Rinse under cold water and drain well.
In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, chopped celery, sweet relish, and diced cheddar cheese.
Gently fold in the cooled macaroni, mixing until fully coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving.

Notes

Use dill pickles instead of sweet relish for a tangier version.

Lighten up the dressing with Greek yogurt or light mayo.

If salad dries out in the fridge, stir in extra mayo before serving.

Gluten-free pasta can be used to make it GF-friendly.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American