Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe

This is the BEST macaroni salad

Growing up, I believed that a gathering was only as good as its macaroni salad. Okay – that might be just a tad dramatic, but this macaroni salad recipe is a sure hit. But why is THIS recipe so good? I’ve spent years making this dish, testing countless versions to perfect the balance of flavors and textures. My macaroni salad recipe focuses on ratios: nailing that pasta-to-dressing ratio and ensuring a good mix of crunchy and tangy add-ins and a creamy texture. I also have a tip to ensure your salad doesn’t dry out! The best macaroni salads have a perfect balance of tang, creaminess, crunch, and just a hint of sweetness. This classic macaroni salad recipe ticks all of those boxes, with all of the flavors melding into a comforting side dish that’s a potluck staple. So, how do you get all of this goodness going on? Let’s break it down.

Classic macaroni salad recipe ingredients

Considering how much of a flavor punch this classic macaroni salad brings, you don’t actually need too much! The goal is to balance flavors and textures – here is what you need:

Macaroni: You can’t have a mac salad without the mac! You can always use another type of short pasta in a pinch – like bowtie pasta. Fresh vegetables: Red pepper, celery, and red onion add a refreshing crunch. Sweet pickles: This is such an important ingredient; it’s just not the same without the tang and sweetness of sweet pickles! You’ll also use the juice from the sweet pickle jar. For the dressing: Mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, granulated sugar, dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper come together to make the perfect creamy, tangy dressing.

You sure can – that’s what makes it such a great dish for picnics, potlucks, or cookouts. It’s actually better this way since the flavors have more time to meld together in the fridge. Feel free to make your classic macaroni salad a day or two in advance. I suggest saving half of the dressing until just before serving, just to amp up the creaminess.

Pasta swap: Elbow macaroni pasta is the most traditional choice (and my favorite), but this recipe will work with any short pasta. In particular, ditalini, rotelle, or small shells. Protein boost: Add some crumbled bacon or smoked ham for a savory addition, or toss in some chicken. Tang: My favorite taste of this classic macaroni salad is the slight tang. For even more tangy, add some banana peppers, pimiento, chopped black olives, or roasted red peppers. Veggies: You can always add some extra veggies if you’d like! Grated carrots, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced green onions are popular additions. Fresh herbs: Chop up some herbs – I like fresh parsley or dill. Cheesy: If you like cheese, sprinkle on some grated or cubed cheddar cheese or stir through crumbled feta cheese. Hard-boiled eggs: Eggs make your macaroni salad more satisfying and boost the nutrition.