Ingredients for Macaroni Salad
- Elbow Macaroni – Elbow macaroni is the classic choice for macaroni salad, as its tiny crevices capture the creamy dressing perfectly.
- Red Bell Peppers – We prefer red bell peppers for their subtle sweetness, but any color will do.
- Red Onion – Red onion adds a pop of color and strong flavor.
- Celery – Fresh celery contributes the right amount of crunch and texture.
- Hard-Boiled Eggs – You can use premade hard-boiled eggs or follow my guide for perfect-boiled eggs.
Pro Tip: While we recommend bell peppers, red onion, and celery, feel free to substitute with your preferred crunchy veggies, like carrots and peas.
The Best Dressing for Macaroni Salad
- Mayonnaise – Creamy full-fat mayo is the best choice, but you can use a mix of mayo and Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – It adds the right amount of tang to balance the mayo’s richness.
- Sweet Pickle Relish – Use the same sweet relish you’d use for hot dogs. Dill pickles can also be chopped up.
- Mustard – Regular yellow or dijon mustard is ideal; nothing too fancy required.
- Salt & Pepper – Season the pasta salad to your taste with salt and pepper.
- Fresh Herbs (Optional) – For an extra burst of flavor and color, consider minced fresh parsley, dill, or green onion.
Pro Tip: Add cayenne pepper for a kick of spice or diced ham cubes for extra saltiness if desired.
How to Make Macaroni Salad
- Prepare the Pasta – Cook elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water, then set it aside.
- Make the Dressing – In a separate bowl, combine all the dressing ingredients and whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Toss the Salad – Place the macaroni, veggies, and eggs in a large bowl. Pour in the dressing, stir to combine, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Chill the salad in the fridge for a couple of hours or serve immediately. Enjoy!
To Serve Make-Ahead
If you want to get a jump on prep, you can make the salad a few hours to a day in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to develop as it marinates, so give it a good stir before serving to distribute the dressing.
