Super Easy Macaroni Salad Recipe

Easy Macaroni Salad, a classic favorite, is known for its simplicity and versatility. With tender pasta, crisp vegetables, and creamy dressing, it’s perfect for any occasion, from picnics to barbecues.

Table of Contents

Enjoy This Easy Macaroni Salad Recipe

Quick and Simple: This macaroni salad recipe is straightforward and perfect for beginners or a quick meal.
Versatile Side Dish: Easy Macaroni Salad pairs well with BBQ, sandwiches or as a standalone light lunch.
Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or proteins to make it your own unique dish.

Recipe Ingredients

Elbow Macaroni Noodles: The base of the easy macaroni salad, providing a chewy texture and neutral flavor that carries the other ingredients.
Red Onion: Adds a touch of sharpness and crunch, enhancing the overall texture and taste.
Green and Red Bell Peppers: Contribute a sweet, slightly tangy flavor and vibrant color, making the salad more appealing.
Fresh Carrot: Introduces a crunchy texture and sweet taste that complements the other ingredients.
Mayonnaise: Acts as the creamy binder for the pasta salad, giving it a rich and smooth texture.
Dijon Mustard: Brings a tangy and spicy note that cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise and balances the flavors.
Salt and Black Pepper: To enhance the overall flavor profile, highlighting each individual ingredient of this classic macaroni salad.

How To Make Easy Macaroni Salad?

Cook macaroni to al dente according to package directions, drain and rinse. Transfer to large bowl, let cool.

While macaroni cooks and cools, chop red onion, bell peppers, parsley and dice carrot, set aside.

Add red onion, bell peppers, parsley, carrot, mayonnaise, mustard and salt and pepper to macaroni. Mix well, refrigerate until cool.

Serve your creamy macaroni salad cold or at room temperature.

Pro Tips For Nailing Macaroni Salad

Extra Veggies: Add blanched frozen peas, chopped green onions, and diced cucumbers for a crunchy and fresh addition.
Balancing Flavors with Vinegar: To balance the flavors of the dressing, consider adding a dash of apple cider vinegar.

Substitutions

Creamy Upgrade With Sour Cream: Change your macaroni salad by substituting mayonnaise with velvety sour cream or infuse richness by blending half sour cream and half mayonnaise for a delectable homemade twist.

Tips For Storing Pasta Salad

Fridge: If you have any leftovers, you can transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate them until you’re ready to serve. You can also make macaroni salad ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days.
Components: I would really recommend adding the macaroni salad dressing and the veggies towards the end, or a few hours before you intend to serve, to get the best flavor, texture and color.

What To Serve With Macaroni Salad?

Instant Pot Whole Chicken: Cook seasoned whole chicken until tender, shred or carve, and serve with easy macaroni salad.
Instant Pot Salmon: Cook seasoned salmon until tender, flake, and serve with homemade macaroni salad.
Instant Pot BBQ Ribs: Cook seasoned ribs with BBQ sauce until tender, finish under broiler, and serve with easy macaroni salad.
Grilled Chicken: Pair your easy macaroni salad with grilled chicken for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

FAQ’S

Can I Use Any Type Of Pasta For Macaroni Salad?

Traditional macaroni salad uses elbow macaroni, but you can experiment with other small pasta shapes.

How Can I Prevent The Macaroni From Becoming Mushy In The Salad?

Rinse cooked macaroni under cold water to stop the cooking process and maintain texture.

Macaroni Salad Recipe

Discover the perfect Easy Macaroni Salad recipe for a quick and delicious meal.

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 10

Total Time 30

Serving Size Servings

Ingredients

16 oz. Elbow Macaroni Noodles
½ Red Onion
1 Green Bell Pepper
1 Red Bell Pepper
¼ cup Parsley fresh
1 Carrot
¾ cup Mayonnaise can use vegan mayonnaise
1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
Salt and black Pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook macaroni to al dente according to package directions, drain and rinse. Transfer to large bowl, let cool.
While macaroni cooks and cools, chop red onion, bell peppers, parsley and dice carrot, set aside.
Add red onion, bell peppers, parsley, carrot, mayonnaise, mustard and salt and pepper to macaroni. Mix well, refrigerate until cool.
Serve your creamy macaroni salad cold or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Notes

Boosting Nutrition with Veggies: Increase the nutritional value of your easy macaroni salad by adding blanched frozen peas, chopped green onions, and diced cucumbers for a crunchy and fresh addition.

Balancing Flavors with Vinegar: To balance the flavors of the dressing, consider adding a dash of apple cider vinegar along with other ingredients for a well-rounded taste.