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Macaroni salad in white bowl.
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4.76 from 53 votes

Easy Macaroni Salad Recipe

This Easy Macaroni Salad is a delicious and simple side, perfect for BBQs, potlucks, and parties!
Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time8 minutes
Chill Time1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time1 hour 48 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4 people
Author: Becky Hardin

Ingredients

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni uncooked
  • ¾ cup mayonnaise Miracle Whip also works, or do 50/50
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar white wine, red wine, or distilled also works
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard Dijon also works
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 stalks celery finely chopped (~ ½ cup)
  • ¾ cup red or orange bell pepper seeded and finely chopped
  • ½ cup carrot grated
  • ½ cup red onion finely diced

Instructions

  • Boil macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water. Do not overcook pasta or it will not be able to hold up once the other ingredients are added.
    2 cups elbow macaroni
  • While macaroni is cooking, stir together mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, mustard, and salt until combined.
    ¾ cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 1 tbsp yellow mustard, 1 tsp salt
  • Stir together macaroni, mayonnaise mixture, celery, and bell pepper. Place in the refrigerator and chill for 1-2 hours before serving.
    2 stalks celery, ¾ cup red or orange bell pepper, ½ cup carrot, ½ cup red onion

Notes

  • Use dried pasta instead of fresh. It can be served chilled or at room temperature, and holds up well when tossed with dressing and other ingredients.
  • Use extra-salted water and the pasta will be well-seasoned by the time it’s cooked. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary as you add the dressing and other ingredients.

Nutrition

Calories: 596kcal | Carbohydrates: 64g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 18mg | Sodium: 910mg | Potassium: 295mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 3575IU | Vitamin C: 38mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 1mg