Simple Macaroni Salad Recipe
This Simple Macaroni Salad is a creamy, tangy, and easy side dish that’s perfect for barbecues, potlucks, and everyday meals. Made with elbow macaroni, crisp vegetables, sharp cheddar cheese, and a flavorful mayo-based dressing, it’s a classic that everyone loves.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook (after boiling pasta)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni noodles
- Diced celery
- Diced red onion
- Diced red bell pepper
- Frozen peas
- Cubed sharp cheddar cheese
- Mayonnaise
- Distilled white vinegar
- Sugar
- Dijon mustard
- Sweet pickle relish
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Cook elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled macaroni, celery, red onion, bell pepper, peas, and cheddar.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayo, vinegar, sugar, mustard, relish, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over the macaroni mixture and stir to coat evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably longer, to let flavors meld. Stir before serving.
Notes
- Great make-ahead dish—tastes even better the next day.
- Swap cheddar with pepper jack or shredded cheese for variation.
- Add-ins like hard-boiled eggs or shredded carrots add more flavor and texture.
- For a lighter dressing, use half mayo and half Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- Not freezer-friendly; best enjoyed fresh and cold.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Find it online: https://cookedbymaya.com/simple-macaroni-salad-recipe/
