This classic macaroni salad is perfect for potlucks and barbecues; its full of flavor and easy to throw together.
This traditional Easy Creamy Macaroni Salad is one of my favorite side dishes for a BBQ . . . it’s creamy, full of flavor, and easy to throw together.
Recipe Ingredient Notes
To make our classic macaroni salad recipe, you need the following ingredients:
- Dry elbow macaroni
- Celery
- Red onion
- Flat-leaf parsley
- Tomatoes
- Mayonnaise
- Dried mustard
- Sugar
- Apple cider vinegar
- Sour Cream
- Salt
- Pepper
Equipment Needed
For this recipe, you only need a few simple kitchen tools. We recommend using the following equipment:
How to Make Our Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe
- Cook the macaroni pasta as instructed on the package.
- In a large bowl combine the macaroni, celery, onion, carrots, parsley and tomato.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, sugar, vinegar, sour cream and salt.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and stir to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve.
Recipe Notes
- Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to serve! Any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator 5 days.
- Let the pasta cool just a bit before adding the creamy dressing, you want warm, not hot pasta.
Enjoy More Delicious Pasta Recipes
Want to add more veggies to your meals? Browse our comprehensive list of salad recipes.
- BBQ Macaroni Salad
- Cheesy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
- Copycat Hug-Hes Chicken Pasta Salad
- Creamy Pasta Salad
- Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
- Greek Pasta Salad
Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe
This classic macaroni salad is perfect for potlucks and barbecues; its full of flavor and easy to throw together.
Serving servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups dry elbow macaroni, cooked, rinsed and drained
- ⅓ cup diced celery
- ¼ cup minced red onion, soaked in cold water for 5 minutes, drained
- ¾ cup shredded carrots
- 1 Tablespoon minced flat-leaf parsley
- ½ cup diced vine ripened tomato, optional
- ½ cup prepared mayonnaise
- ¾ teaspoon dried mustard
- 1 ½ teaspoons sugar
- 1 ½ Tablespoons cider vinegar
- 3 Tablespoons sour cream
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni pasta as instructed on the package.
- In a large bowl combine the macaroni, celery, onion, carrots, parsley and tomato.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, sugar, vinegar, sour cream and salt.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and stir to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve.
- Store covered in the refrigerator, for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to serve! Any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator 5 days.
- Let the pasta cool just a bit before adding the creamy dressing, you want warm, not hot pasta.
- Recipe modified from Food Network.
Nutrition
Calories: 324 kcal · Carbohydrates: 38 g · Protein: 7 g · Fat: 16 g · Saturated Fat: 3 g · Trans Fat: 1 g · Cholesterol: 11 mg · Sodium: 326 mg · Potassium: 178 mg · Fiber: 2 g · Sugar: 4 g · Vitamin A: 235 IU · Vitamin C: 3 mg · Calcium: 25 mg · Iron: 1 mg
Did You Make This Recipe?We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a review or a question in the comment section below the post.
Thanks for sharing.
Hope to see you on my blog:)