Traditional American Macaroni Salad Recipe

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Published: August 6, 2021Author: Camille Beckstrand
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The perfect side dish for your summer BBQ - traditional American macaroni salad. Creamy, easy, and delicious.
Traditional American Macaroni Salad Recipe

This Traditional American Macaroni Salad is one of my favorite side dishes for a BBQ . . . it’s creamy, full of flavor, and easy to throw together.

Ingredients needed for Traditional American Macaroni Salad:

  • 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
  • 1 Tablespoon minced flat-leaf parsley
  • ½ cup diced vine ripened tomato optional
  • ½ cup prepared mayonnaise
  • ¾ teaspoon dried mustard
  • 1½ teaspoons sugar
  • 1½ Tablespoons cider vinegar
  • 3 Tablespoons sour cream
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper

How to make Traditional American Macaroni Salad:

  • In a large bowl combine the macaroni, celery, onion, 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.
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Serves: 6

Traditional American Macaroni Salad Recipe

The perfect side dish for your summer BBQ – traditional American macaroni salad. Creamy, easy, and delicious.
Prep Time 10 mins
Total Time 10 mins
Print Pin

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
  • 1 Tablespoon minced flat-leaf parsley
  • ½ cup diced vine ripened tomato optional
  • ½ cup prepared mayonnaise
  • ¾ teaspoon dried mustard
  • 1½ teaspoons sugar
  • 1½ Tablespoons cider vinegar
  • 3 Tablespoons sour cream
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  • In a large bowl combine the macaroni, celery, onion, 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

Serve this dish with:

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

Equipment

  • Large Bowl
  • small bowl
  • Whisk

Recipe Details

Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Recipe from Food Network.

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  1. Smallgood says:
    August 17, 2011
    That picture makes it looks so full and creamy. Definitely a favorite of mine for BBQs and picnics.
    Reply
  2. Lindsay says:
    August 17, 2011
    Oh how I love macaroni salad. It takes me back to when my grandma would make it. Such sweet memories. Thanks for the recipe. I will have to try yours out! Sure enjoy all you guys here! Your blog is one of my favs. :)
    Reply
  3. Sanghamitra Bhattacherjee(Mukherjee) says:
    August 17, 2011
    What a great recipe! It looks so creamy and yummy.
    Thanks for sharing.
    Hope to see you on my blog:)
    Reply
  4. Lark (SparkyLarky)@ Lark's Country Heart says:
    August 17, 2011
    Looks perfect to go on a Picnic!
    Reply
  5. Four Marrs and One Venus says:
    May 26, 2012
    Holy Yum Fest! Looks Amazing Ladies! Thank you so much for sharing- already SHOUTED it out on FB! :)
    Reply
  6. shweetpotato says:
    May 26, 2012
    I have this in the fridge right now :) I already tasted it and it is delicious, it will taste even better after a couple hours in the fridge Im sure, I wish I would have had some tomatoes to put in it, It would be great with sliced olives or some chunks of cheese too :) YUMMY thanks so much
    Reply
  7. Beth Klemme says:
    June 27, 2012
    How many adults would this serve?
    Reply
    • Camille says:
      June 29, 2012
      I would say it would serve 8 adults . . . and they would be good sized servings! :)
      Reply
  8. jzgplj says:
    February 10, 2013
    I made this to eat on during the week. I added some chopped dill pickle, 2 hard boiled eggs and peas. We'll see how it is tomorrow.
    Reply
  9. pam says:
    May 26, 2013
    This looks good
    Reply
  10. Mo says:
    June 20, 2013
    I love to cook and bake and just happened on your site. I will make this for sure...love all the recipes.....thanks from Norwood, Ontario
    Reply
  11. Nancy says:
    August 11, 2013
    I love this salad. It is great with the addition of salad shrimp
    Reply
  12. Jennifer Losgar says:
    May 15, 2018
    I have been missing macaroni salad since my husband and I have been eating better and then I stumbled upon your recipe. I am able to make it with whole wheat rotini noodles with rave reviews from my family. I already have my second batch in the fridge waiting for turkey burgers tomorrow night for dinner!
    Reply
    • Cyd says:
      May 15, 2018
      Hi Jennifer. Thanks for leaving a nice comment for us! That is great you can use the whole wheat rotini noodles! And turkey burgers are really good! Way to go on the healthy eating! Have a great week.
      Reply
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