Hey, fellow food lovers!
Nyla here, from Grill Drip, and I’m beyond excited to share one of my absolute favorite recipes with you. Get ready to transform your meals into something truly special because we’re diving headfirst into the world of easy macaroni salad!
You know those days when you’re craving comfort food, but you also want something that’s bursting with flavor? That’s exactly where this recipe shines. I was on a quest to make the perfect easy macaroni salad, something that was creamy, tangy, and just downright addictive.
After a few kitchen experiments (okay, maybe more than a few 😉), I finally nailed it! And trust me, once you try this easy macaroni salad, you’ll understand why I’m so obsessed. Let’s get cooking, shall we?
INGREDIENTS You Need
This easy macaroni salad ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together! You can grab this during your normal shopping trip, so no stress!
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup sweet pickle relish
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and diced
No worries if you don’t have apple cider vinegar – I use white vinegar all the time in my easy macaroni salad. It gives it that perfect tang! This easy macaroni salad gets its amazing taste from the combination of creamy mayo, tangy vinegar, and a touch of sweetness. I love adding extra celery to my easy macaroni salad for that extra crunch!
For ingredient prep shortcuts on busy weeknights, I like to chop my veggies ahead of time or even buy pre-chopped veggies. This easy macaroni salad recipe is all about balance and incredible flavors! I’ve tested so many ways to make this a flavor winner!
Store your easy macaroni salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. This helps keep it fresh and delicious!
Let’s Make Some!
This is my favorite part of making easy macaroni salad – watch the delicious magic happen!
- First, cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Don’t overcook it, because nobody likes mushy macaroni! This is important for achieving the perfect texture in your easy macaroni salad.
- Drain the macaroni and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. This also helps to cool it down quickly. I always make sure to shake off any excess water before moving on to the next step for my easy macaroni salad.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, milk, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper. This creates the creamy, tangy dressing that makes this easy macaroni salad so addictive. This is where the magic starts happening!
- Add the cooked macaroni, celery, red onion, green bell pepper, sweet pickle relish, and hard-boiled eggs to the bowl with the dressing. Gently stir everything together until well combined. In my kitchen, this easy macaroni salad usually takes about 2-3 minutes to fully incorporate the ingredients.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together. Trust me, this step is crucial! The longer it chills, the better it tastes. While your easy macaroni salad is doing its thing, get ready for some amazing aromas!
- Before serving, give it another good stir and adjust the seasonings if needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or even a splash of vinegar to suit your taste. Don’t worry if your easy macaroni salad looks a little dry after chilling – just add a splash of milk to loosen it up!
This easy macaroni salad usually takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 2 hours to chill, making it a perfect make-ahead dish for any occasion! I actually discovered that a little paprika on top of this salad does wonders for taste and presentation!
How to Serve Up This!
People literally do happy dances when this easy macaroni salad hits the table with grilled burgers and hot dogs! This easy macaroni salad is perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special!
I love to serve this easy macaroni salad chilled, straight from the fridge. It’s the perfect side dish for barbecues, picnics, potlucks, or even just a simple weeknight dinner. It also pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, pulled pork sandwiches, or even just a bowl of fresh fruit. For a bold flavor pairing, try serving this easy macaroni salad alongside some spicy barbecue ribs. The cool, creamy salad helps to balance out the heat.
For presentation ideas, I like to garnish this easy macaroni salad with a sprinkle of paprika or a few chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives. You can also serve it in a pretty bowl or platter to make it look extra special. This picnic macaroni salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
If you have any leftover easy macaroni salad (which is rare in my house!), you can use it to make a delicious macaroni salad sandwich. Just spread it on some bread with a slice of tomato and lettuce for a quick and easy lunch. I have even put this salad on hotdogs and hamburgers!
I’ve experimented with adding different cheeses to this easy macaroni salad, like cheddar or mozzarella, and it’s always a hit. I have even mixed it with some pasta and seasoning to create a brand new twist! This easy macaroni salad reminds me of another bold flavor favorite, my cucumber caprese salad.
FAQs:
I get tons of questions about my easy macaroni salad recipe, so I thought I’d answer some of the most common ones here!
Will kitchen newbies succeed with this easy macaroni salad?
Absolutely! This recipe is super simple and straightforward, even if you’re new to cooking. Just follow the instructions carefully, and you’ll be golden. Trust me, if I can make it, you can make it! This creamy macaroni salad is super simple and newbie friendly.
What if I mess up my easy macaroni salad? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!)
Honestly, it’s hard to mess this one up! But even if you accidentally add too much vinegar or not enough sugar, don’t worry. Just adjust the seasonings to your liking, and it’ll still be delicious. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and having fun!
How can I prep this easy macaroni salad for busy weeknights?
You can definitely prep this recipe ahead of time. Cook the macaroni and chop the veggies the night before, then just mix everything together when you’re ready to serve. It’s a total time-saver! I find that this summer macaroni salad is perfect because it is so easy to prep!
Can I use different types of pasta in this easy macaroni salad?
Sure! While elbow macaroni is the classic choice, you can also use other small pasta shapes like ditalini, shells, or even rotini. Just make sure to cook them al dente so they don’t get mushy.
What if I don’t have sweet pickle relish?
No problem! You can substitute it with dill pickle relish or even just chop up some sweet pickles and add them to the salad. It’ll still taste great!
Can I add meat to this easy macaroni salad?
Definitely! Diced ham, cooked bacon, or even shredded chicken would be delicious additions to this salad. Just make sure to add them after the macaroni has cooled.
How long does this easy macaroni salad last in the fridge?
This salad will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3-5 days, as long as it’s stored in an airtight container. Just make sure to give it a good stir before serving. I usually taste test it to make sure it has held it’s flavor!
I am gluten-free, can I enjoy this dish?
Yes! Replace the elbow macaroni with a gluten-free option. Need some help? Check out Picnic Macaroni Salad {gluten-free} – An Easy Gluten-Free Pasta …!
CONCLUSION:
This easy macaroni salad recipe isn’t just a dish; it’s a memory waiting to happen. It brings me joy because it’s a simple, comforting food that everyone loves. Plus, it’s so versatile – you can customize it to your heart’s content!
My Easy Macaroni Salad Flavor Secrets:
- Don’t skimp on the vinegar: It’s what gives the salad its tangy flavor and balances out the richness of the mayo.
- Use good quality mayonnaise: It makes a big difference in the overall taste and texture of the salad.
- Let it chill: This is key to allowing the flavors to meld together and create that perfect creamy texture.
I’ve tested so many variations of this easy macaroni salad, and here are a few of my favorites:
- Spicy Macaroni Salad: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a little kick. Perfect for barbecues!
- Mediterranean Macaroni Salad: Add some chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese for a fresh and flavorful twist. Great for picnics!
- Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad: Add some cooked bacon crumbles and a packet of ranch dressing mix to the salad for a smoky, savory flavor. Ideal for potlucks!
I want to encourage you to trust your taste buds and get creative with this recipe. Add your favorite ingredients, experiment with different seasonings, and make it your own. I’m so excited for you to try this easy macaroni salad and share it with your loved ones. Check out my Mexican cucumber salad for more ideas.
Remember, cooking is all about having fun and creating something delicious that you can enjoy. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, because that’s how you learn and grow as a cook. Now go forth and make some easy macaroni salad magic!
Classic macaroni salad should be one of your go to dishes! For even more inspiration, check out what Classic Macaroni Salad — My Diary of Us has to say! Southern Bite has another recipe and article for additional inspiration in their article Classic Macaroni Salad – Southern Bite.
Easy Macaroni Salad
This classic macaroni salad is incredibly easy to make and perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a quick side dish. Creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain well and rinse with cold water.
- In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, yellow mustard, white vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the cooked macaroni, celery, red onion, green bell pepper, and hard-boiled eggs (if using) to the bowl.
- Stir until well combined.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled.
Notes
For an extra creamy salad, add a tablespoon or two of milk. You can also customize the vegetables to your liking, such as adding carrots or pickles.