Classic Creamy Macaroni Salad
This classic creamy macaroni salad is cool, tangy, slightly sweet, and packed with crunchy vegetables. It’s an easy side dish for barbecues, picnics, potlucks, and family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) elbow macaroni
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup finely diced celery
- ½ cup finely diced red bell pepper
- ¼ cup finely diced red onion
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- ¼ cup sweet pickle relish
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni according to the package directions until tender but not mushy. - Cool the pasta
Drain the macaroni thoroughly and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it drain well and cool completely. - Make the creamy dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth. - Add the vegetables
Stir the celery, red bell pepper, red onion, pickle relish, and chopped eggs into the dressing. - Combine with the pasta
Add the cooled macaroni and gently stir until everything is evenly coated with the creamy dressing. - Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to blend and gives the salad its classic texture. - Serve
Before serving, stir the salad again. If it has become a little dry after chilling, add a spoonful of mayonnaise or sour cream and mix gently.
Tips for the Best Macaroni Salad
- Don’t overcook the pasta; slightly firm macaroni holds up better in the salad.
- Cool the pasta completely before adding the dressing.
- Letting the salad chill for several hours gives it better flavor.
- For extra crunch, add finely diced cucumber or shredded carrot.
- For a slightly sweeter traditional-style salad, add another tablespoon of sweet pickle relish.
Keep the macaroni salad refrigerated and don’t leave it sitting at room temperature for extended periods.
