Go Back
–+ servings
classic creamy noodle picnic salad

Old Fashioned Macaroni Salad

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Resting Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot
  • 1 colander
  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 Medium bowl
  • 1 Whisk
  • 1 Cutting board
  • 1 Chef's knife
  • 1 measuring cup set
  • 1 measuring spoon set
  • 1 rubber spatula or large spoon
  • 1 plastic wrap or airtight lid

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cup elbow macaroni dry
  • 1 tablespoon salt for boiling water
  • 1 cup mayonnaise full-fat
  • 2 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper ground
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika optional
  • 2 large hard-boiled eggs peeled and chopped
  • 1/2 cup celery finely diced
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper finely diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion finely minced
  • 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
  • 2 tablespoon fresh parsley optional; chopped

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add 1 tablespoon of salt, then add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until just tender.
  • Drain the macaroni in a colander, rinse under cold water until completely cool, and let it drain very well.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, black pepper, and paprika until smooth.
  • Add the cooled macaroni to a large mixing bowl and gently toss to separate any pieces.
  • Add the chopped hard-boiled eggs, celery, red bell pepper, red onion, sweet pickle relish, and parsley to the macaroni.
  • Pour the dressing over the macaroni mixture and fold gently with a rubber spatula until everything is evenly coated.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or sugar if desired.
  • Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
  • Before serving, stir the salad again, adding a spoonful of mayonnaise or a splash of vinegar if it seems too dry or needs brightness.

Notes

For best texture, avoid overcooking the pasta and make sure it is fully cooled and well-drained before adding the dressing so the salad doesn’t become soggy. Finely dicing the vegetables ensures each bite is balanced and easier to eat, while chilling time is crucial to let the flavors develop and the dressing thicken slightly. You can make this a day ahead, but you may need to refresh it with a bit more mayonnaise just before serving because the pasta absorbs dressing as it sits. Adjust sweetness and tang to your taste by tweaking the sugar and vinegar, and if serving outdoors, keep the salad well chilled on ice for food safety.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!