Okay, let’s talk about macaroni salad. Not just any macaroni salad, but THE Best Macaroni Salad. You know the one – super creamy, packed with just the right amount of crunch, and that little bit of tang that makes everyone go back for seconds (and maybe thirds!). This isn’t some fancy, complicated dish; it’s pure comfort food that tastes like summer picnics and happy gatherings. I’ve been making this recipe for years for everything from backyard BBQs to holiday potlucks, and it’s always the first thing to disappear. Seriously, people ask for the recipe *every single time*. It’s that good!

Why This is the Best Macaroni Salad

So, why do I keep coming back to this recipe? Honestly, it’s a total winner because it hits all the right notes without any fuss. It’s my go-to for a reason:

It’s incredibly quick and easy to prepare. Seriously, you can whip this up in under 30 minutes!
The texture is just divine – so rich and creamy thanks to the perfect mayo-to-macaroni ratio.
It’s that crowd-pleasing classic flavor that everyone loves. No weird ingredients, just pure, delicious comfort.
It’s absolutely perfect for picnics and potlucks. It travels well and always gets rave reviews!

Gathering Your Ingredients for the Best Macaroni Salad

Alright, let’s get down to business and gather everything we need for what I guarantee will be the Best Macaroni Salad you’ve ever made. It’s all about having the right players on your team! First up, you’ll need about a pound of elbow macaroni. Make sure you cook it just right – al dente is the goal, we don’t want mushy pasta here!

Then, for that signature creaminess, we’re going with a full cup of good old mayonnaise. Trust me, full-fat mayo is where it’s at for the best texture and flavor. You’ll also want about a quarter cup each of finely chopped celery and yellow onion. The key here is *finely* chopped; we want little pops of flavor and crunch, not big chunks.

We can’t forget the sweet pickle relish, about two tablespoons, which gives it that perfect sweet and tangy kick. A tablespoon of yellow mustard is also essential for that classic taste. And of course, season it up with a teaspoon of salt (but always taste and add more if you like!) and half a teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. If you’re feeling extra fancy, or just love a bit more richness, chop up 2 or 3 hard-boiled eggs to stir in at the end. It makes it extra special!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Best Macaroni Salad

Now, let’s chat a bit more about these ingredients because they really do make a difference in creating the Best Macaroni Salad. For the mayonnaise, I’m a bit of a Hellmann’s girl myself – I find it has the perfect balance of tang and creaminess. But hey, if you’re a Miracle Whip fan, go for it! It’ll give you a sweeter, tangier profile, which is totally fine too, just a different vibe.

When I say “finely chopped” for the celery and onion, I really mean it. You want them to almost melt into the salad, providing texture without being overwhelming. If you can’t find sweet pickle relish, don’t sweat it! You can chop up some sweet dill pickles and add a tiny pinch of sugar to make your own. Or, a tablespoon of dill relish with a touch more sugar works too. Some people also like to add a little bit of diced bell pepper for color, or even some fresh dill if they have it on hand. It’s your salad, make it your own!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Best Macaroni Salad

Alright, let’s get this Best Macaroni Salad party started! It’s really as simple as following these steps, and trust me, the results are so worth it. Don’t worry, there’s nothing complicated here, just a few easy moves that lead to mac salad perfection.

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni to Perfection

First things first, we need to cook that macaroni. Grab a big pot, fill it with water, add a good pinch of salt (like a tablespoon!), and bring it to a rolling boil. Once it’s boiling, toss in your pound of elbow macaroni. Now, here’s the key for the best texture: cook it according to the package directions, but watch it closely towards the end. We want it perfectly *al dente* – tender, but still with a little bite. Mushy macaroni is a salad killer! As soon as it’s ready, drain it really well in a colander. Then, and this is important, give it a good rinse with cold water. This stops the cooking process immediately and rinses off that starchy coating, which helps prevent the salad from getting gummy.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Dressing Base

While your macaroni is draining and cooling down a bit, let’s whip up that glorious dressing. Grab your largest mixing bowl – you’ll need room to mix everything without making a mess! Put in the 1 cup of mayonnaise, the finely chopped celery, and that finely chopped yellow onion. Next, add in your 2 tablespoons of sweet pickle relish for that essential sweet-and-tangy flavor, and the 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard. Finally, sprinkle in the 1 teaspoon of salt and the 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Give it all a good stir with a spoon or a whisk until it’s all nicely combined and looks like a beautiful, creamy base. Make sure everything is evenly distributed!

Step 3: Combine Macaroni and Dressing

Okay, time for the main event! Gently add your cooled, drained macaroni to that big bowl of creamy dressing. If you’re using the hard-boiled eggs, now’s the time to stir those chopped beauties in too! Use a rubber spatula or a large spoon to gently fold everything together. You want to coat every single piece of macaroni with that delicious dressing. Be gentle though; we don’t want to break up the pasta. Keep folding until the macaroni is evenly coated and looks absolutely irresistible. It should be a beautiful, pale yellow, studded with the little bits of celery, onion, and relish.

Step 4: Chill for Optimal Flavor

This step is non-negotiable if you want the Best Macaroni Salad! Seriously, don’t skip this. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or put the salad into an airtight container. Pop it into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Honestly, an hour is even better, and if you can wait until the next day, it’s truly magical. Why? Because all those amazing flavors need time to meld and get to know each other. The macaroni absorbs some of that creamy dressing, and everything just tastes so much better when it’s had a chance to chill out and mingle. It transforms from just mixed ingredients into a cohesive, delicious salad.

Tips for the Ultimate Best Macaroni Salad

Want to make sure your salad is absolutely perfect? Here are a few little tricks I swear by. First off, seriously, don’t overcook the macaroni! A little firmness is what we’re after. Also, before you chill it, give it a quick taste. This is your chance to adjust the seasoning – maybe it needs a tiny bit more salt, or a pinch more pepper. And like I said, allow adequate chilling time. It really does make all the difference in the world for the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Serving the Best Macaroni Salad

Once your Best Macaroni Salad has had a good chill and all those flavors have melded together, it’s ready to shine! I love to give it a little something extra right before serving. A light dusting of paprika adds a pretty pop of color, or some fresh chopped parsley looks lovely and adds a hint of freshness. It’s best served nice and cold, straight from the fridge, so make sure it’s had plenty of time to chill. It’s the perfect side for burgers, hot dogs, fried chicken, or really, anything you’re grilling up! You might also enjoy our flavorfully fantastic chicken salad as another great picnic option.

Storing and Reheating Your Best Macaroni Salad

Got leftovers of the Best Macaroni Salad? Lucky you! Just make sure to store it properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay nice and fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Since this salad is best served cold, you usually don’t need to reheat it. If, for some reason, you really wanted it warm (which is a bit unusual for this classic!), you’d need to be super careful not to dry it out. But honestly, it’s meant to be enjoyed chilled!

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Macaroni Salad

Got questions about making the Best Macaroni Salad? I’ve got you covered! It’s one of those dishes that people always have thoughts on, so let’s clear a few things up.

Can I make this Best Macaroni Salad ahead of time? Oh, absolutely! In fact, I highly recommend it. Making it a day ahead lets all those delicious flavors really meld together beautifully. It’s honestly even better the next day, so don’t be afraid to prep it in advance for your party!

What are some variations for this classic macaroni salad? While I love it just the way it is, feel free to mix it up! Some people like to add a cup of frozen peas (thawed, of course) for a little extra sweetness and color. Diced ham or even some shredded chicken can turn it into a more substantial meal. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley are also fantastic additions if you have them. For a different take on a creamy salad, check out our creamy asparagus pasta salad.

How long does Best Macaroni Salad last in the refrigerator? Properly stored in an airtight container, it’ll typically last about 3 to 4 days. It might get a little thicker as the pasta absorbs more dressing, but you can usually stir in a tablespoon or two of extra mayo or milk if needed to loosen it up.

Can I use different pasta shapes for this salad? You sure can! While elbow macaroni is the classic choice for a reason, other small pasta shapes work really well too. Rotini, shells, or even cavatappi would be delicious. Just make sure they’re cooked al dente!

Nutritional Information for Best Macaroni Salad

Now, I’m definitely not a registered dietitian or anything, but I can give you a general idea of what’s in a serving of this Best Macaroni Salad. Keep in mind that these numbers are estimates and can totally change depending on the brands you use and if you add any extras! Generally, a 1-cup serving comes in at around 350 calories, with about 18g of fat (mostly from that glorious mayo!), 7g of protein, and roughly 40g of carbohydrates. It’s definitely a treat, but one that’s totally worth it! For another delicious side dish, consider our ultimate honey roasted carrots.

Best Macaroni Salad Ever: 1st Choice

Author: memorecipes.com
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A classic and creamy macaroni salad, perfect for picnics and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound elbow macaroni
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, celery, onion, relish, mustard, salt, and pepper.
Add the drained macaroni to the bowl and mix well.
Stir in chopped hard-boiled eggs, if using.
Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a tangier flavor, add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
Garnish with paprika or fresh parsley.
Can be made a day in advance.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Cold
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: macaroni salad, classic macaroni salad, creamy macaroni salad, picnic salad, potluck salad, pasta salad