Classic Macaroni Salad
Make your next cookout or picnic a hit with our mouthwatering classic macaroni salad recipe. It’s loaded with flavor and perfect for sharing!
This delicious classic macaroni salad is always a hit. With crunchy fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing, it’s our go-to recipe for cookouts and potlucks! If you’re looking for a great picnic or cookout salad, this classic macaroni salad is an excellent choice! The recipe is a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet, making it a favorite for backyard barbecues, picnics, or potlucks.
What sets our classic macaroni salad apart is the simple yet flavorful dressing made with mayonnaise, sour cream, and a touch of Dijon mustard for a subtle zing. Adding pickle juice, cider vinegar, and a dash of garlic powder elevates the flavor profile. Sweet or spicy pickles add a hint of tangy sweetness, while the dressing ties everything together with its creamy texture and a blend of vibrant seasonings. A classic macaroni salad is a side dish that complements fried chicken, grilled cheese, or Reuben sandwiches. Add creamy coleslaw and cookout beans for a fabulous meal.
Why You’ll Love It
Perfect for gatherings. This salad feeds a crowd and travels well for picnics or potlucks.
Balanced flavor. The creamy dressing combines tangy, sweet, and savory notes beautifully.
Customizable. Add extra vegetables, pickles, or protein to make it your own.
Ingredient Notes
- Macaroni: Use classic elbow macaroni; rinse after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
- Pickles: Sweet, spicy, or dill — any variety works. Try Wickles for a tangy kick.
- Vegetables: Red bell pepper, celery, and onion add crunch and color.
- Mayonnaise and sour cream: The base of the dressing — creamy, rich, and smooth.
- Pickle juice and vinegar: Add tang and balance the richness.
- Dijon mustard: Adds subtle sharpness.
- Seasonings: Sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes round out the flavor.
Steps to Make Classic Macaroni Salad
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni according to package directions until just tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled macaroni, chopped pickles, red bell pepper, celery, and red onion.
- Make the dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle juice, cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne.
- Dress the salad: Pour the dressing over the macaroni mixture. Gently toss until evenly coated.
- Chill and serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Tips for the Best Macaroni Salad
- Rinse the pasta after cooking to keep it from sticking and to help it absorb dressing evenly.
- Chill the salad before serving — it tastes better after the flavors have blended.
- Taste the dressing before mixing to adjust salt, sweetness, or tanginess to your liking.
- If the salad thickens after chilling, stir in a spoonful of mayonnaise or pickle juice to refresh it.
Recipe Variations
- Protein: Make classic macaroni salad a main dish with the addition of diced ham, chicken, or bacon. Or add 2 to 4 chopped hard-boiled eggs.
- Pickles: Add subtle spiciness to your salad with spicy sweet pickles, such as Wickles or Bubbie’s.
- Spices: Make it spicy with a dash or cayenne, crushed red pepper flakes, or hot sauce.
- Vegetables: Consider green bell peppers, olives, sliced pepperoncini, steamed peas, black beans, grated carrots, or diced plum tomatoes.
What to Serve With Macaroni Salad
- Main dishes: Pairs perfectly with fried chicken, barbecue ribs, burgers, or pulled pork.
- Sandwiches: Serve with grilled cheese, Reuben, or deli-style sandwiches.
- Cookout sides: Add baked beans and coleslaw for a complete picnic spread.
- Summer fare: Enjoy alongside corn on the cob and fresh fruit for a light meal.
How to Store Macaroni Salad
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days. Keep chilled and avoid leaving it out longer than 2 hours (1 hour if above 90°F).
Refresh before serving: Stir well and add a tablespoon of mayonnaise or pickle juice if the salad has thickened.
Freeze: Not recommended, as the dressing may separate and affect texture.
Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup sweet pickles, finely chopped , I like spicy Wickles in this salad
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
Dressing
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons pickle juice, sweet
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Dash garlic powder
- Dash crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne
Instructions
- Macaroni: Cook the macaroni following the package directions. Drain and rinse under cold running water.
- Combine: In a large bowl, combine the macaroni with the chopped pickles, red bell pepper, celery, and onions.
- Dressing: In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, pickle juice, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne.
- Dress the Salad: Add the dressing to the macaroni mixture and gently toss until well combined. Cover the bowl and chill until it's time to serve. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
Loved this recipe! Perfect for family cookouts this summer!
Everyone loved this salad!
This is my new favorite macaroni salad. I add cucumbers and shredded cheese to mine. Great recipe!