Classic Macaroni Salad

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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.

What You’ll Like About This Recipe

• Balanced, flavorful dressing. The mayonnaise-sour cream base gives the dressing a silky texture, while the sweet pickle juice, cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard add layers of tanginess and sweetness. This creates a harmonious flavor that complements—not overwhelms—the other ingredients.
• Crunchy contrast in every bite. Bell peppers, celery, onions, and pickles add crisp texture to the tender macaroni, ensuring every forkful has plenty of variety. The vegetables also bring vibrant color that makes the salad visually appealing.
• Easily customizable. You can adjust the sweetness, heat, or creaminess to suit your taste. Spicy pickles like Wickles add a fun kick, or you can keep it mild for a more traditional flavor. Add-ins like chopped eggs, ham, or peas also work beautifully.
• Perfect for make-ahead meals. Macaroni salad tastes even better after chilling, giving the flavors time to meld. This makes it ideal for hosting, prepping the night before, or packing for outdoor events.
• Crowd-friendly and familiar. Everyone recognizes and enjoys a good macaroni salad. It pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, and picnic foods, making it one of the most versatile sides you can bring.

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.

How to Make It

1. Cook the macaroni until tender, then rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. This prevents the salad from becoming mushy.
2. Combine the cooled macaroni with the chopped vegetables and pickles in a large mixing bowl. Distribute everything evenly so the flavors are balanced in each bite.
3. Whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle juice, vinegar, sugar, mustard, and seasonings in a separate bowl until smooth and well blended. This ensures the dressing coats the pasta evenly.
4. Pour the dressing over the macaroni mixture and gently toss until everything is coated. Avoid overmixing to keep the pasta and vegetables intact.
5. Chill the salad before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the dressing to thicken slightly.

Pro Tips

• Rinse the pasta thoroughly to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
• Chill the salad for at least an hour to allow the flavors to deepen.
• Adjust the dressing after chilling; pasta absorbs moisture as it rests.
• Dice vegetables uniformly for a balanced texture and appearance.
• Use extra pickle juice or vinegar if you prefer a tangier salad.

Recipe Variations

• Classic deli-style version. Add two or three chopped hard-boiled eggs and a bit more mustard for a richer, more traditional deli flavor.
• Sweet and creamy version. Increase the sugar slightly and add a tablespoon of sweet relish for a smoother, sweeter finish.
• Savory dill version. Replace sweet pickle juice with dill brine and add chopped fresh dill for an herby, less sweet variation.
• Ham and pea pasta salad. Fold in diced ham and thawed peas for a heartier dish that doubles as a light meal.
• Spicy kick version. Add extra Wickles, jalapeños, or a pinch more cayenne for heat that balances the creamy dressing.

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

• Refrigerate
  Store macaroni salad in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors improve over time, but the pasta may absorb dressing and thicken; stir in a spoonful of mayonnaise or pickle juice if needed.
• Refresh
  Before serving leftovers, stir the salad well and add a splash of pickle juice or a little mayonnaise to restore creaminess.