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.
Recipe Variations
- Protein: For a heartier summer main dish salad, add some ham, shredded chicken, or cooked bacon or pancetta.
- Veggies: For a vegetable-forward salad with loads of color and crunch, add some cooked peas, shredded carrots, or chopped cucumber.
- Cheese: For a cheesy twist, stir in shredded cheddar or cubes of sharp cheese.
Recipe Variations
- Protein: Make classic macaroni salad a main dish with the addition of diced ham, chicken, or bacon.
- 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.
Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe
Make your next cookout or picnic a hit with our mouthwatering macaroni salad recipe. It’s loaded with flavor and perfect for sharing!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
- Category: Pasta Salad
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup finely chopped sweet pickles (I like spicy Wickles in this salad)
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
Dressing
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons juice from sweet pickles
- 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!
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!