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Classic Macaroni Salad with Creamy Dressing featuring pasta and colorful vegetables

Classic Macaroni Salad with Creamy Dressing

A staple side dish that's cool, creamy, and slightly tangy, perfect for cookouts and picnics, and gets better as it sits.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Dressing Base
  • 2 cups Elbow macaroni, cooked and cooled Salt the water while cooking for flavor.
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Main base for the dressing.
  • 2 tablespoons Sour cream or Greek yogurt Optional, adds tanginess.
  • 1 tablespoon Yellow mustard For classic flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Pickle juice or vinegar Adds tang.
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar Balances acidity.
  • Salt and pepper to taste Salt and black pepper Season to preference.
Vegetable Add-ins
  • 1 cup Celery, chopped For crunch.
  • 1/2 cup Red onion, chopped Can be omitted based on preference.
  • 1/2 cup Sweet pickles or relish For sweetness and texture.
  • 2 hard boiled Eggs, chopped Optional, for traditional flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook elbow macaroni until just tender, then rinse with cool water and drain well.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream (optional), yellow mustard, pickle juice/vinegar, salt, pepper, and sugar.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with chopped celery, red onion, relish/pickles, and chopped eggs (optional).
Mixing and Chilling
  1. Pour in most of the dressing and mix until the pasta is coated.
  2. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours before serving.
  3. Right before serving, stir and add the remaining dressing if it looks dry. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Notes

For best results, taste and adjust seasoning after chilling, as cold ingredients can taste less flavorful. Good for picnics, but should be kept cold.