The Ultimate Macaroni Salad Recipe: A Timeless Picnic Favorite

Growing up, summer meant family picnics at the park, where laughter filled the air and the scent of grilled burgers wafted through the breeze. Among the spread of delicious dishes, my grandmother’s macaroni salad always stole the show. It was creamy, tangy, and packed with colorful veggies, making it a staple at every gathering. This recipe is not just a dish; it’s a cherished memory that brings back the warmth of family and sunshine.

What Makes It Special

This macaroni salad stands out for several reasons:

• Flavorful Balance: The combination of creamy dressing and crunchy vegetables creates a delightful contrast that keeps every bite interesting.
• Customizable: You can easily adapt the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs, making it a versatile dish for any occasion.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This salad tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Gather Your Ingredients

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Servings: 6

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 cup diced bell pepper (red or green)
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1 cup frozen peas (thawed)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped hard-boiled eggs or diced pickles

Let’s Get Cooking

1. Start by cooking the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.

3. Add the cooked macaroni to the bowl, followed by the diced celery, bell pepper, red onion, and peas. Stir gently to combine.

4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, fold in chopped hard-boiled eggs or diced pickles for an extra layer of flavor.

5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

My Pro Tips

• For a twist, try adding diced cooked bacon or shredded cheese for extra richness.

• Experiment with different types of pasta, like rotini or shells, for a fun texture.

• Make it a day ahead! This salad keeps well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day.

What to Serve With It

• Grilled hot dogs or burgers
• Fresh fruit salad
• Potato chips or tortilla chips
• Iced tea or lemonade

FAQs

Q: Can I make this macaroni salad vegan?

A: Absolutely! Substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan mayo and skip the hard-boiled eggs.

Q: How long can I store leftovers?

A: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

The Heart of the Dish

This macaroni salad is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of togetherness and joy. Each bite takes me back to those sunny afternoons filled with laughter and love. I hope it brings you the same warmth and happiness it has brought to my family.

Your Turn

I invite you to try this ultimate macaroni salad recipe at your next gathering. Feel free to tweak it to your liking and share your experiences! I’d love to hear how it turns out for you.

The Ultimate Macaroni Salad Recipe: A Timeless Picnic Favorite

Discover the ultimate macaroni salad recipe, a timeless picnic favorite that’s creamy, flavorful, and easy to make. Perfect for any outdoor gathering!

By Jason GriffithPublished on April 23, 2025

Prep Time15 min

Cook Time10 min

Total Time45 min

Servings6 servings

Category: Salad

Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 1 cup bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup red onion, diced
• 1 cup peas (frozen and thawed or fresh)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the cooked macaroni, celery, bell pepper, red onion, peas, and parsley to the bowl.
4. Toss everything together until well combined.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Serve chilled and enjoy your picnic!

Nutrition Information

@type: NutritionInformation

Calories: 320 calories

Protein Content: 8g

Carbohydrate Content: 40g

Fat Content: 15g

Tags: macaroni salad, picnic recipes, salad recipes, easy recipes, American cuisine

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