How to Make Classic Macaroni Salad - A Step-by-Step Guide

Macaroni salad is a classic summer dish that is a staple at picnics, barbecues, and potlucks. It's a creamy and flavorful pasta salad that pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, and other picnic favorites. The great thing about macaroni salad is that it is incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your preferences. Whether you like it loaded with vegetables, pickles, and herbs or prefer a simpler, more traditional version, macaroni salad is a beloved comfort food that is sure to ...

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Ingredients

  • 4 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • ⅔ cup white sugar
  • ¼ cup distilled white vinegar
  • 2 ½ tablespoons prepared yellow mustard
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
  • ¼ cup grated carrot (Optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped pimento peppers (Optional)

Information

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 10 mins
  • Additional Time: 4 hrs
  • Total Time: 4 hrs 30 mins
  • Servings: 10

  • Gather all ingredients.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Rinse under cold water and drain.
  • Mix mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, mustard, salt, pepper, and macaroni together in a large bowl.
  • Stir in celery, onion, green pepper, carrot, and pimentos.
  • Refrigerate salad for at least 4 hours before serving, but preferably overnight.
  • Nutrition

    390 cal.

    • Total Fat: 19g
    • Saturated Fat: 3g
    • Cholesterol: 8mg
    • Sodium: 529mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 49g
    • Dietary Fiber: 3g
    • Total Sugars: 16g
    • Protein: 7g
    • Vitamin C: 13mg
    • Calcium: 21mg
    • Iron: 2mg
    • Potassium: 134mg