Best 11 Classic American Macaroni Salad Recipes

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In the realm of American cuisine, the classic macaroni salad stands as a beloved and iconic dish, celebrated for its creamy, mayonnaise-based dressing, colorful medley of ingredients, and versatility as a side dish or main course. Whether gracing backyard barbecues, potlucks, or holiday gatherings, this quintessential salad captivates taste buds with its delightful blend of textures and flavors. Join us on a culinary journey as we explore the secrets of crafting the perfect classic American macaroni salad, delving into the nuances of ingredient selection, dressing techniques, and presentation tips to ensure your creation becomes a star of any occasion.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CLASSIC MACARONI SALAD



Classic Macaroni Salad image

This classic macaroni salad recipe is a refreshingly light take on an all-time favorite. It's perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or festive weekend barbecue. -Dorothy Bayes, Sardis, Ohio

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch     Side Dishes

Time 30m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 cup fat-free mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
2 teaspoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/3 cup chopped carrot
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 hard-boiled large egg, chopped
Dash paprika

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water. Cool completely. , For dressing, in a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, pickle relish, sugar substitute, mustard, salt and pepper. In a large bowl, combine the macaroni, celery, carrot and onion. Add dressing and toss gently to coat. , Refrigerate until serving. Garnish with egg and paprika.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 115 calories, Fat 2g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 27mg cholesterol, Sodium 362mg sodium, Carbohydrate 21g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

AMERICAN MACARONI SALAD



American Macaroni Salad image

Bring this classic American Macaroni Salad recipe from Food Network Kitchen to your next picnic � it's perfect for an outdoor barbecue spread.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     side-dish

Time 30m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 cups dry elbow macaroni, cooked, rinsed, and drained
1/3 cup diced celery
1/4 cup minced red onion, soaked in cold water for 5 minutes, drained
1 tablespoon minced flat-leaf parsley
1/2 cup diced vine-ripened tomato (optional)
1/2 cup prepared mayonnaise
3/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons cider vinegar
3 tablespoons sour cream
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
Freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the macaroni, celery, onion, parsley and tomato, if using. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, sugar, vinegar, sour cream and salt. Pour the dressing over the salad and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve. Store covered in the refrigerator, for up to 3 days.

CLASSIC MACARONI SALAD



Classic Macaroni Salad image

This is a salad that everyone seems to love. I always get lots of compliments on this recipe and it is just a pleasing taste that seems to suit everyone.

Provided by Graden

Categories     Salad     Pasta Salad     Vegetarian Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 4h30m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 12

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

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni, and cook until tender, about 8 minutes. Rinse under cold water and drain.
  • In a large bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt and pepper. Stir in the onion, celery, green pepper, carrot, pimentos and macaroni. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving, but preferably overnight.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 390 calories, Carbohydrate 49.3 g, Cholesterol 8.4 mg, Fat 18.7 g, Fiber 2.8 g, Protein 6.8 g, SaturatedFat 2.8 g, Sodium 528.6 mg, Sugar 15.5 g

CLASSIC MACARONI SALAD



Classic Macaroni Salad image

Provided by Kelsey Nixon

Time 20m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sour cream
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
2 teaspoons sugar
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
1/2-pound macaroni pasta, cooked and rinsed (about 4 cups cooked)
1 tablespoon roughly chopped fresh dill
2 large stalks celery, diced
1 small red bell pepper, seeded and diced
1/2 small red onion, diced and rinsed in cold water
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper

Steps:

  • For the dressing: Whisk the mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, vinegar and sugar together in a small bowl or glass measuring cup. Season with salt and pepper.
  • For the pasta: In a large mixing bowl, combine the macaroni, dill, celery, bell pepper and red onion. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately or keep up to 2 days in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

CLASSIC MACARONI SALAD



Classic Macaroni Salad image

Make this Classic Macaroni Salad for picnics and get togethers. Classic Macaroni Salad is the perfect dish for summertime gatherings.

Provided by My Food and Family

Categories     Recipes

Time 3h30m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
2 stalks celery, finely chopped
1/2 cup chopped red pepper s
1/4 cup chopped sweet onion s
1/2 cup KRAFT Real Mayo Mayonnaise
1 Tbsp. GREY POUPON Dijon Mustard
1 Tbsp. HEINZ Distilled White Vinegar
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni in saucepan as directed on package, omitting salt; drain. Cool.
  • Combine macaroni, celery, red peppers and onions in large bowl.
  • Mix all remaining ingredients until blended. Add to macaroni mixture; mix lightly.
  • Refrigerate 3 hours.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 210, Fat 11 g, SaturatedFat 1.5 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 5 mg, Sodium 125 mg, Carbohydrate 24 g, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 2 g, Protein 4 g

CHEF JOHN'S CLASSIC MACARONI SALAD



Chef John's Classic Macaroni Salad image

Whether it's sitting next to some smoky ribs or just a humble hot dog, this deli-style macaroni salad will always be a crowd favorite, as long as you pay attention to a few key details.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Macaroni Salad Recipes

Time 4h33m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 cup mayonnaise
¼ cup white vinegar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons kosher salt, or more to taste
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon white sugar, or more to taste
1 cup finely diced celery
¾ cup diced red bell pepper
½ cup grated carrot
½ cup chopped green onions, white and light parts
¼ cup diced jalapeno pepper
¼ cup diced poblano pepper
1 (16 ounce) package uncooked elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
1 tablespoon water

Steps:

  • Whisk 1 cup mayonnaise, vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper together in a bowl until well blended; whisk in sugar. Stir in celery, red bell pepper, carrot, onions, and jalapeno and poblano peppers. Refrigerate until macaroni is ready to dress.
  • Bring a large pot of well salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain but do not rinse. Allow macaroni to drain in a colander about 5 minutes, shaking out moisture from time to time. Pour macaroni into large bowl; toss to separate and cool to room temperature. Macaroni should be sticky.
  • Pour dressing over macaroni and stir until dressing is evenly distributed. Cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or, ideally, overnight to allow dressing to absorb into the macaroni.
  • Stir salad before serving. Mix 1 tablespoon mayonnaise and 1 tablespoon water into salad for fresher look.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 294.5 calories, Carbohydrate 32 g, Cholesterol 7.4 mg, Fat 16.1 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 5.4 g, SaturatedFat 2.4 g, Sodium 508.1 mg, Sugar 3.2 g

EASY CREAMY MACARONI SALAD RECIPE



Easy Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe image

The perfect side dish for your summer BBQ - traditional creamy American macaroni salad. Creamy, easy, and delicious.

Provided by Camille Beckstrand

Categories     Side Dish

Time 10m

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 cups dry elbow macaroni (cooked, rinsed and drained)
⅓ cup diced celery
¼ cup minced red onion (soaked in cold water for 5 minutes, drained)
3/4 cup shredded carrots
1 Tablespoon minced flat-leaf parsley
½ cup diced vine ripened tomato (optional)
½ cup prepared mayonnaise
¾ teaspoon dried mustard
1½ teaspoons sugar
1½ Tablespoons cider vinegar
3 Tablespoons sour cream
½ teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
Freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • In a large bowl combine the macaroni, celery, onion, parsley and tomato.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, sugar, vinegar, sour cream and salt.
  • Pour the dressing over the salad and stir to combine.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve.
  • Store covered in the refrigerator, for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 324 kcal, Carbohydrate 38 g, Protein 7 g, Fat 16 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, TransFat 1 g, Cholesterol 11 mg, Sodium 326 mg, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 4 g, ServingSize 1 serving

OLD FASHIONED MACARONI SALAD



Old Fashioned Macaroni Salad image

My family has been making this for years, and it is my absolute favorite dish!

Provided by Jennie Minor

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Seafood Pasta Salad Recipes

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 cups macaroni
2 (5 ounce) cans tuna, drained
1 onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 ½ cups mayonnaise
2 tablespoons prepared mustard
salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Cook noodles in a large pot of boiling water until al dente. Rinse under cold water, and drain.
  • Mix tuna, onion, bell pepper, celery, garlic powder, mayonnaise, salt and pepper, and mustard together in a large bowl. Add pasta, and mix well.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 359.7 calories, Carbohydrate 19.9 g, Cholesterol 20.1 mg, Fat 26.9 g, Fiber 1.4 g, Protein 10.2 g, SaturatedFat 4.1 g, Sodium 243.9 mg, Sugar 2.2 g

CLASSIC PASTA SALAD



Classic Pasta Salad image

A classic, light pasta salad featuring Italian dressing. I much prefer it to a the heavy mayo-based varieties. Fast, simple, and easy to make in bulk for parties.

Provided by Brian Genest

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 1h55m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 (16 ounce) package tricolor rotini pasta
1 ½ cups Italian-style salad dressing
½ cup diced pepperoni
½ cup diced salami
½ cup diced Cheddar cheese
½ cup diced Monterey Jack cheese
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
⅓ cup sliced black olives
12 cherry tomatoes, halved
½ medium cucumber, diced
⅓ medium red onion, diced

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; cook rotini at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Strain pasta and run it under cold water to stop the cooking process; you don't want it to be mushy. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.
  • Add salad dressing, pepperoni, salami, Cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, feta cheese, black olives, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion to the pasta; toss to combine.
  • Cover and let sit in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 366.5 calories, Carbohydrate 33.6 g, Cholesterol 32.4 mg, Fat 20.3 g, Fiber 1.6 g, Protein 12.5 g, SaturatedFat 6.7 g, Sodium 939.8 mg, Sugar 4 g

AMERICAN MACARONI SALAD



American Macaroni Salad image

From the Food Network kitchen staff. I've been making this now for almost 2 years and it's not only quick and easy to prepare it's delicious. What I really appreciate about this Macaroni Salad is that I live in a household divided. Half of us like mayonaise and the other loves Miracle Whip. This Macaroni Salad is a big pleaser with EVERYONE! This brought peace back to our table. ;)

Provided by SaraBellaBean

Categories     Low Cholesterol

Time 30m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 cups dry elbow macaroni, cooked, rinsed, and drained
1/3 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1/2 cup diced tomato
1/2 cup mayonnaise
3/4 teaspoon yellow mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons cider vinegar
3 tablespoons sour cream
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more
salt, to taste
black pepper, to taste

Steps:

  • In a large bowl combine the macaroni, celery, onion, and tomato.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, sugar, vinegar, sour cream and salt.
  • Pour the dressing over the salad and stir to combine.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve.
  • Store covered in the refrigerator, for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 229.3, Fat 8.3, SaturatedFat 1.8, Cholesterol 8.2, Sodium 352.7, Carbohydrate 33.5, Fiber 1.5, Sugar 4.2, Protein 5.1

MACARONI SALAD



Macaroni Salad image

Macaroni salad, a cookout favorite, doesn't take much to be great - just the right amount of moisture and seasoning. This version draws its inspiration from the macaroni salad at the Kennedy Fried Chicken restaurants. For the perfect balance, use a more savory brand of mayonnaise here, since the recipe gets its sweetness from a bit of sugar and shredded carrots. Make sure the macaroni salad is cold when you serve it; the only time macaroni has to be served hot is when it's covered in mounds of cheese, like this Southern Macaroni and Cheese.

Provided by Millie Peartree

Categories     noodles, salads and dressings, side dish

Time 30m

Yield 8 to 10 servings (3 quarts)

Number Of Ingredients 13

Kosher salt
1 pound elbow noodles
2 celery ribs, finely diced
1 red bell pepper, finely diced
1/2 cup shredded carrots (from 1 medium carrot)
1/2 cup finely diced red onion
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 tablespoon Dijon or yellow mustard
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, plus more as needed

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook noodles until a little past al dente, then rinse under cold water and drain. Once the noodles are cool enough to handle with your hands, transfer them to a large bowl.
  • Add the celery, bell pepper, carrots and onion to the cooled noodles; toss to combine.
  • Prepare the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt and pepper.
  • Pour dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is well coated. Taste and season with more salt and pepper, if desired. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality macaroni. The better the macaroni, the better the salad will be.
  • Cook the macaroni al dente. This means that it should be cooked until it is tender but still has a slight bite to it.
  • Rinse the macaroni with cold water after cooking. This will stop the cooking process and help to prevent the macaroni from sticking together.
  • Use a variety of vegetables in your salad. This will add flavor, color, and texture.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment with different dressings. There are many different ways to make macaroni salad dressing, so find one that you like.
  • Serve the macaroni salad chilled. This will help to keep it fresh and flavorful.

Conclusion:

Macaroni salad is a classic American side dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own personal taste. Whether you like it simple or loaded with vegetables, there is a macaroni salad recipe out there for you. So next time you are looking for a side dish to bring to a potluck or picnic, give macaroni salad a try. You won't be disappointed!

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