Macaroni salad is one of the most budget-friendly cookout sides to make from scratch, built almost entirely from pantry staples: pasta, mayonnaise, and a handful of chopped vegetables.
Here’s a classic recipe, along with the details that keep it from turning gummy or bland.
Because the ingredient list is so short, the quality of the mayonnaise and the freshness of the vegetables matter more here than in a dish with a longer, more complex ingredient list to hide behind.
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ⅓ cup diced celery
- ⅓ cup diced bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons diced red onion
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente, then rinse under cold water to stop the cooking.
- Whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar in a large bowl.
- Add the cooled macaroni, celery, bell pepper, and onion.
- Season with salt and pepper, and stir until evenly coated.
- Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
Why Rinsing the Pasta Matters
Rinsing cooked macaroni under cold water stops the cooking process immediately and washes away excess surface starch, both of which help prevent the pasta from turning mushy or clumping together once mixed with dressing.
Make-Ahead Tips
Macaroni salad actually improves after a few hours in the refrigerator, since the pasta has time to absorb the dressing’s flavor. If making it a day ahead, hold back a small amount of dressing and stir it in right before serving, since pasta continues to soak up moisture over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I rinse macaroni for this recipe?
Rinsing stops the cooking process and removes excess starch, preventing a mushy or clumped result.
Can I make macaroni salad a day ahead?
Yes — it often tastes better after time in the refrigerator; just hold back some dressing to stir in before serving.
What vegetables go well in macaroni salad?
Celery, bell pepper, and red onion are classic choices, though diced carrots or peas are common additions too.
How long does macaroni salad keep?
About 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator, kept properly chilled.
What pairs well with macaroni salad?
Grilled meats and sandwiches from Mabel’s Deli’s menu are a natural match.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes — small shapes like shells or rotini work just as well as elbow macaroni and hold dressing similarly.
Why did my macaroni salad turn out dry?
Pasta continues absorbing dressing as it sits, so adding a bit more mayonnaise or a splash of milk before serving can loosen it back up.
Need something to pair it with? See our Mabel’s Deli menu guide.
For more classic pasta salad recipes, see Taste of Home.
Leave a Reply