Go Back
Easy macaroni salad served in a bowl as a classic American BBQ side dish.

Easy Macaroni Salad

A chilled pasta salad made with elbow macaroni and creamy dressing that's perfect for BBQs and potlucks.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 8 servings
Course: BBQ, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta Ingredients
  • 1 pound Elbow macaroni Gluten-free versions can be used.
Dressing Ingredients
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Use your favorite or vegan mayo.
  • 2 tablespoons Apple cider vinegar Can substitute with pickle juice.
  • 1 tablespoon Yellow mustard
  • 1/2 cup Sweet pickle relish
Vegetable Ingredients
  • 1 cup Diced celery
  • 3/4 cup Diced red onion Can substitute with sweet onion.
  • 1/2 cup Shredded carrot Optional but adds color.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon Sugar Optional, balances the tang.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, and sweet pickle relish.
  3. Add the diced celery, diced red onion, shredded carrot, salt, black pepper, and sugar to the bowl.
  4. Once the pasta has cooled, mix it into the dressing and vegetable mixture.
  5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.

Notes

To prevent the pasta from getting mushy, avoid overcooking it. Rinse the pasta to COOL it down and drain well to prevent watery dressing. Stir in additional mayo or pickle juice if the salad appears dry after chilling.