Few side dishes capture the heart of summer gatherings quite like the Best Macaroni Salad Recipe with Mayo. This classic macaroni salad strikes just the right balance between velvety, tangy dressing and irresistibly tender pasta, punctuated by crisp veggies in every bite. Whether you’re packing a picnic basket or planning a backyard cookout, this recipe brings together all the familiar comforts wrapped up in creamy nostalgia, making it the salad everyone will reach for first (and come back for seconds).

Best Macaroni Salad Recipe with Mayo Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the most beautiful things about this salad is its simplicity: each ingredient brings its own essential note, whether it’s vibrant color, crunchy texture, or flavor that just sings. Let’s walk through what goes into making this iconic side dish so spectacular.

Elbow macaroni: The small, curved shape holds onto creamy dressing perfectly for maximum flavor in every bite.
Mayonnaise: The star of the dressing – it gives the salad its signature creamy, rich base.
Sweet pickle relish: Adds a pop of tangy, sweet contrast that brightens the whole dish.
Granulated sugar: Just a touch rounds out the flavors and balances the savory notes in the dressing.
Dijon mustard: Offers gentle warmth and sharpness that deepens the dressing’s complexity.
Apple cider vinegar: Brings an appealing twang and lifts all the other flavors – it’s the secret to a lively, not-flat salad.
Salt: Essential for seasoning both the pasta water and the dressing, making every component sing.
Garlic powder: Provides a subtle, savory backbone without overpowering the other flavors.
Black pepper: Delivers a gentle bite that complements the creaminess of the mayo.
Red bell pepper: Bright, sweet, and crunchy, it adds gorgeous color and freshness.
Celery: Its crisp, juicy snap gives the salad an addictive crunch.
Red onion: Adds a pop of tang and just a hint of punchy sharpness.
Carrot: For a whisper of earthy sweetness and that unmistakable orange flair.
Hard-boiled egg: Chopped finely, it makes the salad heartier and adds irresistibly creamy, tender bites.

How to Make Best Macaroni Salad Recipe with Mayo

Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Dressing

Start by whisking together mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, granulated sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper in a medium bowl until your dressing is completely smooth. This homemade blend comes together in moments and can even be prepared a day in advance for quick assembly later on. Cover and refrigerate the dressing to let the flavors meld while you tackle the rest of the salad.

Step 2: Cook the Elbow Macaroni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add the elbow macaroni. Cook the pasta for 9 to 11 minutes, just until al dente – this is key for a salad that holds its shape and doesn’t get mushy. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and rinse it well with cold water to stop the cooking and cool the noodles down for your salad base.

Step 3: Prep the Veggies and Egg

While the pasta cools, dice up your red bell pepper and red onion, slice the celery, and shred the carrot. Peel and finely chop one hard-boiled egg (or more if you love extra protein and creaminess). These chopped veggies not only add gorgeous color but also bring a satisfying, fresh crunch that balances the creamy macaroni.

Step 4: Combine Salad Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled elbow macaroni, colorful vegetables, and chopped hard-boiled egg. Pour over all of your dressing (or reserve a few tablespoons to refresh the salad after chilling) and gently toss everything together to ensure each tender noodle and crisp veggie is evenly coated.

Step 5: Chill for Maximum Flavor

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors in your Best Macaroni Salad Recipe with Mayo to blend and mingle. The chilling step makes everything taste even more harmonious and helps the salad hold its creamy texture for serving.

Step 6: Refresh and Serve

When ready to serve, inspect the salad: if it looks a little dry from chilling, stir in the reserved dressing to bring back the pillowy creaminess. Transfer it to your favorite serving dish, sprinkle on optional garnishes, and watch it disappear!

How to Serve Best Macaroni Salad Recipe with Mayo

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra chopped parsley, sliced green onions, or a dusting of smoked paprika on top can set your Best Macaroni Salad Recipe with Mayo apart from the crowd. Even an extra wedge or two of hard-boiled egg placed artfully makes a presentation that catches the eye and hints at the flavors inside.

Side Dishes

This macaroni salad shines next to all the picnic classics: think juicy grilled burgers, smoky barbecue chicken, or golden corn on the cob. It also sits perfectly beside deli sandwiches, with potato chips on the side for that ultimate lunch spread appeal. Its cool, creamy profile is the ideal foil for anything from spicy sausages to light, flaky fish.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving it in individual mason jars for a portable picnic treat, or pile it high in a big vintage bowl at family gatherings for some down-home charm. Want to impress? Shape it into a ring mold on a platter, ringed with lettuce leaves and scattered veggies. It’s also delicious tucked into lettuce cups or used as a filling for picnic wraps.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Best Macaroni Salad Recipe with Mayo keeps well refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. The flavors continue to develop, and a quick stir before serving will restore its creamy, indulgent texture, making leftovers just as tasty as day one.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this salad, as the creamy mayonnaise dressing can separate and veggies tend to lose their crispness. For best results, enjoy your macaroni salad freshly made or after a short chill in the fridge.

Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it slightly less chilled, leave it out of the fridge for 20-30 minutes before serving. Reheating isn’t necessary — or recommended — as it can alter the dressing’s creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I make the Best Macaroni Salad Recipe with Mayo in advance?

Absolutely! The dressing and hard-boiled eggs can both be prepped up to a day ahead, and the whole salad will hold up beautifully if assembled a few hours before serving. Just give it a gentle stir and refresh with reserved dressing, if needed.

What substitutions work if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?

White vinegar is a great stand-in, though you might consider adding an extra tablespoon of sugar to balance the sharper tang. Even a touch of lemon juice can work in a pinch for brightness.

Can I make this macaroni salad egg-free?

Yes! Feel free to omit the egg if you’re catering to preferences or dietary needs. The Best Macaroni Salad Recipe with Mayo will still be just as delicious, or you can double the egg for a heartier touch if everyone’s on board.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Traditional elbow macaroni contains gluten, but you can easily swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just take care not to overcook it, as alternative pastas can soften faster.

How do I keep the salad from getting dry after refrigeration?

Reserve about a quarter cup of the dressing when you first make the salad. Before serving, stir in the extra dressing to revive that creamy consistency and keep every bite luscious!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving an easy but truly unforgettable side for any occasion, you can’t go wrong with the Best Macaroni Salad Recipe with Mayo. It’s comforting, crowd-pleasing, and a guaranteed invitation for second (or third) helpings. I hope you’ll give this classic a try and see just how quickly it becomes a treasured favorite at your table!