Name: No Bake Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni; 1/2 medium red onion, finely diced (about 1 cup); 1 rib celery, finely diced (about 1/3 cup); 1/2 green bell pepper, finely diced (about 1/3 cup); 1 cup mayo (like Duke’s); 1 tablespoon yellow mustard; 3 tablespoons white vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 teaspoons white sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing, nostalgic side that sits perfectly at any picnic, backyard barbecue, or weekend family gathering, Classic Macaroni Salad is the answer you’ve been hoping for. Creamy, tangy, and loaded with pops of color and crunch, this timeless dish brings together tender macaroni and a medley of crisp veggies, all tossed in a luscious, zesty dressing. Whether you grew up with a bowl of this at every summer party or you’re preparing it for the first time, Classic Macaroni Salad has a comforting way of stealing the show (and disappearing fast).

No Bake Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the things I adore about Classic Macaroni Salad is just how simple—yet essential—the ingredients are. Every component plays its own unique part, adding either a creamy base, a punch of savoriness, a hit of tang, or a bit of crunch and color that makes this salad irresistible.

Elbow macaroni: The perfect shape for catching all that creamy dressing in every bite; make sure to cook it just to al dente, so it holds its structure in the salad.
Red onion: Finely diced, red onion brings a sharp, slightly sweet bite—if you’re sensitive to its intensity, feel free to soak it in cold water to mellow the flavor.
Celery: Celery is all about fresh crunch and a subtle, earthy undertone that balances out the richness of the dressing.
Green bell pepper: This veggie brightens up the salad with a pop of color and a mild, grassy zing.
Mayonnaise: This is the heart of the creamy dressing; choose your favorite (I love Duke’s for its slight tanginess).
Yellow mustard: Brings a sunny color and a savory kick that cuts through the richness and lifts the whole salad.
White vinegar: Delivers just the right touch of tang that ties all the flavors together; don’t skip it, or your salad may feel flat.
Black pepper: Adds warmth and depth without overpowering any of the other flavors.
White sugar: Offers a gentle sweetness that balances the vinegar and mustard, preventing the dressing from tasting too sharp.
Salt: Essential for seasoning both the pasta water and the finished salad; taste as you go for best results.
Granulated garlic: For savory, umami undertones, granulated garlic disperses beautifully into the creamy dressing.
Onion powder: Adds an extra layer of mellow onion flavor, rounding out the taste profile.

How to Make Classic Macaroni Salad

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

Start by boiling your elbow macaroni in generously salted water, following the package directions just until they’re al dente (usually about 8 to 10 minutes). You want the pasta tender with just a bit of firmness, so it holds up beautifully once tossed with the creamy dressing. Once cooked, drain the macaroni and immediately run it under cool water. This stops the cooking process in its tracks and rinses off excess starch, keeping the salad light rather than gummy.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Dressing

While the pasta cools, whisk together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, white vinegar, black pepper, white sugar, salt, granulated garlic, and onion powder in a bowl until totally smooth and cohesive. This simple dressing is the soul of Classic Macaroni Salad: creamy, bright, and full of tang. Once your base is ready, fold in the diced red onion, celery, and green bell pepper—the vegetables soak up some of that flavor and their colors really pop.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Dressing

Transfer your cooled macaroni to a large bowl and pour in about half of the dressing. Toss gently to coat every piece—you want each bite to have a mixture of noodles and just a hint of the dressing. Cover the bowl and refrigerate both the salad and the remaining dressing for at least two hours. This chilling step is totally key—the pasta absorbs so much flavor, and the salad gets irresistibly creamy as it rests.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Right before you’re ready to serve, grab both your salad and the leftover dressing from the fridge. Pour the rest of the dressing over the macaroni salad and gently toss again to coat everything evenly. Give it a final taste, adjusting salt and pepper as needed. Now you’re ready to wow everyone with the bright, tangy flavors of true Classic Macaroni Salad!

How to Serve Classic Macaroni Salad

Garnishes

A light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper is always welcome, but you can also get creative with garnishes. Try adding a sprinkle of paprika for color, finely chopped fresh parsley for a fresh herbal note, or a few rings of extra green onion or chives for that little pop.

Side Dishes

Classic Macaroni Salad is the perfect sidekick for grilled burgers, hot dogs, barbecue chicken, or ribs. It balances out anything smoky or meaty with its cool creaminess. Even a simple platter of sliced watermelon or a crisp mixed green salad can round out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the salad in individual mason jars at your next picnic—it makes for a charming, mess-free presentation. Or, spoon it onto crisp lettuce leaves for a retro touch. You can even pile it up on a large platter, ringed with cherry tomatoes and extra celery sticks for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Classic Macaroni Salad actually improves as it sits! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it’ll keep happily for up to 4 days. If it seems a bit dry, simply stir in an extra spoonful of mayo before serving.

Freezing

While freezing is not recommended for Classic Macaroni Salad, as the creamy dressing tends to separate once thawed and the vegetables lose their crunch, you’re better off making this fresh or just a day or two ahead for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

This is one recipe best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you need to refresh it after refrigeration, just give it a good stir and allow it to sit out for about 10–15 minutes before serving so the flavors can shine.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta in Classic Macaroni Salad?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional and best at soaking up the dressing, small pasta shapes like shells, ditalini, or cavatappi will work just as well. The most important thing is to choose a shape that holds dressing and veggies in every bite.

How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?

The trick is to cook it just to al dente and rinse it well under cold water. This stops the cooking process and ensures the pasta doesn’t absorb more liquid as it sits in the dressing. Don’t forget to salt your cooking water well!

Can I add protein to Classic Macaroni Salad?

Definitely! Chopped hard-boiled eggs, diced ham, cooked shrimp, or canned tuna blend right in and make the salad a more substantial meal. Just remember to taste and adjust seasoning if you add extras.

Is there a way to make this Classic Macaroni Salad lighter?

You can swap part or all of the mayo for plain Greek yogurt or a light mayonnaise for a tangy, lower-calorie spin. The creaminess will stay, but the salad will feel a bit lighter.

How far ahead can I make Classic Macaroni Salad?

Ideally, you’ll want to make it at least two hours before serving for maximum flavor melding, but you can prep it up to a full day in advance without losing texture or freshness—perfect for stress-free entertaining!

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about sharing a big bowl of Classic Macaroni Salad with friends and family. Whether you’re bringing it to a potluck or savoring leftovers straight from the fridge, this recipe is guaranteed to bring smiles to your table. Give it a try—your next gathering might just become legendary!

No Bake Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Recipe