The Best Macaroni Salad Recipe

Introduction

This macaroni salad is a classic side dish that’s creamy, colorful, and packed with fresh vegetables. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a simple family meal, it’s easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 16 oz. elbow macaroni
• ½ red onion
• 1 green bell pepper
• 1 red bell pepper
• ¼ cup fresh parsley
• 1 carrot
• ¾ cup mayonnaise (can use vegan mayonnaise)
• 1 tbsp. spicy Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water, then transfer to a large bowl and let cool.
2. Step 2: While the macaroni cooks and cools, finely chop the red onion, dice the green and red bell peppers, roughly chop the parsley, and dice the carrot. Set aside.
3. Step 3: Add the chopped vegetables, parsley, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to the cooled macaroni. Stir well to combine.
4. Step 4: Refrigerate the salad until fully chilled. Serve cold or at room temperature for best flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, add chopped celery or cucumber.
• Use vegan mayonnaise to keep this salad dairy-free without compromising creaminess.
• Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for a tangy twist.
• Mix in cooked bacon or shredded cheddar for a richer version.

Storage

Store the macaroni salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving again, and it’s best enjoyed chilled. Avoid freezing as the mayonnaise-based dressing may separate.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this macaroni salad ahead of time?

Yes, making it a few hours or even the day before helps the flavors meld. Just keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

Simply substitute mayonnaise with vegan mayonnaise and ensure no other ingredients contain animal products. The recipe is already flexible for a vegan diet.

The Best Macaroni Salad Recipe

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This Best Macaroni Salad Recipe is a classic, creamy pasta salad packed with fresh vegetables and a tangy, spicy Dijon mustard dressing. Perfectly cooked elbow macaroni is combined with crunchy red onion, sweet red and green bell peppers, fresh parsley, and diced carrots, all tossed in a smooth mayonnaise-based dressing. Ideal as a side dish for picnics, barbecues, or casual meals, this macaroni salad is simple to prepare and can easily be made with vegan mayonnaise for a dairy-free option.

• Author: Sana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Pasta

• 16 oz. elbow macaroni

Vegetables

• ½ red onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 carrot, diced

Dressing

• ¾ cup mayonnaise (can use vegan mayonnaise)
• 1 tbsp spicy Dijon mustard
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the macaroni: Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and remove excess starch. Transfer to a large bowl and allow to cool completely.
2. Prepare the vegetables: While the macaroni is cooking and cooling, chop the red onion, green and red bell peppers, and parsley. Dice the carrot into small pieces. Set all the prepared vegetables aside.
3. Mix the salad: Add the chopped red onion, bell peppers, parsley, diced carrot, mayonnaise, spicy Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to the cooled macaroni. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
4. Chill and serve: Refrigerate the macaroni salad for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld together and the salad to cool. Serve cold or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish.

Notes

• For a vegan option, use vegan mayonnaise instead of traditional mayonnaise.
• Adjust the amount of spicy Dijon mustard to control the heat and tanginess of the salad.
• Make the salad a few hours ahead to allow flavors to develop fully.
• Can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Adding chopped celery or pickles can add extra crunch and flavor.

Keywords: macaroni salad, pasta salad, creamy macaroni salad, picnic side dish, vegetarian pasta salad