The Best Macaroni Salad Recipe
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.
- 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
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://www.sanacooks.com/the-best-macaroni-salad-recipe/
