An EASY classic recipe for Macaroni Salad. Pasta loaded with peppers, celery, onions, and eggs then tossed in a creamy mayo-based dressing, this salad is so delicious.

Macaroni pasta salad in a white bowl with a wooden spoon topped with fresh chopped greens.

MACARONI SALAD-

This homemade macaroni pasta salad recipe will become your go-to recipe for potlucks, cookouts, or a side salad to keep in your refrigerator. 

The salad is made with cooked elbow macaroni, celery, boiled eggs, onion, and pepper. The salad is in the most delicious dressing consisting of mayo, dijon, sour cream, and vinegar.

A wooden spoon full of macaroni pasta topped with fresh chopped greens and black pepper.

what ingredients go in macaroni salad?

Everyone has their own version of this classic salad and today we are sharing our classic version:

  • Elbow macaroni- good quality pasta
  • Egg- hard-boiled eggs 
  • Vegetables- we used red pepper, onion, and celery
  • Mayo- use a whole egg mayo
  • Sour cream- balances the mayo taste
  • Vinegar- we just like using a white vinegar
  • Dijon- adds so much flavor

Add-Ins: You can add your favorite add-ons to the salad. Some of the most popular would be bacon, pickles, green onion, olives, ham, and even chicken.

A white bowl loaded with macaroni salad ingredients laid out next to wooden spoons and a green and white rag.

How long can you keep macaroni salad?

If you cover and refrigerate in a salad bowl, then the salad will keep up to 4 days. This salad is best enjoyed when the salad when it is slightly chilled and not cold. Therefore, take it out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving.

I love this traditional salad because it can be made in advance and then refrigerated until ready to enjoy. As a result, it saves so much time if you are hosting or if you are busy.

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