Here’s a classic creamy macaroni salad recipe 🥗—perfect as a side for BBQs, picnics, or potlucks. Smooth, tangy, and loaded with flavor!
🍝 Creamy Macaroni Salad
⏱ Time
- Prep: 15 min
- Chill: 1–2 hours
- Serves: 6–8
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard or yellow mustard
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- ½ tsp sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- ½ red bell pepper, diced
- ½ small red onion, finely diced
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- Optional: ¼ cup sweet pickle relish or chopped pickles
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the macaroni
- Boil macaroni according to package instructions
- Drain and rinse under cold water until cool
- Set aside
2️⃣ Make the dressing
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper
3️⃣ Combine salad
- In a large bowl, combine cooled macaroni, celery, bell pepper, onion, eggs, and pickles
- Pour dressing over top
- Gently toss until everything is coated
4️⃣ Chill & serve
- Cover and refrigerate 1–2 hours to allow flavors to meld
- Taste before serving; adjust seasoning if needed
🌟 Tips
✔ Use al dente macaroni so the salad doesn’t get mushy
✔ Chop veggies small for even distribution
✔ Add a dash of paprika or chopped fresh herbs for extra flavor
Variations
- Cheesy macaroni salad: Add shredded cheddar or parmesan
- Tuna macaroni salad: Mix in a can of drained tuna
- Greek style: Add olives, cucumber, and feta
If you want, I can also give a super creamy, restaurant-style version with a secret ingredient that makes it ultra smooth and tangy.
Do you want me to do that?
