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bowl of easy macaroni salad
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3.91 from 65 votes

Easy Macaroni Salad

Easy Macaroni Salad, just like you'd get from the deli at the grocery store! Wondering how to make classic Macaroni Salad? This homemade recipe is easy and versatile. Add tuna, peas, or any of your favorite add-ins.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Chill2 hours
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: macaroni, pasta salad
Servings: 8

Ingredients

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni cooked according to package directions
  • 3 tbsp cider vinegar
  • 1 ½ cups finely chopped celery
  • 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • ¼ cup finely chopped parsley
  • 1 ½-2 cups mayonnaise
  • 3 tbsp sour cream
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions

  • Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions making sure to salt your pasta water. Drain the pasta then place it in a large bowl. Toss the macaroni with 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, then place the macaroni in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to cool.
  • While the Marconi cools, prep the vegetables. Finely chop celery, red bell pepper and fresh parsley (the parsley is optional).
  • Make the dressing: in a medium-sized bowl combine mayonnaise with sour cream, yellow mustard, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
  • Combine the macaroni with the dressing: after the macaroni has cooled for 20 minutes in the refrigerator, stir in the dressing. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  • Chill for at least 2 hours before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

You may need to add a bit more mayo or milk (1 tablespoon at a time) to the macaroni salad just before serving if it seems dry.