Classic Creamy Macaroni Salad

Name: Classic Creamy Macaroni Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 ounces elbow macaroni; 1 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish; 2 tablespoons yellow mustard; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 ribs celery, finely chopped; 1 medium carrot, grated; 1/2 bell pepper, diced; 2 tablespoons red onion, finely minced

A cool and crunchy macaroni salad that tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge.

By Recipes By Nani· 🌍 American· July 18, 2026

recipesbynani.com

Prep

20 minutes

Cook

10 minutes

Total

2 hours 30 minutes

Serves

This macaroni salad is the perfect side dish for any summer cookout or family gathering. Everyone loves the contrast between the tender pasta and the crisp, fresh vegetables hidden in every single bite.

My best tip is to let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least two hours before serving. This gives the dressing time to soak into the noodles and makes the flavors really pop.

🧺 Ingredients

16 ounces elbow macaroni
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 ribs celery, finely chopped
1 medium carrot, grated
1/2 bell pepper, diced
2 tablespoons red onion, finely minced

👩‍🍳Instructions

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to the package directions until al dente.
2
Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process, then drain well.
3
In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper.
4
Add the cooked pasta, celery, carrot, bell pepper, and onion to the bowl with the dressing.
5
Stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy dressing.
6
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least two hours before serving to allow the flavors to blend.

💡 Tips

Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If the salad seems a little dry the next day, just stir in an extra tablespoon of mayonnaise before you serve it. This dish pairs perfectly with grilled burgers or hot dogs.

#side dish #potluck #picnic #vegetarian #easy

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