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Classic Macaroni Salad

Creamy Classic Macaroni Salad Your Must-Have Summer Side

This Classic Macaroni Salad is a creamy, flavorful summer side packed with fresh veggies, perfect for any gathering.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 8 cups
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 2 cups elbow pasta uncooked
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup sour cream or crème fraîche
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar optional
  • 2 teaspoons yellow mustard or Dijon
  • 1 cup celery diced
  • 1 cup red pepper diced
  • ½ cup red onion diced
For the Mix-Ins
  • 1 cup diced pickles or relish
  • 4 large hard-boiled eggs chopped
  • ½ cup fresh herbs chopped dill or parsley

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add in the elbow pasta and cook it for about 8–10 minutes, or until it's al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside to cool.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, red wine vinegar, sugar, and yellow mustard. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste.
  3. Once the elbow pasta has cooled, drizzle it into the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold the pasta into the dressing until every piece is thoroughly coated.
  4. Finely dice the celery, red pepper, and red onion. Stir these ingredients into the pasta mixture, ensuring even distribution.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 6gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Rinse the pasta under cold water to stop cooking. Chill the salad for better flavor blending. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Avoid freezing.

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