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A white bowl filled with creamy macaroni salad, featuring diced red and green vegetables, is placed on a folded dark gray cloth with a spoon resting in the bowl.

Macaroni Salad Recipe

This creamy macaroni salad is an easy side dish made with tender elbow macaroni, crisp vegetables, and a flavorful homemade dressing. It's the perfect make-ahead recipe for potlucks, barbecues, picnics, and summer cookouts.

Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword macaroni salad
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Additional Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 8
Author momma lew

Ingredients

Macaroni Salad:

  • 2 cups dry macaroni noodles 4 cups cooked
  • 2 stalks celery diced
  • ½ cup diced carrots
  • ½ red bell pepper diced
  • 2 green onions diced (green parts only)

For the dressing:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 3 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar can use white or red wine vinegar
  • 2 Tablespoons white sugar to taste
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • 2 Tablespoons sweet green relish
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Do not rinse after draining.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together the dressing ingredients. Taste and adjust to your personal preferences.
  3. Add the cooked macaroni, stir well to coat, and then mix in the chopped vegetables.
  4. Place the macaroni salad in the fridge for an hour to let the flavors marinate.