Best Ever Classic Macaroni Salad

This Classic Macaroni Salad recipe is a hit at parties, BBQs and with adults and kids alike. It comes together easily and is the perfect side dish for summer parties, making it perfect for Memorial Day and 4th of July! Macaroni Salad is a staple at all of our family get-togethers, served alongside other picnic favorites like Potato Salad, Baked Macaroni and Cheese and Broccoli Slaw.

MACARONI SALAD RECIPE

See the peas in that macaroni salad? This is seriously the only thing I like peas in. And I hate peas. But there’s something about the combination of flavors and textures that makes them fit in perfectly.

This is a favorite family recipe that my mom has been making since her home ec class in high school. It’s loved by everyone – so much so that my cousin listed it specifically in our family reunion book as his favorite food. It’s that good.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED TO MAKE EASY MACARONI SALAD

• Elbow macaroni
• Sweet pickle relish
• Celery
• Onion
• Peas
• Mayonnaise
• Mustard
• Hard boiled eggs

Crunchy celery and peas, tangy pickle relish and mustard, tender hard boiled eggs and macaroni come together with the perfect amount of seasoning and just enough mayo to keep it from drying out. My kids love it too, even with the peas and onions! Now THAT is a special recipe!

HOW TO MAKE THE BEST MACARONI SALAD

1. Cook macaroni following the directions on the package. Drain and rinse in colander and drain well. Cool to at least room temperature, or in the fridge. *Note: For cold pasta salads, you want to always rinse your pasta. Not only does this cool it off and stop the cooking process, it helps to rinse the extra starches and keeps the noodles from sticking together.
2. While the pasta is cooking toss together the chopped celery, diced onion, pickle relish, peas, chopped hard boiled eggs in a large bowl. Once the macaroni is cool, stir that in too.
3. Using a silicone spatula or wooden spoon, stir in mayonnaise and mustard. The recipe calls for 1 cup of mayo, but you may need more or want to use less, depending on your personal preference.

WHAT SHOULD I SERVE WITH MACARONI SALAD?

This classic pasta salad is normally served with grilled meats or fish and is a backyard barbecue staple. These recipes would pair fabulously with Macaroni Salad:

• Grilled Chicken Marinade
• Grilled Steak Marinade
• Easy Baked Pork Chops
• Korean Short Ribs
• Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs

HOW LONG CAN MACARONI SALAD SIT OUT?

Because of the mayonnaise in this recipe, it is best kept refrigerated. It can be left out for up to two hours in the shade before it would need to be discarded. If left out in the sun, it will spoil faster.

Store macaroni salad in the refrigerator in a tightly sealed container for up to 5 days. If the salad seems dry, add a couple tablespoons of mayonnaise to moisten it before serving.

DO I HAVE TO ADD PEAS TO MACARONI SALAD?

You do not have to add the peas to this salad. They do add a nice texture, but you can customize with other vegetables, like bell peppers, tomatoes or olives.

Love this Classic Macaroni Salad? For more delicious potluck friendly sides, be sure to check these out:

• Cheddar & Dill Pasta Salad
• Summer Spaghetti Salad
• Easy Vegetable Pasta Salad
• Raspberry & Pear Salad

For all salads go HERE and for the Recipe Index go HERE.

Print out this recipe and make this classic macaroni salad for your next BBQ or summer party. You can thank me later.

Classic Macaroni Salad

4.89 from 17 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Picnic, Potluck, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 8 servings

Author: Kristin

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni 1/2 box
• 4 tablespoons  sweet pickle relish
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 2 tablespoons chopped onion
• 1 cup frozen peas cooked and cooled
• 4 hard cooked eggs chopped
• 2 teaspoons prepared mustard
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon salt to taste

Instructions

• Cook macaroni following directions on the package. Drain and rinse in colander and drain well. Cool to at least room temperature, or in the fridge.
• Meanwhile, in a large bowl combine celery, onion, relish, eggs, salt and peas.
• Stir in cooked macaroni.
• Stir in mustard and mayonnaise and blend thoroughly.
• Store in a tightly sealed container for up to 5 days. If salad seems dry, add a couple of tablespoons of mayonnaise to moisten.

Kristin

Hi! I’m Kristin, the creative mind behind Yellow Bliss Road where you will be inspired by tons of easy to follow recipes, lots of free printables, and a little sprinkling of life thrown in for good measure.