Best 6 Creamy Classic Macaroni Salad Recipes

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Indulge in the classic American side dish, macaroni salad, with our collection of creamy and flavorful recipes. From the traditional macaroni salad recipe with its perfect balance of mayonnaise, mustard, and vinegar, to the tangy variation with a zesty vinaigrette dressing, we have something for every palate. Experience the delightful crunch of celery and onion, the sweetness of carrots and bell peppers, and the savory taste of hard-boiled eggs, all combined with tender macaroni and creamy dressing. Whether you're looking for a simple side dish for your next barbecue or a refreshing addition to your summer potluck, our macaroni salad recipes will surely be a hit. With variations that include bacon, cheese, and even avocado, there's a macaroni salad recipe here to satisfy everyone's cravings. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let's embark on a culinary journey to create the perfect macaroni salad!

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

CREAMY MACARONI SALAD RECIPE



Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe image

Creamy Macaroni Salad is a simple macaroni salad recipe. Even the pickiest of eaters will love this creamy pasta salad.

Provided by Deanna @SeductionInTheKitchen.com

Categories     Salad Recipes

Time 1h10m

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 lb large elbow macaroni (cooked)
1/2 cup thinly sliced celery
1/4 cup finely diced sweet onion
1/4 cup diced colored peppers ((red yellow, green))
1/4 cup sliced pimento stuffed olive
1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
2 teaspoons prepared yellow mustard
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon celery seed

Steps:

  • Mix cooled macaroni, celery, onions, bell pepper and green olives together in a large bowl.
  • In a separate bowl mix together the mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, pickle relish, sugar, salt, pepper and celery seed, stirring well.
  • Stir dressing into the macaroni mixture.
  • Chill the salad for at least 1 hour in the fridge.
  • Serve it up and ENJOY!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 263 calories, Carbohydrate 16 grams carbohydrates, Cholesterol 12 milligrams cholesterol, Fat 21 grams fat, Fiber 1 grams fiber, Protein 3 grams protein, SaturatedFat 3 grams saturated fat, ServingSize 1, Sodium 324 milligrams sodium, Sugar 3 grams sugar, TransFat 0 grams trans fat, UnsaturatedFat 17 grams unsaturated fat

CLASSIC MACARONI SALAD



Classic Macaroni Salad image

This classic macaroni salad recipe is a refreshingly light take on an all-time favorite. It's perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or festive weekend barbecue. -Dorothy Bayes, Sardis, Ohio

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch     Side Dishes

Time 30m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 cup fat-free mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
2 teaspoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/3 cup chopped carrot
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 hard-boiled large egg, chopped
Dash paprika

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water. Cool completely. , For dressing, in a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, pickle relish, sugar substitute, mustard, salt and pepper. In a large bowl, combine the macaroni, celery, carrot and onion. Add dressing and toss gently to coat. , Refrigerate until serving. Garnish with egg and paprika.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 115 calories, Fat 2g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 27mg cholesterol, Sodium 362mg sodium, Carbohydrate 21g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

CREAMY CLASSIC MACARONI SALAD



Creamy Classic Macaroni Salad image

This has been one of my family favorites for years. I believe it came from Hellman's originally but I have modified it somewhat and only use Kraft Mayo.

Provided by joan in CNY

Categories     < 30 Mins

Time 28m

Yield 5 cups

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (not from concentrate)
1 tablespoon prepared mustard (I use dijon)
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
8 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked, drained (I use the Barilla brand-it has the little ridges in it that helps to hold the dressing in-also use i)
1 cup sliced celery
1 cup chopped green peppers or 1 cup red pepper
1/4 cup chopped onion

Steps:

  • Combine first 6 ingredients.
  • Stir in remaining ingredients.
  • Cover, chill (I alway top this with a sprinkle of paprika).

CLASSIC MACARONI SALAD



Classic Macaroni Salad image

Creamy dishes like Alex's macaroni salad are a perfect match for fresh dill. "I love dill with mayonnaise," she says. "It's grassy and light."

Provided by Alex Guarnaschelli

Categories     side-dish

Time 45m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
1 small red onion, diced, soaked in ice water at least 1 hour and up to 12 hours
1 large red bell pepper, diced
3 scallions (green parts only), thinly sliced
Kosher salt
12 ounces elbow macaroni
1 sprig dill, leaves finely chopped
4 sprigs basil, leaves torn

Steps:

  • Make the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, soy sauce and hot sauce until smooth. Drain and dry the red onion and stir it into the dressing along with the bell pepper, scallions and a generous pinch of salt.
  • Make the pasta: In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil. Add a generous amount of salt. Add the pasta and cook, stirring from time to time, until al dente (chewy but not hard or raw tasting), 6 to 10 minutes. Drain; do not rinse the pasta. Spread it out on a large baking sheet to cool slightly, 5 to 10 minutes.
  • While the pasta is still warm, add it to the bowl with the dressing and let sit at room temperature, 10 to 15 minutes. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Stir in the dill and basil just before serving and taste for seasoning.

CREAMY MACARONI SALAD



Creamy Macaroni Salad image

I have looked all over for a great macaroni salad; this one is it! It's easy and is a huge hit at every function I take it to. The sauce for this is a great creamy sauce. I like my salads to have a lot of creamy dressing, so I always make an extra half batch of the wet mix and add it as necessary to get the salad more wet because the pasta soaks up the sauce.

Provided by Mandy Franke

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Macaroni Salad Recipes

Time 35m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
¾ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon ground white pepper
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
3 cups elbow macaroni
1 ½ cups mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream
1 (5 ounce) can evaporated milk
½ cup finely chopped onion
3 tablespoons finely chopped green bell pepper
3 tablespoons finely chopped red bell pepper
2 tablespoons finely chopped yellow bell pepper
½ cup finely chopped celery
½ cup finely chopped carrots

Steps:

  • Mix salt, dry mustard, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, white pepper, and black pepper in a small bowl.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, 8 minutes. Drain and rinse macaroni under cold water until cooled.
  • Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, and evaporated milk in a large salad bowl until dressing is smooth and creamy; stir in seasoning mix until well blended. Mix macaroni, onion, green, red, and yellow bell pepper, celery, and carrots into the dressing until thoroughly coated.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 341 calories, Carbohydrate 24 g, Cholesterol 18 mg, Fat 25.3 g, Fiber 1.4 g, Protein 5.1 g, SaturatedFat 5.1 g, Sodium 377.4 mg, Sugar 3.1 g

HELLMANN'S CLASSIC MACARONI SALAD



Hellmann's Classic Macaroni Salad image

A longtime favorite of my family. We don't have an outdoor summer gathering without this and Hellmann's Original Potato Salad. Can't go wrong with these delicious recipes. FYI: because of the mayo content, we put the bowl of salad into a slightly larger-sized bowl filled halfway with ice to keep the salads cold and fresh.

Provided by aHardDaysNight

Categories     Summer

Time 25m

Yield 5 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

8 ounces elbow macaroni
1 cup Hellmann's mayonnaise
2 tablespoons vinegar
1 tablespoon hellmann's Dijonnaise mustard
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup thinly sliced celery
1 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/4 cup chopped onion

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water until completely cool.
  • In large bowl, combine Hellmann's® or Best Foods® Real Mayonnaise, vinegar, Mustard, sugar, salt and pepper.
  • Stir in macaroni, celery, green pepper and onion.
  • Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Tips:

  • Choose the right pasta: Use a small, elbow-shaped pasta like macaroni or penne. These shapes hold the sauce well and won't get too soggy.
  • Cook the pasta al dente: Don't overcook the pasta, or it will become mushy. Cook it until it is just tender to the bite.
  • Use a creamy, tangy dressing: The best macaroni salad dressings are creamy and tangy. Use a combination of mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, and mustard.
  • Add some crunch: Add some chopped celery, onion, or red bell pepper for a bit of crunch. You can also add some chopped nuts or seeds.
  • Chill the salad before serving: This will help the flavors to meld and the salad will be more refreshing.

Conclusion:

Macaroni salad is a classic summer dish that is perfect for picnics, potlucks, and barbecues. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. With a few simple tips, you can make the best macaroni salad that everyone will love.

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