Magnificent Macaroni Salad

This creamy, classic macaroni salad is a total crowd-pleaser—perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or just a cozy meal at home.

With tender pasta, crunchy celery seed, and a rich, tangy dressing, every bite is packed with flavor.

Made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, this dish comes together in no time and tastes even better after chilling.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a comforting, nostalgic bite, this Magnificent Macaroni Salad is a must-try!

For the Macaroni Salad

Elbow Macaroni – The base of this salad! Cooks up perfectly tender and holds the creamy dressing well.
Mayonnaise – Adds richness and that classic creamy texture.
Onion – Minced finely for a touch of sharpness and crunch.
Fresh Parsley – Brings a pop of freshness and color.
Yellow Mustard – Adds a tangy kick and balances the creaminess.
Rice Vinegar – A little acidity to brighten up the flavors.
White Sugar – Just a hint of sweetness to balance the tang.
Celery Seed – Provides a subtle crunch and depth of flavor.
Salt – Enhances all the flavors and ties everything together.
Hard-Boiled Eggs – Chopped and mixed in for extra creaminess and protein.

Classic Creamy Macaroni Salad

Nothing says comfort food like a classic, creamy macaroni salad! With its perfect blend of tangy mustard, a hint of sweetness, and crunchy celery seed, this dish is a must-have for BBQs, potlucks, and family gatherings.

Print Pin

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Classic Macaroni Salad

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 15

Chill Time:: 30

Total Time: 1

Servings:

.

Ingredients

3 cups elbow macaroni
1 ½ cups mayonnaise
⅓ large onion, minced
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
2 teaspoons rice vinegar
1 teaspoon white sugar (adjust to taste)
¾ teaspoon celery seed
½ teaspoon salt
3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
- Add the macaroni and cook for about 8 minutes, or until al dente.
- Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
Prepare the Dressing:
- In a large bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, minced onion, chopped parsley, mustard, rice vinegar, sugar, celery seed, and salt until well combined.
Combine Everything:
- Add the cooled macaroni and chopped eggs to the bowl with the dressing.
- Stir well to evenly coat all ingredients.
Chill and Serve:
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Enjoy your creamy, flavorful macaroni salad!

Nutrition

Save

How do I keep my macaroni from sticking together?
Rinse it under cold water after cooking! This removes excess starch and cools the pasta, preventing clumping. Bonus: It also stops the cooking process, so you don’t end up with mushy macaroni.
My dressing is too thick or separating—help!
Toss the cooled macaroni with a tiny bit of olive oil before mixing in the dressing. This keeps everything smooth and creamy. Also, if your salad sits in the fridge for too long, stir in a splash of milk before serving to loosen it up.
Why does my macaroni salad taste bland?
Season, season, season! Cook your pasta in salted water (think seawater salty), and don’t be shy with the dressing. The flavors develop as it chills, so taste and adjust the seasoning just before serving.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it’s even better the next day since the flavors have time to meld. Just be sure to stir well before serving and maybe add an extra spoonful of mayo if needed.
How long does macaroni salad last in the fridge?
Store it in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Give it a quick stir before serving, and if it looks dry, add a little extra mayo or a splash of milk to bring it back to life!