Classic Macaroni Salad

A simple macaroni salad that is perfect for a summer picnic, BBQ, church potluck or family reunion!

A bowl of pasta salad.

With spring here, the weather getting warmer and summer in the near future, I have been looking forward to picnics and having dinner out on our deck. This is the best macaroni salad and perfect for summer.

I love picnic food and one thing that is essential with any good picnic or bbq is some great summer salads. Macaroni salad is an American classic and has been part of many summer bbqs.

Over the years, there have been many different versions of macaroni salad and I do enjoy making something new, modern and fresh. Sometimes though, it is good to go back to the basics.

A very close image of pasta salad.

This macaroni salad is just that, a remembering of an old classic. Elbow macaroni is the perfect size for a salad and there are plenty of fresh cut vegetables in here to give a nice crunch.

The mayo based dressing is simple and uses ingredients you likely have in you kitchen. So, if you want to make that old time classic macaroni salad, give this one a try.

A bowl of pasta salad.

More Salad Ideas

If you are looking for any other salad recipes, check out some of these:

An overhead picture of a bowl of salad.

Classic Macaroni Salad - easy mayo based dressing

5 from 1 vote
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Easy salad that is an American classic and perfect for a picnic, bbq or church potluck. Elbow noodles, mayo dressing, tomatoes, cucumber, pepper, celery, green onions and a mayo based dressing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients

  • 3 cups dry macaroni / elbow noodles , uncooked
  • 1 medium tomato , diced
  • 1 medium sweet onion , diced
  • 2 mini cucumbers or 1/2 English cucumber , diced
  • 3 celery stalks , diced
  • 6 green onions , sliced
  • 1 1/2 cups mayo
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 2 tbsp vinegar
  • 4 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp dry mustard
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp fresh ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Cook noodles according to instructions on package. Drain and cool.
  • In a large bowl mix together the cooked noodles, tomato, pepper, cucumber, celery and scallions.
  • In a separate bowl mix together the rest of the ingredients to make the dressing. Pour the dressing on the macaroni salad and mix until evenly coated.

Nutrition

Per serving:

Calories: 353kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 5gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 284mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8g

Nutrition Disclaimer

Categories

A bowl of pasta salad.

Did you try this recipe?

Leave a comment and let me know how it turned out. Or, take a picture to share on Instagram and tag me @theblackpeppercorn.

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3 comments

  • Hi Steve, haven’t made this one in a while but now that the warmer weather is here, I’m pulling it out again… and we’re all looking forward to dinner! It’s a favourite!
    Thanks and trust you’re staying well!

    Jenn

    • Reply
  • I love summer salads too and that is definitely something I look forward to when warm weather approaches. This macaroni salad looks delicious! I haven’t made one in a while…thanks for sharing!

    • Reply
  • Always looking for a new take on macaroni salad. This sounds refreshing. Thanks! Mmmmmmm! Summer here I come!

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