A classic Southern Macaroni Salad is a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet dish that brings comfort and nostalgia to every bite. Perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or family gatherings, this salad is loaded with flavor and texture, making it a crowd favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe comes together quickly.
- Great for Gatherings – A perfect side dish for cookouts, picnics, and parties.
- Customizable – You can tweak the ingredients to suit your taste.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – The flavors meld beautifully when prepared in advance.
- Balanced Flavors – The combination of creamy dressing, tangy mustard, and crunchy vegetables makes this dish irresistible.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Elbow macaroni
- Mayonnaise
- Dijon mustard
- Apple cider vinegar
- Sugar
- Sweet pickle relish
- Celery
- Red bell pepper
- Red onion
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and sweet pickle relish. Stir until well blended.
- Add the cooled macaroni to the dressing mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Fold in chopped celery, red bell pepper, red onion, and diced hard-boiled eggs.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then mix well.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños for extra heat.
- Protein Boost: Include diced ham, shredded chicken, or tuna.
- Cheesy Twist: Mix in shredded cheddar cheese for a richer taste.
- Healthier Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter option.
- Herb Infusion: Sprinkle fresh dill or parsley for added freshness.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover macaroni salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Do Not Freeze: Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the pasta and mayonnaise-based dressing will change.
- Refreshing: If the salad seems dry after refrigeration, add a small amount of mayonnaise or a splash of vinegar before serving.
FAQs
How do I prevent my macaroni from getting mushy?
Cook the pasta al dente and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Can I make this salad a day ahead?
Yes! It tastes even better when made in advance, as the flavors meld together overnight.
What type of mayonnaise is best?
Use a good-quality, full-fat mayonnaise for the best creamy texture.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with small shells, rotini, or bowtie pasta.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can use gluten-free pasta to make it suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Can I skip the sugar?
Yes, but the sugar balances the tanginess of the vinegar and mustard. You can reduce the amount or use a natural sweetener.
What can I substitute for pickle relish?
You can use chopped sweet pickles or dill pickles instead.
How do I keep the salad from drying out?
Stir in a little extra mayonnaise before serving if it appears dry after refrigeration.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Try adding peas, carrots, or cucumbers for extra crunch and color.
How long can this salad sit out at a party?
Keep it out for no more than 2 hours. If outdoors in warm weather, refrigerate it within 1 hour.
Conclusion
Southern Macaroni Salad is a comforting, creamy, and flavorful side dish perfect for any occasion. With its rich dressing, crunchy vegetables, and tender pasta, it’s a must-have for your next barbecue or family gathering. Prepare it ahead of time for the best taste, and enjoy a true Southern classic!
PrintSouthern Macaroni Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing, Chilling
- Cuisine: Southern, American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy, flavorful macaroni salad packed with crunchy veggies and a tangy-sweet dressing. This classic Southern side dish is perfect for barbecues, potlucks, and family gatherings!
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked and cooled
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the cooked and cooled macaroni, celery, red bell pepper, red onion, pickle relish, and chopped eggs.
- Gently mix until everything is well coated in the dressing.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend.
- Before serving, sprinkle with paprika for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Notes
- Use Duke’s Mayo for an authentic Southern taste.
- For a touch of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Can be made a day ahead—just give it a good stir before serving.
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