Name: Creamy Macaroni Salad – Perfect Easy Pasta Side Dish for BBQs & Sandwiches
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups elbow macaroni; 1 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1–2 teaspoons sugar; Salt and pepper to taste; ½ cup diced celery; ¼ cup chopped red onion; ½ cup diced red bell pepper; ¼ cup shredded carrot; ½ cup peas or diced pickles

Description

This classic creamy macaroni salad combines tender elbow macaroni with a tangy mayo dressing and crunchy veggies for a refreshing side dish. Perfect for summer BBQs, picnics, or sandwich lunches, it can be made ahead to let flavors meld. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this American comfort food favorite delivers creamy texture, bright colors, and nostalgic flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups elbow macaroni

1 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1–2 teaspoons sugar

Salt and pepper to taste

½ cup diced celery

¼ cup chopped red onion

½ cup diced red bell pepper

¼ cup shredded carrot

½ cup peas or diced pickles

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add macaroni and cook 7–8 minutes until al dente.

2. Drain and rinse pasta under cold water to stop cooking and cool.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper.

4. Add cooled macaroni to dressing and stir gently to coat evenly.

5. Fold in celery, red onion, bell pepper, carrot, and peas or pickles.

6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.

7. Before serving, stir and adjust seasoning; add extra mayonnaise or a splash of milk if needed.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Boil and mix
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup

Keywords: creamy macaroni salad, macaroni side dishes, easy pasta salad with mayo, pasta side dishes for bbq, easy sides with sandwiches, bbq side dish, picnic salad