The Ultimate Creamy Macaroni Salad

Whip up the ultimate macaroni salad recipe! This creamy, tangy delight, inspired by classic American versions, is perfect for BBQs. Get the 'Lovely Jubbly' recipe now!

June 4, 2025
By Sandra.

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Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a bit of sunshine on a plate, yeah? This macaroni salad recipe is pure comfort food. It's got a creamy, tangy flavour that just screams summer.

Brief Overview

This classic elbow macaroni salad is an american staple. think church picnics and summer barbecues. it's super easy. you'll need about an hour, tops, and it feeds a small army.

I'm thinking 6-8 hungry folks.

Main Benefits

Honestly, it's the perfect pasta side dishes for bbq . it's a crowd-pleaser and keeps well. plus, you get some sneaky veg in there.

What makes this recipe special? it's the balance of creamy, sweet, and tangy. you know? that perfect summertime vibe.

Ready to get cracking? Let's talk ingredients...

Get Your Bits Together: Ingredients

Here's what you need for this ultimate Elbow Salad . No need to be fancy, you can easily make Basic Macaroni Salad .

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 1 cup diced celery
• ½ cup diced red onion
• ½ cup diced red bell pepper
• ½ cup diced green bell pepper
• ½ cup sweet pickle relish
• 4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon paprika

Let's Whip Up The Dressing, Shall We?

Now, this is where the magic happens. That creamy, dreamy Macaroni Salad Dressing Mayonnaise needs to be on point. Don't be shy with the flavours.

In a large bowl, whisk together mayo, sour cream, mustard, vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, and paprika. give it a good whisk.

It should be smooth and creamy. taste it! is it tangy enough? sweet enough? adjust as needed. this is your elbow macaroni salad .

Putting It All Together

Right, pasta's cooked, veggies are chopped, dressing's ready. let's get this easy cold macaroni salad recipes show on the road! drain your pasta well.

You don't want a soggy salad. throw the pasta into your bowl with the veggies, relish, and eggs. drizzle over that gorgeous dressing.

Gently mix everything together. make sure every bit is coated.

Now, here's the crucial bit. chill it! cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or even better, a couple of hours.

This lets the flavours meld and get all friendly with each other. honestly, it makes all the difference. it's good to look for side dishes with elbow macaroni recipes to change things up now and again.

Serving & Extra tips

Serve it cold. it's that simple. taste it one last time before serving. need more salt? a bit more pepper? now's your chance.

I usually go with cold pasta recipes easy macaroni salads

This easy cold macaroni salad recipes works amazingly with grilled burgers. also, fried chicken or even just as a cheeky side with a sandwich.

Remember to try different elbow macaroni salad recipes easy . enjoy! you deserve it!

Right, let's dive into what you'll need for this cracking macaroni salad recipe . Honestly, it's pretty straightforward, like making a cuppa! It's a classic in the world of pasta side dishes for bbq , so grab your shopping list!

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients

• Elbow Macaroni: 1 pound (450g) . Look for a good quality pasta. It should be a nice, pale yellow colour. Avoid anything that looks too starchy. If you want to prepare Elbow Salad
• Celery: 1 cup (120g) , diced. Go for crisp, firm stalks with bright green leaves. A bit of celery adds such a nice crunch, you know?
• Red Onion: ½ cup (60g) , diced. Choose a firm onion with no soft spots. The red onion gives that little bit of zing.
• Red Bell Pepper: ½ cup (75g) , diced. Get a pepper that’s shiny and heavy for its size. Peppers are essential in easy cold macaroni salad recipes .
• Green Bell Pepper: ½ cup (75g) , diced. Same as above for the red, just a nice green one! Peppers are essential in cold pasta recipes easy macaroni salads .
• Sweet Pickle Relish: ½ cup (60g) , drained. Not too watery, mind! The sweetness is important.
• Hard-Boiled Eggs: 4 large , peeled and chopped. Make sure they're properly hard-boiled, no grey rings! For the perfect boiled eggs, pop them in cold water, bring to a boil, then turn off the heat and let them sit for 10 minutes . Honestly, it makes all the difference.
• Mayonnaise: 1 cup (240ml) . Full-fat is best for flavour, but light is okay too. This is your macaroni salad dressing mayonnaise , so don’t skimp!
• Sour Cream: ¼ cup (60ml) . This makes your Basic Macaroni Salad have that tang.
• Yellow Mustard: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Adds a bit of a kick!
• White Vinegar: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Don't go using malt vinegar or anything wild.
• Granulated Sugar: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Just a touch to balance the flavours.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . Seasoning is key, innit?
• Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) . Freshly ground is always better.
• Paprika: ¼ teaspoon (1.25ml) . Adds a nice colour and a hint of smokiness.

Seasoning Notes

The mustard, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper are crucial. don't skip 'em! a pinch of garlic powder can also be added for extra flavour.

If you haven't got white vinegar, apple cider vinegar works too. these are all side dishes with elbow macaroni .

Equipment Needed

• Large pot: For cooking the pasta.
• Colander: To drain the pasta.
• Large mixing bowl: For everything else!
• Cutting board: For chopping those veggies.
• Sharp knife: For said chopping.

Honestly, you probably have most of this stuff already! A big spoon is handy too. For Elbow Macaroni Salad Recipes Easy prep everything before!

See, that's not so bad, is it? Next up, we'll actually make the elbow macaroni salad !

Alright, let's get this show on the road! macaroni salad is a true summer staple. it’s comforting, familiar, and always a crowd-pleaser.

I am going to teach you to create a bangin' macaroni salad recipe that'll have everyone saying "lovely jubbly!"

Cooking Method: The Creamy Dream

This isn't your average dry elbow salad . this is a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet masterpiece. perfect for picnics, barbecues, or just a cheeky pasta side dishes for bbq on a tuesday.

Prep Like a Pro!

Essential mise en place is key. first, dice all your veggies. i mean celery, red onion, and bell peppers. chop those hard-boiled eggs too.

Get everything measured out. this saves a load of time later. honestly, it does. remember to keep your knives sharp! safety first, always!

Step-by-Step Bliss

1. Cook one pound of elbow macaroni until al dente . (Approx. 8- 10 minutes) .
2. Drain pasta and rinse. This stops cooking and prevents sticking.
3. Whisk together one cup of mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of sour cream, two tablespoons of mustard, two tablespoons of vinegar, two tablespoons of sugar, one teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of paprika.
4. Combine pasta, veggies, relish, and eggs with the dressing.
5. Chill for at least 30 minutes. This is crucial for flavour.

Pro Tips: Ace Your Salad Game

Want to take your easy cold macaroni salad recipes to the next level? Here's the goss.

• Avoid mushy pasta . Al dente is the goal, not baby food!
• Taste and adjust. More sugar for sweetness? More mustard for tang? Do you!
• Make it ahead. This salad is great a day in advance. Just keep it chilled. You know what I mean.

Let me tell you a story, once I didn't chill my salad properly. Big mistake. It was a gloppy, flavourless mess! Ever since, I'm a chilling fanatic.

Common mistakes to avoid: overcooking the macaroni is a biggie. nobody wants mush. also, don't be shy with the dressing! a dry salad is a sad salad.

Now, with these pro tips, you will be able to ace your elbow macaroni salad . enjoy your cold pasta recipes easy macaroni salads !

Alright, lovely folks! We've got our macaroni salad recipe down. But, before you dive headfirst into making it, let's chew over a few important things.

Recipe Notes: Making Macaroni Salad Magic

I've made this elbow salad a million times. Honestly, tiny tweaks can make a HUGE difference. It's all about making it your own.

Serving Suggestions: Macaroni Salad Style

• Plating and presentation ideas: Pile it high in a nice bowl. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika. A sprig of parsley. You know? Make it look like you care. Serve cold. It's especially good Pasta Side Dishes For Bbq .
• Complementary sides or beverages: This bad boy goes perfectly with grilled burgers. Or hot dogs. Don't forget some fizzy pop or a cold beer. It's also great with other Cold Pasta Recipes Easy Macaroni Salads , especially potato salad or coleslaw.

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

• Refrigeration guidelines: Store leftover macaroni salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It's fine for up to 3-4 days, honestly.
• Freezing options (if applicable): Honestly, I wouldn't freeze it. The Macaroni Salad Dressing Mayonnaise tends to separate and gets a bit weird. Just make a fresh batch. It's easy!
• Reheating instructions: Eat it cold! This is one of those Easy Cold Macaroni Salad Recipes that are perfect straight from the fridge.

Variations: Macaroni Makeovers

• Dietary adaptations: Use light mayo for a lighter version. Ditch the sugar if you're watching your sugar intake.
• Seasonal ingredient swaps: In the summer, chuck in some fresh sweetcorn kernels. Or diced tomatoes. Whatever you fancy! It makes the dish feel different. Use whatever you like to have the Elbow Macaroni Salad of your dreams!

Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside

I'm no nutritionist, but here's the gist. Basic Macaroni Salad contains carbs from the pasta, healthy fats from the mayo (well, depending on your mayo!), and some protein from the eggs.

A serving has around 350 calories, 10g of protein, 25g of fat, 25g of carbs and 400mg of sodium.

Key health benefits: It's a good source of energy. It also contains some vitamins and minerals.

So there you have it! remember to enjoy making this recipe. don't be afraid to experiment! this macaroni salad recipe is a blank canvas.

It's the perfect elbow macaroni salad recipes easy . get creative with these side dishes with elbow macaroni ! this elbow macaroni salad is the best! you can have several variations as well and always have a great meal.

The Ultimate Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe Card

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:10 Mins

Servings:6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) elbow macaroni
• 1 cup (120g) diced celery, about 2 medium stalks
• ½ cup (60g) diced red onion, about ½ small onion
• ½ cup (75g) diced red bell pepper, about ½ medium pepper
• ½ cup (75g) diced green bell pepper, about ½ medium pepper
• ½ cup (60g) sweet pickle relish (drained)
• 4 large hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup (240ml) mayonnaise (full-fat for best flavour, but light mayo can be substituted)
• ¼ cup (60ml) sour cream
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) yellow mustard
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) salt
• ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25ml) paprika

Instructions:

1. Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain immediately and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Drain well.
2. Dice celery, red onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper into small, even pieces.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, yellow mustard, white vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, and paprika until smooth.
4. Add the cooked macaroni, diced celery, red onion, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, sweet pickle relish, and chopped hard-boiled eggs to the dressing. Gently stir to combine, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated.
5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Before serving, taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or sugar to your liking. Serve cold.