Family Favorite Macaroni Salad
Every family has that one recipe, the one that’s not just requested but enthusiastically demanded. For me, it’s this macaroni salad. This isn’t your average summer pasta salad; it’s a creamy, tangy, and perfectly textured salad that has become the hallmark of our summer celebrations. The secret, a balance of simple ingredients and a specific method I’ve tested and re-tested. Over the years, I’ve perfected the creamy dressing, figured out the ideal crunch-to-pasta ratio, and discovered the little touches that take it from good to unforgettable.
But it’s not just my family, my readers have fallen in love with this recipe as well. It brings me nothing but joy to read wonderful comments here and on social media of people who try this macaroni salad and love it year after year!
Featured Comment
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Best macaroni salad ever…. when potlucks I always get asked to bring this macaroni salad….. I also add extra ingredients to the dressing..not change them just increase amounts…. ~Judy”
Important Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
These are the ingredients that I want to clarify or offer alternatives for, the complete ingredient list is in the recipe card:
Pasta – Choose a smaller pasta like elbow macaroni or ditalini. (I don’t recommend orichette in a macaroni salad because they tend to stick together and don’t mix evenly with the dressing.)
Herbs – I like to add some fresh parsley and fresh dill weed as well. You can omit either if that’s the preference but I recommend you try it.
Sour cream – I usually recommend using sour cream because of richness, creaminess, and tang that it provides. (If you will try to substitute Greek yogurt, the taste and texture of the dressing won’t be quite the same.)
Lyuba’s Chef Tips Before Cooking
Cooking pasta: when cooking pasta, there are two things to remember: 1 – make sure to salt the water generously (about saltiness of the ocean, I add about 1 tablespoon of sea salt to water when cooking 1 lb. of pasta). 2 – You will want to cook it al dente so that it’s not too soft when it’s done cooling and mixed with the dressing.
Cooling pasta: personally, I never recommend rinsing pasta after cooking (especially for hot dishes). Rinsing pasta takes off the starches that are important to help dressings and sauces adhere to the pasta. So simply drain off all the water and let the pasta cool, fluffing it from time to time.
I highly recommend using a large mixing bowl (and I mean large!) Nothing worse than everything spilling out, while you’re trying to mix it.
If making the salad ahead of time: while this is a good potluck recipe to make a day or two ahead of time, pasta can soak up the moisture in that time. So, you will also want to either make extra dressing or set some aside to mix in before serving.
Do take time to chill the prepare salad before serving. Take this additional time in consideration before making the salad, it will need 2-4 hours to chill in the refrigerator before serving.
When serving the prepared macaroni salad: after the salad had enough time to completely cool down, you can serve it at your gathering and leave it on the counter for about 2 hours. To leave it out longer, you will need to control the temperature by setting up an ice bath. Nest the serving dishes with cold foods in bowls or large food containers filled with ice to maintain the chill. (If you often hold gatherings, you can get something like this chilled serving dish or a similar one.)
Variations and Additions To Try
In my family, we like to keep it pretty simple but there are a few ingredients you can add to make it your own (especially if it’s your favorite):
- Vegetables – If you want more vegetables, besides the classics, you can try adding diced broccoli, peas, carrots, or cucumbers.
- More Herbs – You can try adding some basil as well. (If you love herbs, make sure to try my green goddess macaroni salad.)
- Cheese – you can always add some diced cheese like cheddar, gouda, or mozzarella. Slice and dice the cheese off the block and make sure the block is cold. Cold cheese is easier to slice.
- Adding Pickles – While I personally feel that pickles overpower the macaroni salad and the dressing flavor, some people do like to add pickles. It comes down to a personal preference whether you want to add sweet pickles or not. If you do, add 1/2 cup of finely diced sweet pickles, dill pickles, or kosher pickles.
Recommendations To Make Macaroni Salad Ahead Of Time
- Pasta salad and macaroni salads are wonderful recipes to make ahead. I actually prefer to make macaroni salad the night before because all the ingredients have a chance to mix and mingle and marinate with each other. Pasta soaks up all those tasty flavors and tastes so much better a few hours after you make it. You can make it 1-2 days ahead.
- Just make sure to keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve it.
If you’ve made my macaroni salad recipe and found a lot of good information here, PLEASE leave a 🌟 star rating! Let me know how you liked it by leaving the 📝 comment below as well. Don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter!
Macaroni Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb uncooked macaroni pasta
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1 medium red bell pepper
- 3 short celery ribs
- 1/4 cup diced green onion
- 2 tbsp minced fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp minced fresh dill weed
Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 1/2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt more or less to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted water according to box instructions, until cooked al dente.
- Drain cooked pasta and let it cool until no longer scalding hot. Gently fluff it from time to time while it cools.
- Dice all vegetables and herbs while pasta is cooking and whisk all ingredients for the dressing in a separate bowl.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine pasta vegetables, and herbs and mix.
- Pour dressing into the bowl with the pasta and mix everything together until dressing is evenly incorporated throughout.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad into a food storage container with a lid. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Video
Notes
- Storing: Store all the leftovers in the refrigerator. When properly stored in an air-tight container, in the refrigerator, macaroni salad should last 3 to 4 days.
- Making Ahead: You can prepare the whole salad a day or two ahead of time and store it in a refrigerator, in an air-tight food storage container.
Nutrition
Storing Instructions
Storing (refrigerator): Store all the leftovers in the refrigerator. When properly stored in an air-tight container, in the refrigerator, macaroni salad should last 3 to 4 days.
On the counter: remember that no prepared food should be left out on the counter for longer than 2 hours and only after it’s been cooled in the refrigerator. (FDA recommendation is longer but only with proper temperature controls.)
More Dishes For Picnics and Backyard BBQs
If you noticed, I like to use dill weed because of the bright and summery flavor you can use it in other picnic and potluck favorites like parmesan dill potato salad and cucumber salad.
Antipasto pasta salad is another popular summer pasta salad loaded with meats and balsamic vinaigrette.
If you love the creamy salads, my creamy corn salad is a reader favorite as well, and so as my cheddar ranch tortellini salad.
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Categories:
30 Minute Meals, 4th Of July Recipes, Backyard BBQ Recipes, Father's Day Recipe Ideas, Most Popular Recipes, Pasta Recipes, Side Dishes,All images and text ©Lyubov Brooke for ©Will Cook For Smiles. Please do not use my images without prior permission. If using my posts in collections and features, please link back to this post for the recipe.
Disclaimer: Nutrition information shown is not guaranteed to be 100% accurate as most ingredients and brands have variations.
We are in white-out conditions and -0º wind chill factors for a week straight so I NEEDED a bit of summer. I made BBQ ribs in the crockpot and needed a side, something other than potatoes..and I found this recipe! WOW! I am told I am a great salad maker but this one is even better! 🙂 I did add some frozen baby peas as suggested and I added a little too much sugar making 1/2 a recipe for my husband and I and I am not a fan of pickles IN my salad but I did add a splash of Dill pickle juice and it was scrumptious!! Thank you SO much for sharing this awesome recipe…it’s a keeper for sure! Happy New Year!
This made me smile so much—thank you for such a thoughtful comment! I love that this recipe brought a little “summer escape” during those brutal white-out conditions. I really appreciate you sharing how you adapted it, and I’m honored it earned a spot in your “keeper” recipes. Wishing you a warm, cozy, and delicious New Year—thank you again for cooking from my site and taking the time to leave such a kind comment!
For me this is the best Macaroni salad i ever eat.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! That makes my day to hear 😊
The best that I have ever had! I halve the recipe and still have enough to give to my neighbor who, also loves it.
That makes me so happy to hear! ❤️ And I love that you’re sharing with your neighbor, good food is even better when it’s shared. Thank you for making my recipe part of your kitchen!
What a wonderfully easy and delicious side dish, perfect for summer.
Thank you, Betty! I am so glad you liked it!
This was a fabulous tasting pasta salad! I will be make this often!
I am so glad you liked it!
This is THE BEST macaroni salad I have everything made. It has such a fresh taste, so bright especially for summer! I double the sauce recipe and add in more vegetables (more bell peppers, cucumber, broccoli). My family loves it!
Thank you so much! I’m so glad you and your family love it! 😍 Doubling the sauce and adding extra veggies like cucumber and broccoli sounds so fresh and perfect for summer!
I love macaroni salad and this is one of them, easy, fast and tasty. Thank you very much.
I am so glad you like it so much, Marta!
Absolutely delicious 😋
Thanks, Debbie!
Made this Macaroni Salad for a Memorial Day cookout with some college friends. It was a HUGE hit and super easy to make. 12/10 recommend it for your next summer BBQ or potluck.
That’s awesome to hear, so glad it was a hit at your Memorial Day cookout! Love that it was both easy and crowd approved. Thank you for the 12/10 recommendation! Perfect choice for summer gatherings!
This is the best macaroni salad! My kids request it for all special occasions and there is never any left!
That makes me so happy to hear! IThank you for sharing, and I hope it continues to be a special part of your celebrations!😊
Best macaroni salad ever…. when potlucks I always get asked to bring this macaroni salad….. I also add extra ingredients to the dressing..not change them just increase amounts….
I’m so happy to hear that this macaroni salad is such a hit at potlucks! 😊 Thank you for sharing your experience and for making the recipe your own—love hearing about your success with it! 🥳🍴
What extra ingredients and amounts do you add?
A wonderful classic macaroni salad. Simple and delicious! I’ve made this many times and have put it in our meal rotations. Thank you for keeping it simple and delicious 🙂
You are so welcome! I am so glad you liked it!
Wonderful recipe, simple straight forward and delicious.
Glad you liked the recipe!
Love the veggies in this, in fact I double. I also then do 1.5x the dressing amount. So good!
Excellent macaroni salad! Reminds me of my mother’s macaroni salad.
I am so glad you like the recipe, Cynthia!
This is absolutely the best tasting macaroni salad I have ever had. My husband never would touch macaroni salad he loved this one told me to never change it.
I’m thrilled to hear that you and your husband enjoyed the macaroni salad so much! It’s wonderful to know that even a macaroni salad skeptic has been won over by this recipe. Thank you for sharing and I hope it continues to be a favorite in your household.
I have always HATED macaroni salad because I had only ever had store-bought. I decided to search for a recipe that might appeal to me and this did. You made me a macaroni-salad-lover a convert. Truly, I was floored by how much I love this recipe. I cannot thank you enough for sharing your recipe.
I’m so glad to hear that this recipe changed your mind about macaroni salad! It’s wonderful to know that it turned you into a macaroni salad lover. Thank you for giving it a try and for your kind words.
This macaroni salad is the best I’ve ever made! I also add a few chopped boiled eggs! Thanks for the recipe!
I’m so glad to hear that you loved the macaroni salad! Adding chopped boiled eggs sounds like a delicious twist. Thank you for sharing your feedback and for trying the recipe.
This macaroni salad is the I’ve ever made! I also add a few chopped boiled eggs! Thanks for the recipe!
Hello
I noticed in the video it said white wine vinegar and in the picture ingredients apple cider vinegar. Does it matter?
Great recipe, would definitely make this again. Made 1/2, not sure if I would like it. Next time I will make the lb.
I am so pleased that you liked it, Cynthia! 🙂
Oh this recipe is sooo good I also added a few chopped boiled eggs and cajun seasoning it was over the top amazing
Very tasty. My family really likes the flavor. We added baby shrimp. Absolutely Devine!
My family begs me to make this salad! I’ve been making it for a while and it’s always a hit at every holiday, party and camping trip.
Excellent!
This is delicious! I’ve never made my own macaroni salad, but this was easy and tastes SOOO much better than store-bought! Thank you!
I am so happy you like it, Yvette!
This is by far mine and my families favorite macaroni salad EVER!! So yummy, and a hit where ever I take it!
I am so happy to hear that, Robin!
I don’t know what a short stalk of celery is
A short stalk of celery is the smaller portion of the celery bunch that is in the inside. You can usually use about half of a regular-sized celery stalk, or simply adjust the amount to suit your taste preferences in the recipe.
Yummy
Thanks!
This is my go to macaroni salad recipe….as is is perfect……sometimes I have added eggs but as is is great!!!! Judy
Thank you, Judy! I am so glad you like it so much!
Thanks exactly what I was looking for yours is the best I’ve seen can’t wait to jump in lon your recipes
Hope you enjoy it, Kathy!
Thanks, Kathy! I hope you like it!
Can you add eggs?
This sounds great. Want to try.
If you are used to having egg in it then I don’t see why you couldn’t. I hope you enjoy it!
Made this for a work luncheon. Received several comments on how tasty it was.
I am so happy to hear that!
8/16/23
I’ve made macaroni salad for years and ran across this recipe and decided to make it. Adding the fresh herbs and the Dijon mustard, sour cream and brown sugar were enticing when I read the recipe. This makes a large amount for a dish to take to church functions or family get togethers. Just now covered it and put it in frig to chill. I can’t wait to try it for our dinner tomorrow evening. I will let you know what I think!
Hi Debra, I hope you liked it!
i don’t have fresh dill, can i used dried dill instead?
Yes, you can use dried dill instead. I hope you like the recipe~
I will try this weekend for Father’s Day gathering… When posting recipes you should proof read carefully… you mention cooking until no longer scalding, I think you meant cooling…some folks aren’t not great cooks & this could be confusing. Looking forward to making this!
This macaroni salad was absolutely delicious!
My guests liked it as well and asked
E if they could take some home! I said sure which left me with practically nothing . Oh well As long as they enjoyed
It! It is a keeper!
I am so glad it was a hit!
Hi, I love Mac salad, I will try yours too🤗 my ? Is do you rinse the pasta?
I’m not a fan of macaroni salad but this is very delicious. My daughter made it for Mother’s Day and I asked for the recipe so I can take it to pitch ins.
That is great to hear! I am so glad you like it!
I added tomatoes for.color,didnt have red bell only green. Salad is awsome, I would cut back on the black pepper next time But Everyone loved it, so I guess the black pepper thing is my taste preference 🙂
I used apple cider vinegar I did notice that in the description it listed apple cider vinegar, and in the actual directions it listed white wine vinegar. I only had apple cider vinegar, so I used that. It was delicious.
Sorry, that was a typo it is apple cider vinegar! I am so glad you liked it!
Delicious. I have a family recipe for macaroni salad that uses tuna and green olives. I wanted something different and found this recipe. The dressing is what makes this salad. Absolutely delicious. Of course , I like the red pepper, red onion, green onions and celery in it, but the dressing is kick a**. I don’t think I will be making my family recipe macaroni salad for quite awhile. The only thing I added that was not listed, was hard boiled eggs on top. Will definitely be making this again.
Thank you, Kathy! I am so pleased you liked it! 🙂
Which vinegar is it that you’re supposed to use?the list of ingredients says it calls for apple cider vinegar, but then the list now says it’s white wine vinegar. So I’m confused and lost,because if it’s the apple cider vinegar, then I’m ready to go,for having one of the ingredients for making this salad happen.
Sorry, I am just now seeing your comment. That was a typo it is apple cider vinegar.
If you only have miracle whip,but NOT regular mayo can you still use miracle whip in this recipe?
It will have a different flavor than mayo but if you like then yes, it will still work.
Easy and super delicious!! I added tomatoes as well because I needed to use them up. Family loved it, will definitely make it again!!
That sounds good! I am glad your family loved it!
Hii 🙂 I’d love to make this for a weekend party tomorrow. Can I sub the white wine vinegar for the seasoned rice vinegar I have on hand? I know it’s seasoned but will there be a huge difference?
Hi Amy! Sorry I didn’t see this sooner. The vinegar itself won’t have too much of difference unless your pallet is quite sensitive but the seasoned part I’m not sure about. I don’t know what kind of flavor it will add. Did you try it? Let me know!
Wonderful dressing! This is delicious and
is a real keeper.
Bonjour c’est la première fois que je vais essayé ta recette de macaroni pour Noêl est vraiment plus complète que celle que je fais, je me demande s’y je rajoute des crevettes, j’aimerais avoir ton opinion
This is a really good macaroni salad, will use again.
Thank you, Beth!
I love this pasta salad. I can be picky with dressing but this is delicious.
The only thing I did different was to use a green bell pepper instead of celery (cause I can never find it in small bundles). And I love the flavor of peppers better anyway so win win.
I’ve already made it twice and even my particular sisters like it.
I am glad you liked it, Alicia!
After trying this recipe, I ditched all of my other Macaroni Salad recipes I don’t use the green onions, but that’s because my hubs is not a fan and feels that green onions take over every dish that its present in… We love this salad. If you’re on the fence about trying it, please go for it. This is delicious! I make it all the time now, and we’re having it with brisket tonight. Thanks for a fantastic recipe!
Thank you, Cathy! I am so glad you like it so much! Thanks for taking the time to stop by and tell me! 🙂
Like everyone, we all have our own recipe. But, I love to experiment with new. I wanted something different to take to a party tonight. This recipe is fabulous! Oh my goodness!!!!! I had my son try it and his response was, “oh yeah!’ Thank you for sharing. Love it
I am so glad you love it! Thanks for stopping by to let me know! 🙂
I’ve been making potato salad and pasta salad for so long that I don’t even use a recipe, but with so many rave reviews…I thought I’d branch out and try this. I’m so glad I did because it’s just fantastic. I had white balsamic vinegar and so cut back the brown sugar to just over a Tbl, left out the fresh dill and parsley and used a sprinkle of dried dill because it’s what I had. Also had a green pepper not a red one, but those are minor changes. I am having this for lunch and will have it for dinner with fresh Sockeye salmon and corn on the cob. I made enough to share with the neighbors, but I’m not so sure of their chances right now! LOL
Thank you for a wonderful recipe. Mary
Aw thank you mary, I am so glad you liked it! Thanks for taking the time to come tell me 🙂
The neighbors actually DID get some of this salad, and they like it too! Looks like a hit all the way around. Thanks again and try to stay cool. Mary
Super Fantastic! A go- 2 salad for them family Bar-Bee-Ques
I did add in some finely diced ham along with grated carrot and a couple of hard boiled egg, finely chopped; decorated the top with sliced cherry tomatoes.
Such a Great recipe for these Texas ; triple digit temperatures
So glad you liked the recipe!
Made a couple switches based on preferences and what we had on hand, but macaroni and potato salad are really all about the dressing, and this dressing is excellent! Added a couple pinches of cayenne because we like a little kick but great recipe!
I am so glad you liked it, Paula!
Just made this. We chopped the veggies and put them together in a bag 2 days ago. Wow! They melded and are wonderful. I’m getting ready to put it in the fridge for later. Can’t wait to dig in!
Good idea! I am so happy you enjoyed the recipe! 🙂
This is the BEST recipe for macaroni salad! We all love it! I was looking for a recipe with dill in it, and happened upon this one. It has become my go-to. Since trying this recipe, I’ve become a picky macaroni salad connoisseur, and only want this macaroni as opposed to any others…lol! I love keeping it on hand throughout the summer months, and since it makes a good size batch, it makes plenty to share! Thank you SO much! 🙂
Thank you for the kind comment, Julie! I am so glad you like it!
This looks delicious.
Thank you, Stephanie!
This is my fav macaroni salad recipe. My niece just gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. I sent her some small stuffed peppers in addition to your delicious macaroni salad. I bet I will hear raves the next time we speak.
Aw thank you, Arlene! I am so glad you like the recipe! 🙂
This is almost the exact way I make macaroni salad, except the dressing is much more elaborate than mine. I use Hellman’s and that’s all. I’ve made it like this since I was in high school. My Mom put tomatoes in — but my kids don’t like them..
Exceptional salada, para service quente ou frio
Thank you 🙂
Made this and I was not disappointed. Very. delicious macaroni salad recipe. Thanks.
Thanks, Julia! I’m glad you liked it!
I made this recipe for Easter Day and turned out so good. Everyone love it. I added a yellow pepper and fresh peas also ham. Truly delicious.
I am so glad you liked it, Valerie! Thanks for stopping by to let me know! 🙂
Will definitely try your macaroni salad recipe for a side dish at Easter dinner excited to try.Thanks for sharing
I hope you love it, Shirley!
I made this for supper tonight. I thought about splitting the recipe in half since there is just two of us, but decided to go with the whole recipe. I didn’t have dill or parsley, so did with out it. My husband is on his second helping and loves it. I wasn’t too sure about using sour cream, or the brown sugar…but glad I did! Thank you so much for sharing this.
Thanks, Frances! I am glad you tried it out and liked it!
The pop ups on Pinterest are really pissing people off. It takes twice as long to make anything because they hide the ingredients and everything else. Il may have to go back to buying cook books. I don’t have a printer so I canlt print them out. I’m really gettining turned off of Pinterest .
I am so sorry, Sue! You can come to my site through google and not use Pinterest.
Not sure about the brown sugar. Wouldn’t it be too sweet?
I promise it’s not too sweet!
wonderful, wonderful dish. I grew up eating “noodle salad”, I don’t think my mother (born in 1905) even knew the word “pasta”. We ate noodles. When I married I discovered that my wife’s family also made a similar dish that included canned tuna. When I started making it I slowly added in some black pepper, minced or grated onion, and celery. Lots of celery. (in-laws didn’t like any spiciness.) But one thing I never thought of was changing the dressing: Mayo (actually miracle whip) and a little garlic powder and sweet paprika. Your dressing was a revelation. WTF have I been thinking?
Making the dish: salad ,added canned tuna, otherwise followed the recipe. Dressing: I committed one of the cardinal sins of cooking: I “assumed” that I had sour cream in the fridge. Oops! No sour cream, but i did have buttermilk. I used about 2 ounces and that gave the dressing just enough tang without thinning it out too much .
I hope I haven’t driven you batshit with this screed. More TMI: ‘m a 72 year old man that did all my family’s cooking for 45 years. No formal culinary training, no restaurant experience. I’m not a particularly creative cook, but I think I’m good at adapting recipes and substituting ingredients to fit my taste,
I loved this story, didn’t make me crazy at all. I find a lot of joy in cooking with my family and I am sure you do as well! 🙂
This is by far the best macaroni salad Ive ever tasted! Had it at a party and that person added small cubed cheddar cheee to it as well. I hunted her down to get the recipe and she told me to find it on Will Cook for Smiles. Truly Delicious.
Thank you for such a sweet complement! I am so glad you liked it!
Best pasta salad I have ever had by far!!. I also got the recipe from my friend who made it.Only pasta salad recipe I will make now. I add some extra veggies, cheese cubes and bacon. This dressing has perfect ratios so it isn’t too sweet or tangy like other recipes. HIGHLY recommend.
Thank you, Jessica! I am so glad you liked it!
Best macaroni salad ever. My friend made this for a potluck and I insisted she share her recipe with me and she sent me a link to this page! It is to die for!!
Aww, thank you, Emily! I am so happy to hear that! 🙂
I usually use Paula Dean’s recipe for macaroni salad but decided to try this one. Pretty sure this will be my new go to for macaroni salad. The next time I will skip the dill, as hubby not a huge fan ( I only used 1/2 amount this time for this reason) Although he is on his second serving currently.
I am so glad you both liked it, Jullie!
We add 1 or 2 chopped hard-boiled eggs and a cup of tiny shrimp to the salad along with chopped cucumber. Herbs include dill, tarragon, chives, and thyme. For us, macaroni salad is second only to potato salad. ?Both are indispensable to our family barbecues.
Made this Mac salad for my grandsons wedding 2weeks ago. I made it for 50+ people.
What a hit it was. Making a small batch for Labor Day.
Thanks
This is hands down the best macaroni salad. I find myself craving it! Everyone who tries it wants the recipe. The secret is the creamy dressing. I find I’ve doubled the dressing recipe as the macaroni absorbs it overnight so I like to add more the next day. OH MY! Making it for the Labor Day weekend. Thank you for such a keeper of a recipe!
Can you please help me. I want to make this for a serving of 25.
I bought 6 boxes of small Mac. 4 cups box says. Cooked! Will this work.
Do not understand the listing. I am using US but still is confusing.
I am a senior and trying to figure it out. Could you please help me. It for my grandson small wedding.
Hi Mary,
I am not sure how big your boxes are but usually, they come in a 1 pound box. If yours are one 1 pound boxes you can use 4 boxes (4lbs uncooked pasta) and quadruple the rest of the recipe that will make plenty for 25 people.
Can you leave out the celery? Or will that effect the taste?
Hi Shannon, I like the crunch it gives but if you are not a celery fan then you can leave it out without effecting it to much.
No more grocery store crap for me, this recipe is amazing!
Thank you, Cheryl! So happy you liked it!
Made this tonight for the Fourth of July tomorrow and OMG I took a little bite and it was AMAZING! It’s my first time making pasta salad and this is the best once I’ve ever tasted!! I can’t wait to share it with everyone tomorrow!!!
Wow! Thank you for the wonderful compliment! I am so glad you liked it!
Hi Christina, I haven’t tried it but I think cubes of cheddar cheese would taste good! I do not think black olives would go with this macaroni salad. I do have some pasta salad recipes with both cheese and black olives here are the links if you want to go look at them.
Greek Tortellini Salad
https://gesundheitsreport2.org/greek-tortellini-salad/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
Antipasto Pasta Salad
https://gesundheitsreport2.org/antipasto-pasta-salad/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
Have you ever added cheese or black olives to this recipe? Do you think those two items would work in this recipe?
There are lots of macaroni salads out there, but this is the best by far that we’ve ever had. Even family members that say they do not like macaroni salad fell in love with this one. I was hesitant using the dill and Dijon mustard, but I did anyway. So very glad that I did!! It took it over the top in my opinion! Thank you for such a great recipe!!
Thank you, Vivian! I am so happy you liked it!
I have no white wine vinegar. What could I use instead?
Thank you in advance.
You can use apple cider vinegar it wont effect the flavor to much but stay away from balsamic vinegars they have a strong flavor. Hope you like the recipe!
I love the fact that it is creamy ! It looks delicious . I can’t wait to try it.
Thanks, Lisa! Hope you like it!
Looking forward to trying this! I will say, if I choose to add pickles, they’ll be dill. I much prefer dill pickles in my macaroni salad when I do decide to add them.
Hi Diane,
I agree with you on the dill pickles! I hope you enjoy it! 🙂
I just finished making this macaroni salad and already it tastes great. Can’t wait to taste again after it’s had a chance to blend.
I am so happy to hear that! Enjoy!
is this recipe sweet? I’ve been trying to find a savory, unsweetened macaroni salad and I haven’t been able to.
Hi Kelly,
It does have some brown sugar in it but it doesn’t really taste sweet and you could always cut the brown sugar down to your taste.
Thanks for sharing! This was quick, easy and more importantly delicious! This is an adjustable recipe allowing you to add veggies to taste and very refreshing. We will be adding to our “make again” list!
Hi Keri,
I am so glad you liked it and could adjust it to your taste! 🙂
can I freeze leftovers?
Hi Debbie,
I wouldn’t freeze left overs I don’t think the mayo would hold up. You could cut the recipe in half so you wont have as much left over.
When the pasta is done cooking should it be run under cold water to stop cooking. Or just sit and wait to cool and continue to cook?
I do not run the pasta under cold water, I cook until al dente so it’s a little firm then I drain and let it cool. Please let me know how you like it! 🙂
reminded me of home. Perfect flavor!
I am so glad you liked it! Thanks for stopping by!
SOOO GOOD!
Hi Jen,
So glad you liked it!
I made this macaroni salad tonight to go with some other BBQ items and it was delicious! Thanks for the recipe, looking forward to trying some of your others.
Hi Mena,
I hope you enjoyed it! Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
I was looking for a cool and creamy side and this is definitely it! I’ll skip the pickles and see if anyone notices! !!
I hope you like it! 🙂