Name: Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: PT-486588H3M16S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup mayonnaise (Optional); ¼ cup white vinegar; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 2 teaspoons kosher salt, or more to taste; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 tablespoon white sugar, or more to taste; 1 cup finely diced celery; ¾ cup diced red bell pepper; ½ cup grated carrot; ½ cup chopped green onions, white and light parts; ¼ cup diced jalapeño pepper; ¼ cup diced poblano pepper; 1 (16 ounce) package uncooked elbow macaroni; 1 tablespoon water (Optional); 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (Optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 13 reviews

When you think of sunny picnics and backyard barbecues, chances are you’re already picturing a bowl of Classic Macaroni Salad nestled among the grill fare. This colorful, creamy, tangy favorite brings together tender pasta, crisp veggies, and a zesty homemade dressing for a dish that’s always a hit with kids and grown-ups alike. What makes this take truly shine is its balance: each bite delivers a freshness from the veggies, a bit of heat from the peppers, and just enough richness to make everyone go back for seconds. If you’re hunting for a make-ahead winner bursting with flavor and nostalgia, Classic Macaroni Salad never disappoints.

Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need is a handful of everyday ingredients to create Classic Macaroni Salad with unbeatable flavor and crunch. Each addition is there for a reason, building those familiar layers of texture and just the right pop of color. Here’s what you’ll need—and why every item matters:

Mayonnaise: The heart of the dressing—smooth, creamy, and classic. It ties everything together.
White Vinegar: Adds lively tang and brightness that keeps the salad from tasting heavy.
Dijon Mustard: For a peppery kick and a hint of sharpness that lifts the flavors.
Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning both pasta and dressing—taste and adjust as you go.
Ground Black Pepper: For warmth and simple spice that plays well with creamy notes.
Cayenne Pepper: A pinch for subtle heat—use more or less to suit your crowd.
White Sugar: Balances acidity and adds a gentle sweetness to the dressing.
Celery (finely diced): Brings a juicy snap and classic crunch in every bite.
Red Bell Pepper (diced): Offers sweetness, color, and extra crunch.
Carrot (grated): Brightens both the look and flavor with mild earthiness and a kaleidoscope of color.
Green Onions: Use mostly the white and light green parts for a mild oniony zing.
Jalapeño Pepper (diced): Adds gentle heat without overpowering the salad—seed it for less spice.
Poblano Pepper (diced): Offers a richer, slightly smoky flavor that sets this salad apart.
Elbow Macaroni (16 ounces): The signature pasta shape—holds onto the dressing perfectly.
Water (optional): A splash at the end helps freshen the salad if needed.
Extra Mayonnaise (optional): Adds a creamy touch just before serving for that “freshly made” look.

How to Make Classic Macaroni Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

Start by whisking together the mayonnaise, white vinegar, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne in a big mixing bowl. Once those are happily combined, add the sugar and mix again. Then stir in your chopped celery, bell pepper, carrots, green onions, jalapeño, and poblano pepper until everything’s swimming in that zippy, creamy dressing. Cover the bowl and let it chill while you move on—this gives the flavors a head start at mingling!

Step 2: Cook the Macaroni

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil, then add the elbow macaroni. Stir here and there to keep the noodles from sticking. You’re aiming for tender but not mushy—about 8 minutes should do the trick. Drain the pasta but don’t rinse! That remaining starch will help the dressing cling later.

Step 3: Cool the Macaroni

Let your macaroni rest in a colander for around five minutes, gently shaking out excess moisture now and then. Transfer the pasta into a big bowl and give it a toss—spread it out so it cools evenly. You want it close to room temperature and a bit sticky; that way, the dressing soaks in beautifully once you combine everything later.

Step 4: Combine and Chill

Pour the prepared dressing over the slightly cooled macaroni. Stir gently to coat every noodle—take extra care not to crush the veggies. Cover the bowl and let it chill in the fridge for at least four hours, or even better, overnight. This wait is where the magic happens, and the Classic Macaroni Salad becomes more flavorful and cohesive with every hour.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Right before serving, give the salad a good stir. For a fresher, creamier look, mix in a splash of water and a spoonful of mayonnaise if desired. This wakes everything up and ensures every serving tastes as good as the first bite.

How to Serve Classic Macaroni Salad

Garnishes

Top your Classic Macaroni Salad with thinly sliced green onions, a sprinkle of paprika, or even extra diced peppers for a little color pop. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill are a lovely herbal note, and a handful of crispy bacon bits can be a fun twist if you want to shake things up just a bit.

Side Dishes

This salad is the ultimate chameleon—set it next to smoky barbecued ribs, tuck it beside grilled hot dogs, or serve it with fried chicken and sweet corn on a summer day. It also shines alongside simple deli sandwiches or as a refreshing potluck dish. Just call it the best party guest ever.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon Classic Macaroni Salad into small mason jars for individual servings at a picnic, or mound it high on a platter lined with lettuce leaves for family-style meals. If you want to get playful, use a cookie scoop to create neat little salad balls—great for bento lunches or picnic-spread aesthetics.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer leftover Classic Macaroni Salad to an airtight container and refrigerate—it will keep fresh for up to five days. The flavors deepen over time, but if the salad looks a bit dry after a day or two, stir in a dash of mayo and water before serving to bring it right back to life.

Freezing

While pasta salads aren’t ideal for freezing due to texture changes (the dressing can separate and the vegetables may lose their crunch), you can freeze the base of just-cooked, cooled macaroni for up to two months, then thaw and add the fresh dressing and veggies before serving.

Reheating

Classic Macaroni Salad is meant to be served chilled or at cool room temperature, so no reheating is necessary. If you need to refresh it, just let it sit out of the fridge for 10-15 minutes and give it a quick toss before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for Classic Macaroni Salad?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, small shells, ditalini, or even rotini work well. Just make sure to cook the pasta until tender and let it cool slightly before adding the dressing so it absorbs all that flavor.

How do I keep my macaroni salad from getting dry?

The trick is to avoid overcooking the pasta, which can make the salad gummy, and to add a bit of extra mayo or water before serving if it looks dry. The starch on unrinsed noodles helps the dressing stick, so don’t skip that step!

Can I make this salad a day ahead?

Yes, Classic Macaroni Salad actually tastes better when made in advance. Letting it chill overnight in the fridge gives the flavors time to meld and makes for an even creamier, more flavorful salad the next day.

Is there a way to make it lighter?

You can use a light or olive oil–based mayonnaise, and increase the proportion of crunchy veggies. Some folks even swap half the mayo for plain Greek yogurt for a tangy, lighter twist without losing that creamy texture.

How spicy does this salad turn out?

With the included amounts of jalapeño and poblano peppers plus a pinch of cayenne, Classic Macaroni Salad delivers just a gentle warmth that won’t overpower. If you want less heat, seed the peppers or substitute with sweet bell peppers. For more kick, simply add more jalapeño or cayenne!

Final Thoughts

Few dishes capture summer nostalgia quite like Classic Macaroni Salad. It’s creamy, it’s colorful, and it always feels joyful to share. Next time you’re feeding a crowd or craving a taste of old-school comfort, give this recipe a try and see just how many memories you can make around a big, cheerful bowl.