This Easy Macaroni Salad recipe is a favorite of mine for barbeques and summer gatherings. I first made macaroni salad in the 10th grade in my home economics class in high school. Since then I have changed up the ingredients a bit to make it more to my taste.
This is my best macaroni salad because it is how I prefer it, without pickles and with olives and only a hint of mustard. The result is a cool, creamy macaroni salad that goes so well with barbecued foods. I like to use different colors of peppers for a more colorful salad.
You the colors better in person, but if you look close, you can see some of the colors coming through. This is one of the best creamy macaroni salad recipes I have made. It is often a favorite at gatherings and is so easy to make. You can also make this the day before and I think that it helps the flavors blend well.
If you like a little more bold flavor like my husband does, I make another version of a cold macaroni salad that has more mustard and apple cider vinegar in it.
For more great salad recipes, try our best easy salad recipes;
Easy Chopped Salad Recipe – This Italian inspired recipe makes for a wonderful lunch or light dinner in itself.
Mango Arugula Salad Recipe – Argula makes a nice change up in a green salad. The addition of fresh mango makes this a delightful, colorful salad.
Easy Mediterranean Salad – Another perfectly colorful salad that brightens any table.
Easy Macaroni Salad Recipe
Easy & Creamy Macaroni Salad
Ingredients
- 4 cups macaroni uncooked
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup onion chopped
- 2/3 cup celery chopped
- 2/3 cup bell peppers chopped (I like to use green and red or green and orange for color)
- 1 carrot grated
- 1 tablespoon chopped olives
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Cook macaroni per package directions. Rinse with cold water and thoroughly drain.
- In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt and pepper. Blend in onion, celery, epeppers, carrot and olives. Add cooked and drained pasta.
- Chill at least 2 hours.
- Make this salad dressing the night before.
- You can boil the pasta ahead of time so it is ready when you are.
- You can actually make this entire salad the day before.
What’s your favorite barbecue side dish?
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Corina Ramos says
Hi Raquel,
I love macaroni salad! I had to come over and check it out, now I want some :). Thank you for sharing your recipe with us.
This is definitely going in my “must-tr” file. Have a great day!
Cori
Raquel says
Thank you Corina! It’s a favorite in our home.
Tamara says
The yellow peppers for color – excellent touch! And I love the way that peppers all taste different.
Macaroni salad is so great that sometimes I make it in the winter, just for memory’s sake!
Raquel says
Yes it’s one of those dishes that is good any time of year Tamara!
karen says
looks delicious and pasta salad is always a HUGE hit.
Raquel says
Thank you Karen! This one gets great reviews when I make it.
Jamie says
Macaroni salad has fast become one of my favorites…. will definitely have to try your version some time this summer. Wishing you a Happy 4th Raquel =)
Raquel says
Thank you Jamie! Happy 4th to you too! Miss you!
Cathy says
OOh I love this, so many great veggies with this creaminess and pasta! Perfect for this weekend! Saying hello from the weekend hangout! I would loove for you to stop over and check out my Asian pork spare ribs! I think they would go great with this pasta salad! 🙂
Cathy
Raquel says
Asian pork wings sound wonderful Kathy I am definitely stopping by! Thanks for your kind comment.
Binjal Pandya says
looks delicious!!
Raquel says
Thank you!
Hillary Reeves says
Mmm!! So classic and so superb. Great recipe.
Raquel says
Thanks Hillary!
Diane says
My hubby LOVES macaroni salads like this! He would beg to make this for him. It looks really good. I love the different colors of peppers you use. It turned out beautifully
Fareeha says
Yummmmmm ! What a tasty salad recipe. I really like the color of the salad too !
Raquel says
Thanks Fareeha! The peppers really make the salad pop.
Byron Thomas says
I love macaroni salad; in fact, I made one last Sunday. I always make mine with mayonnaise too. It’s creamier and better tasting, I think. Looks delicious!
Raquel says
I love the creamier version with barbequed meats this time of year. Thanks for stopping by Bryon!
Jennifer says
This this like perfect salad for a summer picnic or BBQ. I’ll give it a try this weekend. Thanks!
Raquel says
I agree Jennifer, it makes a wonderful salad for summer gatherings!
Sara | Belly Rumbles says
Love how you use olives in your salad, will have to try this.
Raquel says
Thanks Sara, I love the flavor that olives add to the salad!
Prash @ YummilyYours says
Cold macoroni salads is just what yu need this summer! your recipe sound a great place to begin 🙂
Raquel says
Thanks Prash! It definitely makes for a tasty cool salad!