Description
Looking for the best macaroni salad recipe? This one is easy, quick, and perfect for healthy lunch ideas or summer BBQ sides! Creamy, crunchy, and customizable with fresh veggies and flavor-packed dressing. Great for meal prep, beginner-friendly, and always a hit. Save this easy macaroni salad for your next gathering!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil macaroni until tender, then rinse under cold water and drain.
- Mix mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, and sugar in a large bowl.
- Dice celery, bell pepper, and red onion.
- Add cooled macaroni to the bowl and toss with the dressing.
- Fold in chopped vegetables and mix gently.
- Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Garnish with parsley.
- Chill for 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- Add pickles or hard-boiled eggs for variety.
- Use Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Stir before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg