Old Fashioned Macaroni Salad Recipe

Why You’ll Love Old Fashioned Macaroni Salad Recipe

This macaroni salad is a timeless favorite that never goes out of style. The creamy dressing is perfectly balanced with a touch of sweetness and tang, coating every piece of pasta for maximum flavor. Crisp red bell pepper, celery, carrots, and red onion add freshness and crunch, while cubes of cheddar cheese bring richness and texture.

It’s easy to prepare with simple pantry staples and can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for entertaining. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or bringing a dish to share, this salad is always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Macaroni Salad
8 ounces uncooked macaroni (about 2 cups)
2 celery ribs, diced finely
1 red bell pepper, diced
½ red onion, diced finely
⅓ cup carrots, shredded
1 cup cheese, cut into small cubes

Dressing
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons sugar
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni until tender according to package instructions.

2. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water until completely chilled. Drain thoroughly to remove excess water.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, diced red onion, red bell pepper, shredded carrots, cubed cheese, and diced celery. Mix well.

4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and sugar until smooth.

5. Pour the dressing over the macaroni mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.

6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. For best flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 10
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Refrigeration Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes

Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.

Variations

For extra flavor, add chopped dill pickles or a spoonful of pickle relish to the dressing. You can also stir in chopped hard-boiled eggs for a more traditional touch.

Swap the cheddar for Colby Jack or Monterey Jack for a milder flavor. For a bit of heat, add a pinch of paprika or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.

If you prefer extra crunch, mix in chopped cucumber or additional celery. For a lighter version, substitute part of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.

Storage/Reheating

Store macaroni salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving, as the dressing may settle at the bottom.

If the salad seems dry after refrigeration, add a tablespoon or two of mayonnaise and stir to refresh the texture. This dish is best served cold and does not require reheating. Freezing is not recommended, as the mayonnaise-based dressing can separate and change texture.

FAQs

Can I make macaroni salad ahead of time?

Yes, it’s actually better when made 1 to 2 hours in advance. You can prepare it up to 24 hours ahead and keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.

How do I keep the salad from becoming dry?

Make sure the pasta is fully cooled but not overly drained to the point of drying out. If needed, stir in a little extra mayonnaise before serving.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, small pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or ditalini work well in this recipe.

Do I have to rinse the pasta?

Rinsing stops the cooking process and cools the pasta quickly, which is important for cold pasta salads.

What type of cheese works best?

Cheddar is traditional, but Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even mild Swiss can be used.

Can I add protein to this salad?

Yes, diced ham, cooked chicken, or even tuna can be added to make it more filling.

How long can it sit out at a picnic?

It’s best not to leave it out for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour in very hot weather.

Is this macaroni salad sweet?

It has a mild sweetness from the sugar, balanced by the tangy vinegar and mustard.

Can I use light mayonnaise?

Yes, light mayonnaise works well, though the texture may be slightly less rich.

Why refrigerate before serving?

Refrigeration allows the flavors to blend together and the pasta to absorb the dressing for better taste.

Conclusion

This old fashioned macaroni salad is a classic side dish that combines creamy dressing, tender pasta, crisp vegetables, and savory cheese in every bite. Easy to prepare and perfect for making ahead, it’s a reliable favorite for gatherings of all kinds. Keep this recipe on hand for your next cookout or family meal, and enjoy a timeless dish that everyone loves.