Classic Creamy Macaroni Salad (Family Favorite!)

You’ll love this version of Grandma’s macaroni salad that’s slightly updated, but still the classic you grew up with. It has just the right balance of creamy and crunchy, and is perfect for your next potluck.

This salad is a family favorite at every event. Most of my family has their own copy of the recipe by now, and it will be handed down to our kids. I hope you love this just as much to hand it down!

Ingredients and Tools You’ll Need

This salad is super flexible. You can substitute and adjust any of the veggies.

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If you’d like to double or triple this recipe, you can make adjustments in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Colander
• Plastic wrap or an airtight container

Ingredients

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon ground mustard
• 8 ounces elbow pasta (half a box, slightly undercooked)
• ½ cup frozen peas (don’t need to thaw first)
• ½ cup diced fresh celery
• ½ cup diced red bell pepper
• ½ cup diced red onion

How to Make Grandma’s Macaroni Salad

Step One: Make Dressing.  Whisk the mayonnaise, sugar, salt, black pepper, and ground mustard in a small mixing bowl until smooth.

Step Two: Cook The Pasta.  Boil the elbow pasta for 1 minute less than the package instructions to make sure it’s slightly undercooked. Drain and let it cool completely.

Step Three: Assemble.  Add the cooled pasta, frozen peas, diced celery, red bell pepper, and red onion to a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the top and stir well to combine.

Step Four: Chill.  Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold.

Storage Instructions

Store the macaroni salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for the best results. It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days.

The macaroni salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. This recipe does not freeze well.

What to Serve with Grandma’s Macaroni Salad

If you’re serving the salad at a party or picnic, especially on warm days, keep it cold. You can place the bowl over ice to make sure it stays fresh and safe to eat.

Serve this with all your favorite summer foods.

• Grill some burgers or chicken for a main dish.
• Add a potato salad to go with this macaroni salad.
• Serve fresh corn on the cob or coleslaw.
• Make a pitcher of blackberry lemonade.
• Finish off with a cool and creamy no-bake vanilla cream pie.

More Summer Salads

Try some of these other summer salads.

• This Hawaiian macaroni salad is just like the beachside lunch spots.
• Shrimp pasta salad with Old Bay seasoning is sure to please the seafood lovers.
• Enjoy cold cucumber chicken salad on its own as a side, or serve on croissants for an easy lunch or dinner.

Printable Recipe