Grandma’s Macaroni Salad

Do you love classic, creamy macaroni salad? Then you’re going to love this recipe. It’s slightly updated for modern tastes but still the old-fashioned side dish everyone loves.

❤️ Why you’ll love this recipe

• It’s a classic! This creamy macaroni salad is mayo-based with a touch of sugar, salt, and black pepper. It’s perfect for a summer potluck or cookout.
• There are plenty of veggies included. Peas, onions, and peppers add flavor and color.
• It’s easy to make. The dressing has just a few ingredients, and the whole thing mixes up in just a few minutes.

🧂 Ingredients

This is an overview of the ingredients. You’ll find the full measurements and instructions in the printable recipe at the bottom of the page.

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy, make-ahead side dish:

• mayonnaise
• sugar
• salt
• black pepper
• ground mustard
• elbow pasta, slightly undercooked
• frozen peas
• celery
• diced red bell pepper
• diced red onion

🥣 Equipment

• A large spoon or spatula
• Mixing bowl

🍴Instructions

Step One: Make the dressing

In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sugar, salt, black pepper, and ground mustard.

Step Two: Add the pasta and veggies

Cook the pasta and rinse it under cool water. Then put it in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the top of the pasta. Add the veggies and mix everything together well.

Step three: Chill

Let the macaroni cool for at least 2 hours. Serve cold.

🥫 Storage instructions

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.

🔍 FAQs

👩🏻‍🍳 Expert tips

• Cook the pasta to be slightly undercooked. It will keep softening in the fridge.
• You don’t need to let this sit overnight. I like to serve it just a few hours after mixing it up.

📘 Related Recipes

• Cast Iron Skillet Mac and Cheese
• Smoky Pasta Sauce with Bacon
• How to Stock Your Pantry
• Amish Broccoli Salad Recipe
• Homemade Cajun Ranch Dressing

🍽 Serve it with

Having a summer get-together? Make these recipes too:

• Fresh Blackberry Lemonade
• Red, Hot, and Blue Potato Salad
• Cajun Chicken Tenders
• Deep Fried Snickers
• Pink Lemonade Cake

📖 Here’s the recipe

Grandma’s Macaroni Salad

5 from 1 vote

A classic, creamy macaroni salad that still has just enough flavor, color, and crunch. This potluck-friendly side dish is easy to make and easy to love.

SaveSaved! Pin Recipe Print Recipe Rate Recipe

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 7 minutes minutes

Chilling time: 1 hour hour

Total Time: 1 hour hour 27 minutes minutes

Servings: 8 servings

Author: Katie Shaw

Want some free Christmas printables? Click here to grab ’em

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl

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
• ½ cup diced fresh celery
• ½ cup diced red bell pepper
• ½ cup diced red onion

Instructions

• Make the dressing. Combine the mayonnaise, sugar, salt, black pepper, and ground mustard in a small mixing bowl.
• Add the pasta and veggies. Place the cooked, cooled pasta in a large mixing bowl and pour the. Dressing on top. Add the veggies and stir well.
• Let the macaroni chill for at least 2 hours. Serve cold.

Notes

You can, of course, substitute any color onion or bell pepper in this recipe.

The peas do not need to be thawed before adding them. 

I cook the macaroni for 1 minute less than the box recommends.

Did you make this?Let me know how it was! Please see below for serving ideas, storage instructions, and substitutions.