How to Make Grandma’s Perfect Macaroni Salad for Any Occasion

If you’re a classic, creamy macaroni salad fan, you’ll enjoy this updated version. It keeps the charm of the classic dish but adds a twist to fit today’s tastes. My version of Grandma’s macaroni salad is made with mayonnaise, sugar, salt, and black pepper for seasoning.

This salad strikes the right balance between creamy and crunchy, with a flavor that will surely appeal to everyone. It’s great for summer gatherings and the perfect choice for BBQs, family picnics, or potlucks, and it’s likely to become a favorite.

macaroni salad with peas, red pepper, and onion.

Grandma’s Macaroni Salad

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.

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 7

Chilling time 1

Total Time 1 27

Serving Size servings

Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Wooden spoon or spatula
Colander
Plastic wrap or 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
½ cup diced fresh celery
½ cup diced red bell pepper
½ cup diced red onion

Instructions

Prepare the dressing. Whisk the mayonnaise, sugar, salt, black pepper, and ground mustard in a small mixing bowl until smooth.
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.
Assemble the salad. Add the cooled pasta, frozen peas, diced celery, red bell pepper, and red onion in a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the top and stir well to combine.
Chill. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold.

Notes

The dressing is key in a salad, and using good mayo helps with the taste. Adding a bit of sour cream or Greek yogurt can make it creamier, and add a tang.

It’s best to use frozen peas from the bag since they thaw well in the salad and stay crisp. While you can use fresh peas, frozen ones are easier and don’t go soft as quickly.

Let it sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight. This helps the flavors come together better. If possible, prepare the salad a day ahead for an even tastier dish.

Once it’s chilled, try it again. Cold dishes might need more seasoning, so feel free to add more salt, pepper, or a sprinkle of sugar if it needs a boost.

To make it look nice, sprinkle some paprika or fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top before serving it. It adds a nice color and a fresh taste.

This recipe is quite adaptable! You’re welcome to add things like shredded cheese, pickles, or bacon bits. You can also switch the elbow pasta for another type of short pasta if you like.

If you’re taking it to a BBQ or outdoor gathering, keep the salad cool by placing its bowl in a bigger bowl filled with ice. This helps keep it fresh and safe to eat for a longer time.

Grandma’s Macaroni Salad just hits the spot at every family event. It’s creamy, crunchy, and loaded with fresh veggies. This dish has become a favorite at BBQs, picnics, and gatherings for as long as I can remember.

The simple homemade dressing brings the right amount of sweet and tangy flavors, making every spoonful comforting. It’s a recipe that families love to pass down because it’s easy to make and always pleases everyone.

Whether serving it next to some grilled favorites or packing it for a summer get-together, this salad never lets me down. Plus, letting it sit in the fridge for a few hours before serving brings out its flavors, making it fresh, tasty, and a winner with everyone!

If you love classic, refreshing salads, you might also enjoy my Cold Cucumber Chicken Salad. It’s another light and easy dish that’s perfect for picnics and summer gatherings, offering a delicious combination of flavors.

I’m sure you’ll enjoy it as much as I do.

Tips for the Best Grandma’s Macaroni Salad

Cut your vegetables into small, equal pieces so each bite has a nice blend of flavors and textures without big chunks.
Let your cut veggies, like red onion and bell peppers, sit on a paper towel. This removes extra water, so your salad doesn’t get too soggy.
To keep your pasta from becoming too soft, cook it for about a minute less than the package says. It’ll get a bit softer as it cools in the fridge.
After cooking the pasta, rinse it with cold water. This stops it from cooking more and cools it down fast, so it doesn’t make the dressing melt when you mix it.
If the pasta is still warm, it might soak up the dressing too fast and make the salad seem dry. Wait until it’s cool, but not cold, to add the dressing.
When you add the dressing to the pasta and veggies, stir it gently. Mixing too hard makes the pasta and veggies break apart and get mushy. Just mix it enough so everything is nicely covered.

Key Ingredients and Tools

Here’s a simple breakdown of what you need and why making a great macaroni salad is important.

Elbow pasta: It’s the go-to shape for macaroni salad because it catches the dressing well and is soft to bite into. You can use other small pasta like shells or rotini if you don’t have it.
Ground mustard: It gives the dressing a nice, mild tanginess that complements the creamy mayo. Using Dijon mustard can be a quick fix if you’re out of ground mustard.
Frozen peas: They are easy to use and bring a sweet crunch. Just grab them from the freezer section and toss them in—no thawing needed.
Red onion: It adds a bit of a sharp taste and some color. If it’s too strong, try green onions for something gentler, or soak the red onion in cold water to lessen the sharpness.
Mayonnaise: It’s what makes the dressing creamy. Choosing a high-quality mayo makes a difference, or you can go for Greek yogurt or sour cream if you like something less heavy.
Bell pepper: It throws in some extra crunch and color. Any color bell pepper works, but red ones are especially sweet. If you can’t find any, chopped cucumber is a nice, crispy alternative.
Large mixing bowl: You’ll need a large bowl to combine all the ingredients easily. It helps to have plenty of space to mix everything without messing.

Paying attention to these ingredients and tools will help make your macaroni salad stand out.

Serving Suggestions

For a complete meal, you can serve this salad with grilled burgers, BBQ chicken, corn on the cob, hot dogs, or coleslaw.

If you’re looking for a hearty main dish with this light and refreshing macaroni salad, my Slow Cooker Macaroni Beef is perfect. It’s a filling, flavorful meal that pairs wonderfully with a cool, creamy side like this salad.

Troubleshooting and Help

Do I have to chill it for 2 hours?

It’s perfect to chill for at least 2 hours so the flavors can meld, but if you’re in a rush, even 30 minutes will help. Just know the longer it chills, the better the taste!

My macaroni salad turned out a bit dry after chilling. What should I do?

That can happen sometimes as the pasta absorbs the dressing. Just stir in a little extra mayonnaise (or a splash of milk or vinegar) right before serving to bring back the creaminess.

What if I don’t have frozen peas?

No worries! You can substitute with canned peas (drain them well) or leave them out. Add other veggies like shredded carrots or diced cucumber for extra crunch.

Can I add other ingredients to this salad?

Of course! Feel free to add hard-boiled eggs, shredded cheese, or even bacon bits if you want to mix things up. This recipe is flexible, so go ahead and make it your own.

Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

Yes! You can swap out the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or use a mix of mayo and yogurt to lighten it up while still keeping it creamy. You’ll still get that great flavor without all the calories.

Can I make this macaroni salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! It’s even better if you make it a day ahead. Letting it chill in the fridge allows the flavors to come together. Just stir it a quick before serving!

Can you serve this macaroni salad at a party?

Absolutely! This macaroni salad is perfect for parties, potlucks, and BBQs. It’s easy to make ahead of time and actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours, making it a convenient dish for any gathering. For a lighter option, try my Cucumber Tomato Salad—it’s a refreshing and easy-to-make dish that balances well with the creamy richness of this macaroni salad.

Hope these tips help! Let me know if you have any more questions—always happy to help!

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. Before serving, stir well, as the pasta may have absorbed some of the dressing. Add a little extra dressing to return the creaminess if it looks dry.

As for freezing, this recipe doesn’t freeze well. The mayonnaise-based dressing tends to separate, and the texture of the pasta and veggies can become mushy once thawed. It’s best to enjoy this salad fresh from the fridge.

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. For more tips on safely handling leftovers, check out this helpful guide on leftover food safety from the USDA.

My Grandma’s Macaroni Salad just has a way of fitting in at every family event. It’s smooth, has a bit of crunch, and is loaded with fresh veggies. This go-to dish has been a favorite at BBQs, outdoor meals, and get-togethers for a long time. I find the dressing easy to whip up at home and mixes sweetness with a bit of zest. So give this recipe a try! Whether serving it with BBQ favorites or bringing it to a summer gathering, this simple salad always goes down a treat, especially after it’s had some time to cool and blend its flavors in the fridge!

2 Comments

Evelyn P. says:

June 18, 2023 at 9:21 am

I made this as a quick side salad to go with our grilled hamburgers and everyone loved it!! The ladies asked me to share the recipe with them. Delicious!

1. Katie Shaw says:
  
  June 18, 2023 at 7:13 pm
  
  Thank you for letting me know Evelyn! So glad you and the ladies enjoyed it!

How to Make Grandma’s Perfect Macaroni Salad for Any Occasion