Go Back Email Link
–+ servings

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 minutes
Cook Time:7 minutes
Chilling time:1 hour
Total Time:1 hour 27 minutes

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 (don't need to thaw first)
  • ½ cup diced fresh celery
  • ½ cup diced red bell pepper
  • ½ cup diced red onion

Instructions

  • Make 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.  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.
  • Chill.  Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld. 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.

Nutrition

Calories: 315kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 477mg | Potassium: 144mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 408IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1mg
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 315kcal
Author: Katie Shaw