By The Best Macaroni Salad is a comfort-food classic made simpler for home cooks. With everyday ingredients and reliable technique, it delivers big flavor with little effort.
The Best Macaroni Salad captures the essence of salads while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, The Best Macaroni Salad becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
1/3 cup finely chopped carrot
1 hard-boiled egg, chopped
1/4 cup finely minced onion, i use dehydrated onion
2 tablespoons sweet relish
3/4 teaspoon dry ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 dash paprika
3 quarts water
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
How To Make The Best Macaroni Salad
In a large pot bring 3 quarts water to a rolling boil.Add 1 1/2 teaspoons salt.
Gradually add dry elbow macaroni.
Return to a boil.
Boil uncovered 6-8 minutes.
Drain well and rinse with cold water and drain again.
In a medium bowl combine all ingredients.
Place cooked macaroni in a large bowl and toss well with other ingredients.
Cover and refrigerate.
PREPARATION STEPS
Boil uncovered 6-8 minutes.
How To Make The Best Macaroni Salad
In a large pot bring 3 quarts water to a rolling boil.Add 1 1/2 teaspoons salt.
Drain well and rinse with cold water and drain again.
In a medium bowl combine all ingredients.
Place cooked macaroni in a large bowl and toss well with other ingredients.
ORIGIN STORY
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 0 min | Total: 15 min | Servings: 4 | Calories: ~220 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRING
Whole grain bread; Soup; Grilled protein
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
