The secret to this easy macaroni salad is the dressing. Mayo, sour cream, and sweet pickle relish make it creamy, tangy, and the most requested dish at every summer BBQ.

Easy macaroni salad in a white bowl with a spoon.

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The Only Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe You Need

This easy macaroni salad is my go-to side dish for every cookout, potluck, and picnic. I love the contrast of the creamy dressing against the crunch of the celery, red onion, and bell pepper, it gets the texture just right every time.

It comes together in 20 minutes, travels well, and tastes even better the next day. Don’t just take my word for it, readers have been making this for years and calling it the best they’ve ever had. If you’re more of a vinaigrette person, my cold spaghetti salad is worth a try too.

XO - Jamielyn

Ingredient Notes

Elbow macaroni, mayo, sour cream, celery, red onion, red bell pepper, Dijon mustard, sweet pickle relish, salt and pepper on the counter.

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

  • Elbow macaroni: Elbow noodles are what makes macaroni salad what it is.
  • Veggies: Red onion, celery and red bell pepper. Can substitute green onion for a milder flavor. Grated carrots or thawed frozen peas can be added for more color.
  • Macaroni salad dressing: This creamy dressing is made with mayo, sour cream, white vinegar and Dijon mustard for tang and sugar and sweet pickle relish a subtle sweetness.
  • Salt and pepper: Adjust to taste.
  • Fresh herbs: Fresh parsley or fresh dill add color and fresh taste.

How to Make Easy Macaroni Salad

Cook your elbow noodles until just al dente, don’t overcook them or they’ll turn mushy once the dressing goes on. Drain under cold water to stop the cooking and rinse off the starch.

Cooked elbow macaroni drained and ready for easy macaroni salad.

While the noodles cook, whisk together the dressing. Taste it before it goes on and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.

Creamy macaroni salad dressing whisked together in a bowl.

Add the noodles, bell pepper, celery, and onion to a large bowl and pour the dressing over. Toss until everything is well coated.

Stirring macaroni salad with a wooden spoon in a bowl.

Here’s the part most people skip, chill it for at least an hour before serving. Trust me, it makes a difference. The flavors come together completely and the dressing soaks into the pasta. Give it a stir before serving and top with fresh parsley or dill if you have it.

Close up of easy macaroni salad showing creamy dressing and crunchy vegetables.

Tips for the Best Macaroni Salad

  • Salt your pasta water. It’s the easiest way to add flavor before the dressing even goes on. Don’t skip it.
  • Don’t overcook the noodles. Soft noodles turn mushy once the dressing coats them and the texture is everything in this salad.
  • Make extra dressing. The pasta soaks it up as it sits. I always make a little more than the recipe calls for and add the rest right before serving to freshen it up.

Add-ins and Variations

  • Bacon: Adding bacon brings a smoky and savory flavor to this recipe just like in my bacon and ranch pasta salad.
  • Ham. Diced ham is a classic macaroni salad addition and makes it a little heartier.
  • Cheese. A half cup of shredded or cubed cheddar takes it in a whole new direction.
  • Hard boiled eggs. Mash two into the dressing for an extra creamy, rich texture.
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Excellent! One of the best, if not the very best, macaroni salad I have ever made and I’ve made many.)
Best of all, more than one person proclaimed it was the best macaroni salad they ever had. That did it for me. This is now my permanent salad. Thank you so much for a wonderful recipe. That is simple and easy to prepare.

Mary
Easy macaroni salad served in a white bowl ready for a summer cookout.

Other favorite potluck salad recipes for summer include this easy pasta salad with Italian dressing, pickle pasta salad recipe or ramen noodle salad.

More Easy Pasta Salad Recipes

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Easy macaroni salad in a white bowl with a spoon.

Easy Macaroni Salad

5 from 30 votes
Recipe by: Jamielyn Nye
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 10
This easy macaroni salad has a creamy mayo and sour cream dressing with sweet pickle relish that makes it the most requested dish at every summer cookout. Ready in 20 minutes!
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Video

Ingredients 

  • 8 ounces uncooked elbow noodles
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 3-4 Tablespoons white vinegar , or cider vinegar
  • 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons sweet pickle relish
  • 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt , plus more to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper , plus more to taste
  • Chopped fresh parsley or dill, optional
  • 1 red bell pepper , chopped
  • ½ cup finely chopped celery
  • ¼ cup minced red onion

Instructions

  • Boil pasta. Cook 8 ounces elbow noodles according to package directions. Drain under cold water. 
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream, 3-4 Tablespoons vinegar, 2 Tablespoons sugar, 2 Tablespoons relish, 1 Tablespoons mustard, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Mix in freshly chopped herbs, if desired.
  • In a large bowl, add the noodles, bell pepper, 1/2 cup celery, and 1/4 cup onion. Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss until well combined. Chill until ready to serve.

Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.

Notes

Make-ahead: This recipe can easily be made ahead of time. I love to make it the day before and let the flavors marinate together in the fridge overnight. However I do leave out the bacon if chilling overnight. I’ll add it in right before serving so that it stays nice and crisp.
Keep it Moist: If you’re making it ahead of time, I’d recommend making a little more dressing to have on hand. That way, you can add some in the next day before serving. The extra dressing will keep it moist and delicious!
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days. 

Nutrition

Calories: 192kcal, Carbohydrates: 22g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 10g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0.02g, Cholesterol: 8mg, Sodium: 178mg, Potassium: 108mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 476IU, Vitamin C: 16mg, Calcium: 17mg, Iron: 0.4mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.