The Ultimate Macaroni Salad (Seriously, It’s a Game-Changer)

Name: Classic Macaroni Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 8 ounces dried macaroni pasta; 1/2 red bell pepper (, diced small (about 3/4 cup)); 2 stalks celery (, diced small); 1/3 cup red onion (, finely diced); 5 sweet gherkins (, finely diced); 4 ounces cheddar cheese (, cubed small); 2 hard boiled eggs (, peeled and finely diced); 3/4 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup sour cream; 2 tablespoons sweet pickle juice; 1 tablespoon cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons dijon mustard; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/8 teaspoon paprika (, optional)

Ever had one of those potluck moments where you just KNOW you’re about to dive into the best dish at the table? Like, the second you see that classic macaroni salad? Yup, that’s the vibe. 🚀

Main dish photo — *The finished dish — looks amazing, right?*

Okay, Let’s Talk Ingredients

Alright, let’s hit up the grocery store together! You need 8 ounces of dried macaroni—don’t skimp; it’s gotta be the good stuff. Then grab a red bell pepper. You want it diced small, around 3/4 cup, so it mixes in nice. Two stalks of celery (for crunch!), a bit of red onion (finely diced, please, or you’ll ruin the vibe!). Sweet gherkins are a must—5 of them, diced. And cheese? Oh, yeah. We’re talking 4 ounces of cheddar, cubed small. Toss in 2 hard-boiled eggs, because why not?

For the dressing, you’ll need 3/4 cup mayo, 1/4 cup sour cream, some sweet pickle juice (2 tablespoons), a splash of cider vinegar (1 tablespoon), 1 tablespoon of sugar (yes, really!), a bit of dijon mustard (1 tablespoon), salt, pepper, garlic powder, and if you wanna be extra, throw in some paprika. Seriously, it’s a flavor party! 🎉

So Here’s Why I Make This Constantly

Okay, story time! So, it was last summer at this BBQ, right? I’m talking sunshine, laughter, the whole shebang. I brought *this* macaroni salad, and honestly, it was like magic. Everyone went nuts for it! Like, this woman I didn’t even know came up and said, “This is the best macaroni salad I’ve ever had!” I was basically a culinary rock star for a hot minute. 😂 Now, I can’t show up to any gathering without this dish. It’s like my signature move!

Another beautiful angle of the dish — *Just as gorgeous from this angle too!*

(Another beautiful shot because we can’t get enough!)

The One Trick That Changes Everything

Okay, here’s the game-changer—don’t skip rinsing the pasta with cold water after cooking! I know, it sounds weird, but trust me. Rinsing it helps cool it down and stops it from getting all mushy and sad. We want that perfect al dente bite, right? So, rinse it, toss it in a bit of olive oil, and you’re golden!

Don’t Mess This Up (My Top Tips)

1. Check the Timing: Cook that macaroni just until al dente. Seriously—like, 1-2 minutes less than the package says is usually perfect.
2. Chill, Chill, Chill: Let it sit in the fridge for at least an hour before serving! The flavors need time to mingle and party.
3. Adjust the Dressing: Don’t be shy! Taste it as you go! Add more pickle juice if you wanna amp up that tangy goodness. Go wild!

How to Keep Them From Disappearing (Or, How to Store Them)

So, you’ve got leftovers? Lucky you! Pop that macaroni salad in an airtight container and it’ll chill in the fridge for about 3-5 days. Just be sure to give it a little stir before serving—sometimes the dressing separates a tad, but it’s all good!

If You Liked This, You’ll Probably Like These Too

If you’re loving this, you’re gonna wanna check out my potato salad (it’s got a kick), or maybe you’re in the mood for some creamy coleslaw? Oh, and my famous deviled eggs? Don’t even get me started. 🥚💕

Okay, so what’s your go-to potluck dish? I need ideas for my next BBQ! Let’s swap recipes! 🥳

Classic Macaroni Salad

Flavor-packed Classic Macaroni Salad with amazing ingredients and incredible taste! Perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time
20 minutes

Cook Time
30 minutes

Total Time
50 minutes

Category: Dinner

Yield: 6 servings servings

Ingredients

8 ounces dried macaroni pasta

1/2 red bell pepper (, diced small (about 3/4 cup))

2 stalks celery (, diced small)

1/3 cup red onion (, finely diced)

5 sweet gherkins (, finely diced)

4 ounces cheddar cheese (, cubed small)

2 hard boiled eggs (, peeled and finely diced)

3/4 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup sour cream

2 tablespoons sweet pickle juice

1 tablespoon cider vinegar

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

2 teaspoons dijon mustard

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

1/8 teaspoon paprika (, optional)

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water, then toss with a teaspoon or 2 of olive oil to prevent sticking while you prepare the rest of the salad.
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, bell pepper, celery, red onion, gherkins, cheddar cheese, and eggs. Set aside and prepare the dressing.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle juice, cider vinegar, granulated sugar, mustard, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until combined and smooth.
Pour dressing over pasta and toss until everything is well coated.
Garnish with just a sprinkle of paprika before serving, if desired.