Go Back
Homemade BEST Macaroni Salad photo

BEST Macaroni Salad

A classic creamy macaroni salad with crunchy celery, roasted red peppers, olives and a tangy mayo-pickle dressing.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups cooked elbow macaroni (white or whole wheat) cooked al dente in lightly salted water and cooled (about 8 ounces or 2 cups uncooked macaroni); gluten-free: use GF macaroni
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 cup chopped roasted red bell peppers use jarred roasted red peppers if desired
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives rinsed and drained
  • 3 tablespoons capers rinsed and drained
  • 3 green onions sliced
  • 2 cups good quality mayonnaise vegans: use vegan mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sweet or dill pickle relish
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher or sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium bowl
  • Colander
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spoon or spatula
  • plastic wrap or lid

Method
 

  1. Cook elbow macaroni in lightly salted water until al dente, drain, rinse with cold water, and cool to room temperature.
  2. In a large mixing bowl combine the cooled pasta, diced celery, finely chopped onion, chopped roasted red peppers, sliced black olives, rinsed capers, and sliced green onions; stir to mix.
  3. Make the sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, pickle relish, Dijon mustard, sugar, white vinegar, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl until smooth.
  4. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and stir until the pasta and vegetables are thoroughly coated.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  6. Transfer to a non-reactive container, cover, and chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

Notes

  • Pasta absorbs liquid over time and may dry out.
  • Add a little extra mayonnaise dressing when serving leftovers the next day.