World's Best Macaroni Salad Recipe

Discover the world's best macaroni salad recipe that will elevate your gatherings. Perfectly creamy and packed with flavor, this macaroni salad is a must-try for any occasion.

5/27/20252 min read

Gather Your Ingredients

If you're looking for a dish that will be the star of your next gathering, this macaroni salad is just the ticket! Here’s what you’ll need to make this mouthwatering salad:

  • 1 box of elbow macaroni

  • 1/2 red onion, diced

  • 2 stalks of celery, chopped

  • 2-3 boiled eggs, peeled and cut up

  • 1/2 red pepper, chopped

  • 2 tablespoons of sweet pickles

For the dressing, gather these simple ingredients:

  • 2 cups mayo (I recommend Hellmann's)

  • 2 tablespoons of sweet relish juice

  • 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar

  • 1 tablespoon of mustard

  • 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the cooking process!

  1. Boil the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water for flavor. Once boiling, throw in your elbow macaroni and cook it according to the package instructions, usually about 7-9 minutes until al dente.

  2. Cool the Pasta: After cooking, drain the pasta and run it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This keeps your pasta from getting mushy and helps it absorb the dressing better.

  3. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced red onion, chopped celery, boiled eggs, chopped red pepper, and sweet pickles. Give it a good stir to mix everything well.

  4. Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet relish, granulated sugar, mustard, apple cider vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste. This will create a creamy dressing that covers every bit of your salad.

  5. Combine: Pour the dressing over your pasta mixture and gently fold it in until everything is well-coated. Make sure there are no dry patches, as you want every bite to be flavorful.

Let It Chill

For the best flavor, cover your macaroni salad and let it chill in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delicious for your guests. Bring it along to your next potluck or BBQ, and watch as it disappears!

This macaroni salad is truly a crowd-pleaser; everyone will be asking for the recipe. Enjoy!