Creamy Macaroni Salad

This macaroni salad combines hard-boiled eggs, red bell pepper, celery, pasta, and a creamy dressing made with mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. It's a simple, classic side dish that works well for gatherings.

Prep
15 minutes
Cook
10 minutes
Total
25 minutes
Cover image for Creamy Macaroni Salad recipe

Ingredients

Serves/makes 8

Instructions

  1. 1.

    Prep the add-ins: Start by dicing two hard-boiled eggs, ½ of a red bell pepper, ½ of a red onion, and 2 ribs of celery.

  2. 2.

    Cook the pasta: Next, boil 8 oz. elbow macaroni until tender. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse briefly with cool water to cool down the pasta.

  3. 3.

    Prepare the dressing: Combine 1 cup mayonnaise, 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 Tbsp sweet relish, 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 Tbsp sugar, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp freshly cracked pepper in a bowl.

  4. 4.

    Assemble the salad: Add the cooked and cooled macaroni to a large bowl along with the chopped egg, bell pepper, celery, and red onion. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad.

  5. 5.

    Serve: Stir everything until well combined, and serve the macaroni salad immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat. Give it a good stir again just before serving.

Related

Notes

  • Macaroni salad can be kept in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days.
  • If taken to a potluck or BBQ, do not let the salad sit out at room temperature for more than two hours.

Adapted from Budget Bytes on August 1, 2025