Creamy Southern Macaroni Salad Recipe
Creamy southern macaroni salad is a classic side dish around here for summer. It’s the best dish to take to a picnic or family reunion. The flavors are so refreshing and light. Made with red onion, celery and red bell pepper. This classic macaroni salad recipe is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Summertime Recipe
One of my favorite parts of summer is the food. Easier preparation is key to great summer food. I like to make a few side dishes ahead of time so they are chilling in the fridge. This simple macaroni salad is perfect for that and easy to make, too.
Fresh vegetables are the best part of summer eating. Use those fresh vegetables for this delicious pasta salad. Grab some from your local farmer’s market or your own garden. This recipe is very versatile. Substitute or add the vegetables you love.
Being able to grill outdoors without heating up the kitchen is my type of summer cooking. Having dinner on our back screened porch is an enjoyable part of summer for my family. When you’re finished grilling, all you have to do is bring out your chilled salads and such. This is easy summer cooking at its best.
What Can I Serve With Macaroni Salad
The first time I made this dish, we had grilled hamburgers. It was an instant keeper recipe. My family loves this salad. The flavor of the macaroni salad when paired with the burgers was perfect. The light and refreshing macaroni salad offset the heaviness of the burger.
You can serve this with any grilled meat such as ribs or chicken. We like this salad with sloppy joes, too.
You might want to try my Instant Pot potato salad or this creamy coleslaw to pair with your main dish, too. They are all yummy and refreshing.
How Long Is Pasta Salad With Mayo Good For
Macaroni salad made with a mayonnaise based dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store in an air tight container. If left out for more than two hours at room temperature, the macaroni salad should be thrown away.
According to the USDA on food safety, the pasta salad should not be left out more than one hour if the temperature is over 90℉.
If you plan on taking this on a picnic or other outdoor gathering, keep it sitting on a bowl of ice. Or another method of keeping it chilled.
Can I Make Pasta Salad Ahead Of Time
Yes, feel free to make macaroni salad ahead of time. This is one of the benefits of this side dish. Perfect for when you have many dishes to prepare for a get together or potluck.
Pasta salad needs to be chilled completely before serving. The pasta salad tastes best if chilled overnight. I have left it in the refrigerator for two days and it was still delicious. I have never had it get soggy.
As a matter of fact, the macaroni will absorb the dressing. So, you might want to wait till a couple of hours before serving to add the mayo dressing.
Simple Ingredients Needed For This Recipe
This is a good basic macaroni salad that uses pantry staples. You can add your favorite seasonings or substitute the vegetables to your liking. I love the simplicity of this recipe. There is lots of room for variations.
How To Make The Best Creamy Macaroni Salad
See the recipe card below for the complete instructions.
Making this macaroni salad (aside from chopping the veggies) is so simple. And it doesn’t need a lot of time to make.
Creamy Southern Macaroni Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (dry)
- ½ small red onion (chopped)
- 1 medium red bell pepper (chopped)
- 1¼ cups celery (chopped )
- 1¼ cups mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cook macaroni in boiling water till tender. Using a colander, drain the macaroni. Rinse with cold water to prevent the macaroni from becoming gummy and to stop the cooking process. Let excess water drain.2 cups elbow macaroni
- Combine the cooked macaroni, red onion, red bell pepper and celery in a large bowl. Set aside.½ small red onion, 1 medium red bell pepper, 1¼ cups celery
- In a small bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, white vinegar, salt and pepper together.1¼ cups mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon white vinegar, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Pour the dressing over the macaroni and vegetables. Toss to coat.
- Cover the bowl. Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.
- Store in the refrigerator, tightly covered for up to 3 days. See notes for additional information.
Thanks For Sharing this amazing recipe. My family loved it. I will be sharing this recipe with my friends. Hope the will like it.