Southern Macaroni Salad Recipe

Southern Macaroni Salad is a cherished classic that embodies the flavors of comfort and tradition. With its creamy dressing, tender macaroni, and a medley of crunchy vegetables, this dish is a staple at summer barbecues, potlucks, and family gatherings. Its perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors makes it universally loved.

This recipe combines elbow macaroni with fresh vegetables, a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing, and just the right touch of seasonings to create a dish that’s as nostalgic as it is delicious. Whether you’re looking to recreate childhood memories or make a new family favorite, this Southern Macaroni Salad will not disappoint.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep.
• Versatile: Pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a standalone dish.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for prepping the night before an event.
• Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or protein for a personalized twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

1. Boil Water
   • Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil.
2. Cook the Pasta
   • Add the macaroni and cook according to the package instructions (usually 8–10 minutes) until al dente.
3. Drain and Cool
   • Drain the cooked macaroni in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Let it sit to drain completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Dice the Vegetables
   • Finely dice the celery, red bell pepper, and red onion. Grate the carrots or use pre-shredded carrots for convenience.
2. Chop Optional Add-ins
   • If using boiled eggs, bacon, ham, or chicken, prepare and dice them as needed.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

1. Combine Wet Ingredients
   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar.
2. Add Seasonings
   • Stir in sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust sweetness and tang to your liking.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

1. Mix the Ingredients
   • In a large bowl, combine the cooled macaroni, diced vegetables, and any optional add-ins.
2. Add the Dressing
   • Pour the dressing over the salad and mix gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
3. Taste and Adjust
   • Taste the salad and adjust seasonings if necessary.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

1. Refrigerate
   • Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Serve
   • Give the salad a gentle toss before serving and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips for Success

Choosing the Right Pasta

• Elbow macaroni is traditional, but small shells or rotini work well if you want a different texture.

Rinsing the Pasta

• Rinse the cooked pasta under cold water to remove excess starch and prevent sticking.

Balancing the Dressing

• If the dressing is too thick, thin it out with a tablespoon of milk or cream.

Make It Your Own

• For a zesty kick, add a dash of hot sauce or some diced jalapeños.

Variations

Lighter Version

• Use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise for a healthier twist.

Extra Protein

• Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tuna to turn this salad into a full meal.

Vegetarian Delight

• Toss in some chickpeas or roasted vegetables for a veggie-packed option.

Sweet and Tangy

• Mix in some diced apples or raisins for a sweet contrast.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration

• Store the macaroni salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Freezing

• Freezing is not recommended, as the mayonnaise-based dressing can separate when thawed.

Refreshing Leftovers

• If the salad seems dry after refrigeration, add a spoonful of mayonnaise or a splash of milk to revive its creaminess.

Pairing Suggestions

Main Dishes

• Grilled chicken, steak, or ribs
• Pulled pork or barbecue sandwiches

Beverages

• Iced tea, lemonade, or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of creamy dressing, crunchy vegetables, and tender macaroni creates a balance of textures and flavors that’s both satisfying and refreshing. The addition of sweet pickle relish and Dijon mustard adds layers of tang and sweetness that elevate this dish to classic Southern perfection.

With its versatility and nostalgic charm, this Southern Macaroni Salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!

Yield: 8

Southern Macaroni Salad Recipe

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Southern Macaroni Salad is a cherished classic that embodies the flavors of comfort and tradition. With its creamy dressing, tender macaroni, and a medley of crunchy vegetables, this dish is a staple at summer barbecues, potlucks, and family gatherings. Its perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors makes it universally loved.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Chill Time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 large hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• ½ cup sweet pickle relish
• Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or paprika

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
   Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
   
2. Prepare the Dressing:
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
   
3. Assemble the Salad:
   Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl with the dressing.
   Gently fold in the red bell pepper, red onion, celery, eggs, and pickle relish. Mix until well combined and all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
   
4. Chill:
   Cover the salad with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
   
5. Serve:
   Give the salad a quick stir before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of paprika, if desired.

Notes

• Make It Ahead: This salad tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop.
• Add Protein: To make it heartier, add diced ham, cooked shrimp, or grilled chicken.
• Customize: Feel free to include other mix-ins like shredded carrots, peas, or cubed cheese.