Description
This Southern macaroni salad is creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet—just like Grandma used to make. It’s packed with elbow macaroni, crisp veggies, hard-boiled eggs, and a rich dressing made with mayo, mustard, and a hint of sugar. Perfect for BBQs, cookouts, and picnics.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, finely diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- Optional: paprika for garnish
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Add cooled pasta, chopped eggs, celery, bell pepper, and red onion to the dressing. Mix until fully coated.
- Chill for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld.
- Sprinkle with paprika before serving, if desired.
Notes
- Adjust mayo and mustard to taste—some prefer it creamier or tangier.
- Add sweet pickle relish for extra Southern flair.
- Keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days. Stir before serving if made ahead.
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish, Salad
- Method: Boiling, Mixing
- Cuisine: Southern, American
- Diet: Vegetarian
- Keywords: southern macaroni salad, creamy pasta salad, classic macaroni salad, BBQ side dish, picnic salad
- Video URL: [Add URL if available]
- Equipment
- Pot
- Colander
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Nutrifox ID: [Add ID if available]
- Serving Size: About 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Nutrition
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
