Description
A classic cold pasta salad made with al dente elbow macaroni, creamy mayonnaise dressing, crisp celery, bell pepper, red onion, and tangy sweet pickles. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, BBQs, or as a make-ahead side, this easy, crowd-pleasing dish is ready in 20 minutes and full of nostalgic comfort flavor.
Ingredients
– 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
– 1 cup mayonnaise (or substitute half with Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
– 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
– 1 cup diced celery
– ½ cup finely chopped red onion
– 1 cup diced green bell pepper
– ½ cup chopped sweet pickles (or relish)
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
– Optional garnish: 1 teaspoon paprika or chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse thoroughly under cold water to cool and stop cooking. Set aside to drain well.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, mustard, celery, red onion, green bell pepper, and sweet pickles.
- Add the cooled, drained macaroni to the bowl and gently toss until evenly coated with the dressing and vegetables.
- Season with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust if needed.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight) to allow flavors to meld.
- Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika or fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
– For best texture, ensure pasta is well-drained and cooled before mixing.
– To make it lighter: replace half the mayo with plain Greek yogurt or sour cream.
– Add-ins like hard-boiled eggs, cooked bacon bits, or shredded cheddar cheese add richness.
– Vegan option: use plant-based mayonnaise and omit dairy-based add-ins.
– Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; stir before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8–10 minutes (for pasta)
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook (after pasta is cooked)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¾ cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg