Old Fashioned Macaroni Salad
My Old Fashioned Macaroni Salad is a creamy and crunchy classic. It is perfect for any gathering or summer BBQ.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time5 minutes mins
Total Time15 minutes mins
Course: Mains, Sides
Cuisine: American
Keyword: 60-Minutes or Less, Cold Salad, Cold Sides, Easy, Macaroni, Macaroni Salad, Make-Ahead, Pasta Salad, Sides, Simple
Servings: 12
Calories: 307kcal
Author: Eva Filer
DRESSING:
- 1 cup mayo
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup pickle juice
- ½ tablespoon dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
SALAD:
- 16 oz elbow macaroni dry measurement, cooked and drained
- 2 stalks celery chopped
- 1 green pepper chopped
- 1 red pepper chopped
- 3 hard boiled eggs chopped
- 3 dill pickles chopped
Cook your pasta, if it is not already, in a large pot and rinse cool water to stop the cooking process; but do not make it cold. If you have cooked pasta, allow it to come to room temperature for a better mix.
In a large mixing bowl, add your mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, pickle juice, dry mustard, salt and pepper and whisk well.
Add strained pasta, celery, bell peppers, eggs, and pickles and toss until fully combined.
To thin it out additionally, if needed, add more pickle juice or milk, as desired.
Serve right away or chill for an hour to allow the flavors to really build.
- Don't Overcook the Pasta: Slightly firm pasta holds its texture much better after chilling.
- Mix While the Pasta Is Slightly Warm: We find the dressing coats the noodles more evenly when the pasta isn't completely cold.
- Ultra Creamy Texture: If you're making the salad ahead, mix it with a little milk before serving to make it extra creamy.
- Give It Time to Chill: The flavor improves significantly after a couple of hours in the refrigerator.
- Cold Rinse: Cold water stops the cooking process and helps it cool quickly.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Make Ahead: This is one of those recipes we often make the night before. The flavors continue to develop and taste even better the next day.
- Before Serving: If the salad thickens after refrigeration, stir in a small spoonful of mayonnaise, Greek yogurt or milk to freshen it up.
Calories: 307kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 55mg | Sodium: 547mg | Potassium: 204mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 485IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 49mg | Iron: 1mg