Who knew classic macaroni salad could be incredibly easy AND incredibly delicious? This easy macaroni salad is the BEST EVER macaroni salad with the perfect blend of veggies and creamy dressing.
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When I say this easy macaroni salad is the best ever macaroni salad, I’m not exaggerating. Of course, I guess that depends on your definition of “the best.”
For me, the definition of “the best macaroni salad” is when a classic macaroni salad recipe is easy, requires “normal” ingredients, comes together quickly. and is a total hit… especially with your dad.
And that’s saying a lot because my dad is kinda (super) picky.
This creamy macaroni salad is all of the above. Although the recipe has 10 ingredients on the list, half of those ingredients are for the dressing.
Macaroni salad dressing ingredients so don’t count.
You won’t find anything fancy in this creamy, easy macaroni salad although one of the dressing ingredients might surprise you. But then again, surprises often lead to super tasty dishes, which makes this the perfect dish for family picnics and backyard get-togethers.
Note: I like to use half Splenda in place of the sugar to cut down on calories while keeping all the taste in this classic macaroni salad. You could totally try using full Splenda; if you do, let me know how it goes!
I made this classic macaroni salad for our Mother’s Day dinner at my mom’s and it was very well received (i.e., we all had seconds). I left my dad some leftovers and they were gone by the next day.
I consider that a winning recipe!
I don’t know about you, but I find summer isn’t complete without macaroni salads, pasta salads, and potato salads. That’s in addition to grilled burgers, hot dogs, chicken, ribs…
This shrimp pasta salad is a pretty dang good option for backyard barbecues, and creamy bacon broccoli salad is always a hit!
Did I mention you also need corn on the cob, chips, watermelon, and all kinds of desserts including this cherry pie salad my family always inhales?
This is why I love summer so very, very much. It’s all about the food.
Best Ever Macaroni Salad
Ingredients
- 1 (16-oz) box macaroni pasta
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 1 cup diced celery
- 2 cups mayonnaise
- 1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup sugar or Splenda
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente pasta. Drain and rinse with cold water; set aside.
- In a large bowl whisk together mayonnaise, sweetened condensed milk, sugar, and vinegar. Add pasta and toss to coat. Add onion, peppers, and celery and mix thoroughly. Dressing will look thin but will thicken as it refrigerates.
- Refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving. (Refrigerating overnight is best!)
Notes
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 321 Total Fat: 6g Saturated Fat: 2g Trans Fat: 0g Unsaturated Fat: 1g Cholesterol: 8mg Sodium: 480mg Carbohydrates: 59g Fiber: 1g Sugar: 30g Protein: 8g
Tiffany
June 13, 2017 at 2:16 pmHow many does this recipe serve?
Emily Hill
June 14, 2017 at 9:17 pmGreat question! So sorry I forgot to include that in the recipe. It serves about 10 to 12. I made it for a get-together where we had about 6 adults and 2 kids and had leftovers. :)
Brian
April 3, 2018 at 12:07 amI love the sound of this, so simple and so many great flavours.
Emily Hill
April 3, 2018 at 12:42 amThe flavor is unbeatable!
Veena Azmanov
April 3, 2018 at 3:12 amOh, this MACARONI SALAD looks incredible! This is the perfect lunch for me and my family. I like all the ingredients that come in this salad! I definitely want to try this! Thank you for sharing this great recipe!
Emily Hill
April 3, 2018 at 5:21 pmI hope you do try it. It’s one of my family’s favorite dishes!
Dannii
April 3, 2018 at 3:16 amThis would be the perfect side dish for a summer bbq party. I bet it wouldn’t last long with our friends.
Emily Hill
April 3, 2018 at 5:21 pmIt never does!
Sarah
April 3, 2018 at 5:01 amThis looks PERFECT!! BBQ season is just about to start…and I know what I’ll be bringing each and every time!! Everyone will love it, especially me!!!! Thanks for sharing!
Emily Hill
April 3, 2018 at 5:21 pmIt really is a crowd pleaser!
Claudia
April 3, 2018 at 5:13 amsounds like I know what our future picnic side dish will be ! This is perfect!
Emily Hill
April 3, 2018 at 5:20 pmI hope you make it and like it!
Tania | Fit Foodie Nutter
April 3, 2018 at 5:29 amSuch a great and delicious crowd pleaser! Will be a good one to add to the summer BBQ season too:)
Emily Hill
April 3, 2018 at 5:20 pmFor sure! It’s always a hit!
DisappointedDaisy
May 27, 2018 at 4:53 pmThis is soooo sweet my family and I can’t even eat it. It should really be called dessert macaroni salad…if anyone is even into that. I was sceptapacle about the sweet condensed milk but I gave it a try. Turns out it’s really not a smart idea.
Emily Hill
May 29, 2018 at 2:19 pmSo sorry you didn’t like it! It is definitely on the sweeter side, so if you prefer something more tart, for sure try a different recipe. My homestyle macaroni salad might be a good option: https://www.halfscratched.com/2014/07/homestyle-macaroni-salad/.
Judy
August 20, 2018 at 5:28 pmLeave out the sugar. You get a little of the bite from the vinegar and onions.
Emily Hill
August 20, 2018 at 7:56 pmI’ll definitely have to try that next time!
Wini
October 1, 2018 at 4:28 pmI made this and now all my friends call asking me to make it , they say best salad they ever had
Emily Hill
October 1, 2018 at 4:37 pmYay! I’m so glad everyone liked it!
Beth McFarland
December 27, 2018 at 12:08 pmI was looking for something a little different that the usual side dishes and ran across this recipe. This is, hands down, the BEST macaroni salad I have ever made. This will be for now and ever more my “go to”. Thank you for sharing it!
Beth
Emily Hill
December 27, 2018 at 12:16 pmYay! I’m so glad you like it!