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.
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
Who knew macaroni salad could be incredibly easy AND incredibly delicious? This macaroni salad has the perfect blend of veggies and creamy dressing.
Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounces) box macaroni pasta
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- ½ green bell pepper, seeded and diced
- ½ red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 1 cup diced celery
- 2 cups mayonnaise
- 1 (14-ounces) can sweetened condensed milk
- ¼ cup sugar or Splenda
- ½ 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
FOLLOW HALF-SCRATCHED ON INSTAGRAM (@half_scratched) and share the recipes you're whipping up in the kitchen. Don't forget the #HALFSCRATCHED hashtag so we can see what you've made!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 321Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 480mgCarbohydrates: 59gFiber: 1gSugar: 30gProtein: 8g
Tiffany
How many does this recipe serve?
Emily Hill
Great 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
I love the sound of this, so simple and so many great flavours.
Emily Hill
The flavor is unbeatable!
Veena Azmanov
Oh, 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
I hope you do try it. It's one of my family's favorite dishes!
Dannii
This would be the perfect side dish for a summer bbq party. I bet it wouldn’t last long with our friends.
Emily Hill
It never does!
Sarah
This 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
It really is a crowd pleaser!
Claudia
sounds like I know what our future picnic side dish will be ! This is perfect!
Emily Hill
I hope you make it and like it!
Tania | Fit Foodie Nutter
Such a great and delicious crowd pleaser! Will be a good one to add to the summer BBQ season too:)
Emily Hill
For sure! It's always a hit!
DisappointedDaisy
This 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
So 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.
Judy
Leave out the sugar. You get a little of the bite from the vinegar and onions.
Emily Hill
I'll definitely have to try that next time!
Wini
I made this and now all my friends call asking me to make it , they say best salad they ever had
Emily Hill
Yay! I'm so glad everyone liked it!
Beth McFarland
I 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
Yay! I'm so glad you like it!
A Paldi
Sorry but this recipe was off the charts way too sweet.
I wanted to like it but it was not good. I didn’t even add all the sugar it called for.
Emily Hill
It is VERY sweet. I've scaled it back to about 1/4 cup sugar when I make it. I may adjust the recipe. Thanks for your feedback!
Susan Harris
My family and I absolutely love this macaroni salad! It is sweet but that's why it. Is so good. Everybody wants me to bring my special salad. Thanks so much!
Emily Hill
Yay! I'm so glad your family likes it!!
Juanita Allard
I have used this recipie for years and it never disappoints. It is delicious! However I do use more vinegar in mine than this recipie calls for necause I like mine with a little more tang.
Emily Hill
That's a totally great tweak! My husband likes a bit more vinegar too. :)
Bennita Barnett
I've made this several times and it is always a BIG hit. I sometimes add chopped tomatoes or bacon or substitute mini sweet peppers. I'm sure some small chopped broccoli would be good as well. This is very versatile and keeps fresh in the refrigerator for several days - if it lasts that long. I have passed this recipe on to my friends! Thank you!
Emily Hill
Yay! I love the idea of adding bacon and mini sweet peppers!
Jeff Getz
Great recipe. If it’s too sweet then use less sugar.
Kelley
Love this recipe ..I add hard cooked eggs
Debbie
This was really yummy 😋 I didn't add so much condensed milk. I just added some then stirred and some more at the end !! It was AMAZING !!!
Channa
I always add chopped hard boiled eggs, little bit of shredded cheese and shredded carrots. That’s how my mom used to make it! Definitely a crowd favorite.