Macaroni Salad Recipe

Name: Macaroni Salad Recipe
Prep time: 2 h 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb. uncooked elbow macaroni (about 3 cups); 1 cup mayonnaise; 2 Tbsp. white vinegar; 2 Tbsp. sweet or dill relish (optional); 1 Tbsp. yellow mustard; 1-2 tsp. sugar (optional); 1 tsp. salt; 1/2 tsp. garlic powder; 1/2 tsp. onion powder; 1/2 cup finely chopped onion*; 1 rib celery, finely chopped; 1/2 green bell pepper, finely chopped (optional); 1/2 cup shredded carrot (optional); 1/4 cup finely chopped gherkins or pickles (optional); 2 hard boiled eggs, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

Prep:2h 20minCook:10min

There is a set of optional ingredients in the list. The salad is delicious with all of them in there. But I know, and you know, that macaroni salad is very personal and people have strong preferences. I've therefore designed this salad to be delicious with all of those optional ingredients, with some of them, or with none of them. It's a choose your own adventure! One thing though, if you're using the sweet relish, omit the sugar or only use 1 teaspoon. And, if you're not using any relish, add an extra tablespoon of vinegar to the dressing. Nutrition info does not include optional ingredients.

Updated at: Mon, 27 Apr 2026 16:10:30 GMT