Description
If you’re looking for the perfect easy recipe to bring to a potluck, picnic, or weeknight dinner, Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad delivers creamy comfort in every bite. This classic Southern side dish combines al dente macaroni with crunchy celery, sweet pickles, and a smooth, tangy mayo dressing. It’s great for quick lunches, dinner ideas, or even as a make-ahead option for your next family gathering. With familiar ingredients and nostalgic flavor, it’s the kind of food idea everyone keeps coming back to. Whether you’re exploring breakfast ideas, healthy snacks, or just a good ol’ easy dinner, this is a tried-and-true go-to.
Ingredients
2 cups elbow macaroni
1 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup celery, finely diced
1/2 cup sweet pickles or relish
1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
1 teaspoon sugar
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. While pasta cooks, dice celery, pickles, onion, bell pepper, and chop the eggs.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, mustard, salt, pepper, and sugar until well blended.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled macaroni with all chopped ingredients. Pour the dressing on top.
5. Gently fold everything together with a spatula until fully coated.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld. Stir gently before serving.
Notes
Rinse the macaroni with cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking and prevent stickiness.
For best flavor, let the salad chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Customize with extras like diced ham, shredded carrots, or fresh herbs if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing / No-bake
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 95mg