In search of a go-to macaroni salad for backyard barbecues, a church potluck, or the holidays? This classic recipe from my Nana is a crowd pleaser and perfectly portable!
Why this recipe works
The addition of diced crunchy vegetables works perfectly with the al dente pasta in this family favorite.
Simple ingredients mean it’s quite possible that you have everything you need in your pantry and refrigerator.
Nana brought her macaroni salad to every church potluck she attended. If she didn’t bring it, she heard about it!
Ingredients you will need
While I suggest red bell pepper in this salad, you can use any variety of bell or sweet pepper. Red adds nice color, but so would yellow or orange or a combination of all the above!
Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.
How to Make Nana’s Macaroni Salad
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. Please scroll down to simply print out the recipe!
- Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water until completely cool.
- Combine Mayonnaise, vinegar, Dijon Mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper in large bowl.
- Stir together celery, bell peppers, onion, and dressing ingredients.
- Stir in the cooked and cooled macaroni.
- Cover with plastic wrap and allow to sit in the refrigerator for at least one hour, preferably 4 hours.
Expert Tips & FAQs
- Dressings tend to taste better with time. Allowing your macaroni salad to sit in the refrigerator for several hours gives the dressing a chance to soak into the pasta. The flavor melds nicely and you will enjoy this salad so much more!
- I like to use a Chop Wizard with the small chop blade to quickly chop my veggies. I don’t like giant chunks in my salad. My belief is that the vegetables should complement and enhance the macaroni, not overpower it.
- We use elbow macaroni in our salad, but you can use whatever you like. Ditalini is a variety of pasta shaped like little short tubes and works great in macaroni salad!
I hope you love Nana’s Macaroni Salad just as much as we do!
More Salad Ideas for Summer
- Mom’s Potato Salad
- Amish Macaroni Salad
- Rainbow Summer Pasta Salad
- Spaghetti Salad
- Shrimp Salad
- Italian Pasta Salad
- Grape Salad
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Nana's Macaroni Salad
IMPORTANT - There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It Pin It Rate ItIngredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni about 2 cups
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 ½ cups diced green or red bell pepper
- ¼ cup diced onion
Things You'll Need
Before You Begin
- Dressings tend to taste better with time. Allowing your macaroni salad to sit in the refrigerator for several hours gives the dressing a chance to soak into the pasta. The flavor melds nicely and you will enjoy this salad so much more!
- I like to use a Chop Wizard with the small chop blade to quickly chop my veggies. I don't like giant chunks in my salad. My belief is that the vegetables should complement and enhance the macaroni, not overpower it.
- We use elbow macaroni in our salad, but you can use whatever you like. Ditalini is a variety of pasta shaped like little short tubes and works great in macaroni salad!
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water until completely cool.
- Combine Mayonnaise, vinegar, Dijon Mustard, sugar, salt and pepper in large bowl.
- Stir together celery, bell peppers, onion, and dressing ingredients.
- Stir in the cooked and cooled macaroni.
- Cover with plastic wrap and allow to sit in the refrigerator for at least one hour, preferably 4 hours.
Nutrition
Amanda Davis
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Jan Bryant says
Amanda, Thank you so much for this service you provide for older people like me. I am not on social media and miss all of the recipes that I used to get on FB. I have tried so many of your recipes and recommend them to everyone. Your icebox pies are all great. I’ve made several kinds and your Nana’s macaroni salad and fajitas are to die for. I just wanted you to know that I appreciate this service you are doing for us.
Keep up the excellent work and I’ll keep making a new recipe every week.
Amanda Davis says
Thanks so much Jan! This comment made my morning. I’m so glad you enjoy the recipes as much as we love providing them for you!
Rocky says
Hello Amanda. My name is Rocky. First Thank you for all your lovely recipes. I’m all Italian I can tell you cook with your heart. It shows.!!! Your recipes are delicious. Again bless you and thank you. Rocky
Amanda Kelley says
I made this for Easter dinner for my family and it got devoured! Everyone loved it! Its my go-to recipe now!