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Classic Creamy Picnic Macaroni Salad

This creamy and tangy macaroni salad is the perfect refreshing side dish for your next outdoor gathering.

By Daily Recipes Book· 🌍 American· July 15, 2026
Classic Creamy Picnic Macaroni Salad
dailyrecipesbook.com
Prep
20 minutes
Cook
10 minutes
Total
1 hour 30 minutes
Serves
8

There is something about a classic macaroni salad that brings back such great memories of summer picnics and backyard parties. It is one of those reliable recipes that everyone reaches for first because it stays nice and cold and tastes even better after it sits in the fridge for a few hours.

I love how the crunch from the fresh vegetables balances out the creamy dressing. If you want a little extra flavor, feel free to toss in a sprinkle of paprika or a handful of fresh parsley right before you serve it to your guests.

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 1/2 cup finely diced carrots
  • 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1

    Cook the macaroni in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package directions until it is tender.

  2. 2

    Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water until it is completely cool, then drain it well again.

  3. 3

    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth.

  4. 4

    Add the cooled macaroni, celery, carrots, bell pepper, and red onion to the bowl.

  5. 5

    Stir everything together until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated in the dressing.

  6. 6

    Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least one hour before serving so the flavors have a chance to blend.

💡 Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If the salad seems a bit dry after sitting in the fridge, stir in an extra tablespoon of mayonnaise or a splash of milk to freshen it up before serving.

#side dish#picnic#potluck#vegetarian#pasta salad

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