Hey y'all! If you're searching for the ultimate summer side dish that brings nostalgia and flavor to every bite, this Classic Macaroni Salad with Sweet Pickles and Eggs is just what you need. Creamy, zesty, and loaded with tender pasta, crunchy veggies, tangy sweet pickles, and creamy eggs, it's a guaranteed hit for potlucks, picnics, BBQs, or simple family dinners. Ready to make the best macaroni salad you've ever tasted? Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Classic Macaroni Salad with Sweet Pickles and Eggs
- Perfectly balances creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors for a taste everyone loves.
- Quick and easy to prepare with simple, everyday ingredients.
- Ideal make-ahead recipe for gatherings, parties, or meal prep.
- Versatile—customize with your favorite add-ins or enjoy as is.
- Keeps beautifully in the fridge, making leftovers extra delicious!
Ingredients for Classic Macaroni Salad with Sweet Pickles and Eggs
- 2 cups (about 8 oz) elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup diced celery (about 1 stalk)
- ⅓ cup diced red bell pepper
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
- ½ cup chopped sweet pickles (or sweet pickle relish)
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon paprika for garnish
- Optional: Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make Classic Macaroni Salad with Sweet Pickles and Eggs
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside to cool completely.
Step 2: Hard-Boil the Eggs
Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with water by 1 inch. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then cover and remove from heat. Let sit for 10-12 minutes, then transfer eggs to an ice bath to cool. Peel and chop once cool.
Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine the Salad
Add cooled macaroni, chopped eggs, celery, red bell pepper, red onion, and sweet pickles to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld. Garnish with paprika and parsley if desired. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes for the Best Classic Macaroni Salad with Sweet Pickles and Eggs
- For extra tang, try adding a splash of pickle juice to the dressing.
- If you prefer a sweeter salad, increase the sugar to 2 teaspoons.
- Learn about the best ways to cook perfect hard-boiled eggs from Simply Recipes.
Variations on Classic Macaroni Salad with Sweet Pickles and Eggs
- Protein Boost: Add diced cooked ham or shredded chicken for a heartier salad.
- Veggie-Packed: Mix in thawed frozen peas, shredded carrots, or chopped cucumber.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a dash of hot sauce or finely chopped jalapeños.
Required Equipment for Classic Macaroni Salad with Sweet Pickles and Eggs
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Medium saucepan for eggs
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage Instructions for Classic Macaroni Salad with Sweet Pickles and Eggs
Store any leftover macaroni salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir before serving, and add an extra spoonful of mayo if the salad seems dry after chilling.
Serving Suggestions for Classic Macaroni Salad with Sweet Pickles and Eggs
This creamy macaroni salad pairs perfectly with grilled burgers, BBQ chicken, roast beef sandwiches, or as a side at your next picnic or potluck. Try serving it alongside grilled corn on the cob or fresh watermelon slices for the ultimate summer meal!
Pro Tips for Perfect Classic Macaroni Salad with Sweet Pickles and Eggs
- Don't overcook the pasta—al dente texture prevents mushy salad.
- Rinse pasta under cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
- Letting the salad chill for at least an hour before serving helps flavors blend beautifully. For tips on perfect pasta, check out Bon Appétit’s pasta guide.
FAQ: Classic Macaroni Salad with Sweet Pickles and Eggs
- Can I make Classic Macaroni Salad with Sweet Pickles and Eggs ahead of time?
- Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better after chilling for a few hours or overnight.
- Can I use dill pickles instead of sweet pickles?
- Yes, you can swap in dill pickles if you prefer a more tangy, less sweet flavor.
- Is this macaroni salad gluten-free?
- It can be! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta. For more on gluten-free cooking, see Celiac Disease Foundation’s resources.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Serves: 8
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sweet pickles, chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- ½ cup celery, diced
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Paprika for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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1Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
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2Place eggs in a saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Transfer eggs to an ice bath, peel, and chop.
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3In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, yellow mustard, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the dressing.
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4Add the cooled macaroni, chopped eggs, sweet pickles, red onion, and celery to the bowl. Toss gently to coat all ingredients with the dressing.
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5Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving. Garnish with paprika if desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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