Name: Dolly Parton's Macaroni Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 2 cups elbow macaroni; 1 cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon yellow mustard; 1 stalk celery, finely chopped; 1/2 green bell pepper, finely chopped; 1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped; 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad is like a warm Southern hug on a summer day. It’s creamy, cool, and packed with flavor from classic pantry staples. With its smooth mayo base, crunchy veggies, and tender elbow macaroni, this dish brings a nostalgic comfort that feels just right at any family gathering or picnic. It’s the kind of salad that disappears first at potlucks, leaving everyone asking who made it.

This recipe mirrors the beloved simplicity of Southern cuisine, turning humble ingredients into something that just tastes like home. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, planning a picnic, or just want a make-ahead lunch, this macaroni salad is going to be your trusty sidekick.

Why You’ll Love This Macaroni Salad

You’ll love Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad because it’s incredibly easy to make, loaded with fresh flavor, and versatile enough to serve with almost anything. The textures are just right: creamy from the mayo, crisp from the celery and bell peppers, and tender from the pasta. It also gets better as it sits, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day leftovers.

Whether you grew up in the South or just love the comfort of its flavors, this salad tastes like a bite of tradition with every forkful. And with only a few ingredients, you can whip it up without much planning.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Classic elbow macaroni is the best choice for this recipe, and not just because of tradition. Its shape holds onto the creamy dressing, and its size makes for a great mouthfeel. If you’re in a pinch, small shells or ditalini would work too, but for that true Dolly-style charm, elbow macaroni is the way to go.

Ingredients for the Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad

Macaroni salad shines when the ingredients are simple and balanced. This recipe uses ingredients that are easy to find and even easier to love. The creamy base paired with crisp vegetables creates a beautiful contrast of textures and flavors.

Elbow macaroni
Mayonnaise
Yellow mustard
Celery
Green bell pepper
Red bell pepper
Red onion
Pickle relish
Salt
Black pepper

Each of these ingredients plays a role. The elbow macaroni is the canvas, soft and chewy. Mayonnaise provides that creamy texture, while mustard adds a bit of tang. Celery, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper offer freshness and crunch. Red onion adds a subtle bite, and pickle relish brings a sweet and tangy twist. Don’t forget the salt and black pepper to balance all those bright flavors.

How To Make the Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until just al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Let it cool completely.

Step 2: Chop the Veggies

While the pasta cools, finely dice the celery, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and red onion. This will help distribute the crunch evenly throughout the salad.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, yellow mustard, and pickle relish. Stir until smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 4: Mix It All Together

Add the cooled pasta and chopped vegetables into the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is well coated and the veggies are evenly mixed.

Step 5: Chill Before Serving

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours. This allows the flavors to marry and develop that classic Southern-style taste. Serve cold.

How to Serve and Store Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad

This recipe serves 6 to 8 people as a side dish and is ideal for potlucks, BBQs, or weekday lunches. Serve it chilled right out of the fridge, either as a side dish or as part of a picnic plate.

To store leftovers, transfer the salad into an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps well for 3 to 4 days. Just give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing. If the salad thickens too much in the fridge, stir in a splash of milk or a spoonful of mayo to loosen it up.

What to Serve With Macaroni Salad?

Grilled Burgers

Nothing pairs better with a cold macaroni salad than a juicy cheeseburger hot off the grill.

BBQ Ribs

Sticky, smoky ribs are balanced perfectly with the creamy and tangy profile of this salad.

Fried Chicken

Golden, crispy chicken and chilled macaroni salad are a Southern combo that can’t be beat.

Hot Dogs

This is a classic cookout pairing. The salad brings creaminess and crunch alongside the savory hot dog.

Baked Beans

Warm, sweet baked beans contrast nicely with the coolness of macaroni salad.

Corn on the Cob

Add some buttered corn for a vibrant, simple veggie side that matches the Southern vibe.

Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Creamy macaroni salad cuts through the richness of slow-cooked pulled pork beautifully.

Deviled Eggs

They’re another Southern staple that brings richness and extra protein to your plate.

Want More Salad Ideas With a Southern Twist?

If you love this Dolly Parton Macaroni Salad, you’ll probably enjoy these other comforting classics:

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest side dish board so you can come back to it anytime.

Let me know in the comments how your batch turned out. Did you make it spicy with a little paprika? Add chopped boiled eggs? I love hearing your spins on these favorites.

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