Description
Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad is a creamy Southern-style pasta salad made with elbow macaroni, fresh crunchy vegetables, and a tangy mayo-based dressing. Perfect for BBQs, picnics, or weeknight dinners. This easy macaroni salad recipe is the ideal summer side dish and make-ahead meal for gatherings and potlucks.
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
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni until al dente according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water. Let cool completely.
2. While the pasta cools, finely dice celery, green and red bell peppers, and red onion.
3. In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, mustard, and pickle relish until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Add cooled pasta and chopped vegetables to the bowl. Gently toss until everything is coated and combined.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
This salad tastes even better the next day once the flavors have melded.
If the dressing thickens in the fridge, stir in a splash of milk to loosen it up.
Add a chopped hard-boiled egg for extra Southern flair.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Southern, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 12mg