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bowl of traditional macaroni salad

Grandma’s Easy Macaroni Salad

This traditional macaroni salad is creamy, classic, and easy to make with simple ingredients. A perfect cold side dish for potlucks, BBQs, and family gatherings.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Side Dish
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2-3 tablespoons white sugar
  • ¼ cup distilled white vinegar
  • 2 ½ tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 stalks celery chopped
  • 1 large onion finely chopped
  • ⅓ cup finely shredded carrot
  • green onion, sliced optional

Method
 

  1. Cook macaroni in salted water until tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
  2. Whisk together mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  3. Add cooled macaroni and stir to coat evenly.
  4. Fold in celery, onion, and carrot. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

Notes

  • Chill for several hours or overnight for best flavor
  • Finely shred carrot for a smoother texture
  • Rinse pasta to stop cooking and prevent sticking
  • Add bell pepper for extra crunch if desired

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