Southern Style Macaroni Salad

Name: Southern Style Macaroni Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups elbow macaroni; 1 cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon mustard; 1 cup diced celery; 1 cup diced bell pepper (red and green); 1/2 cup diced red onion; 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish; Salt and pepper to taste; Paprika for garnish

Highlighted under: Nourishing Comfort Meals

I absolutely love making Southern Style Macaroni Salad because it's the perfect side dish for any gathering. The combination of tender pasta, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy dressing creates a delightful texture and flavor that always reminds me of warm summer days. Whenever I prepare this salad for barbecues or family picnics, it quickly becomes the star of the spread. I enjoy tweaking the ingredients to suit my taste, and I'm excited to share this delicious recipe with you!

Created by

Sandra

Last updated on 2026-02-01T23:51:27.793Z

When I make Southern Style Macaroni Salad, I always reminisce about my grandmother's potluck gatherings. She had a knack for making simple dishes feel like gourmet creations. I found that using fresh ingredients, especially crisp celery and sweet bell peppers, elevates this salad to another level. The dressing, which is a blend of mayonnaise and a touch of mustard, is essential for flavor balance.

One of my favorite tips for this recipe is to let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This resting period allows all the flavors to meld together, making each bite refreshing and delicious. Plus, it's a make-ahead dish, so I can enjoy more time with friends and family!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy dressing that complements the pasta perfectly
Crunchy veggies add a refreshing bite to every serving
Ideal for BBQs, picnics, and family gatherings

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make a delightful Southern Style Macaroni Salad:

Ingredients

2 cups elbow macaroni
1 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon mustard
1 cup diced celery
1 cup diced bell pepper (red and green)
1/2 cup diced red onion
1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
Salt and pepper to taste
Paprika for garnish

Once you have gathered all the ingredients, you're ready to start making the salad!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious Southern Style Macaroni Salad:

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, boil water and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Prepare the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, mustard, and sweet pickle relish. Mix well until smooth.

Combine Ingredients

Add the cooked macaroni, diced celery, diced bell pepper, and diced red onion to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold to combine everything evenly.

Season and Chill

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.

Serve

Before serving, give the salad a good stir. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika for color and enjoy!

Now that you've completed all the steps, your macaroni salad is ready to impress!

Pro Tips

For a twist, try adding diced hard-boiled eggs or crispy bacon bits to the salad. It adds an extra layer of flavor and texture everyone will love!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I prepare the macaroni salad a day in advance?

Yes, preparing it a day in advance allows the flavors to develop even more. Just make sure to keep it refrigerated.

→ What can I substitute for mayonnaise?

You can use Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo for a lighter option or for dietary preferences.

→ Is it possible to add proteins to the salad?

Absolutely! Shredded chicken or canned tuna can be great additions for extra protein.

→ How long does this salad last in the refrigerator?

It can last about 3-5 days in the fridge in an airtight container.