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Close up of pale-yellow Southern Macaroni Salad with red bell peppers and celery. (Southern Macaroni Salad)

Southern Macaroni Salad: The Ultimate Creamy Classic Recipe

The definitive Southern Macaroni Salad featuring a thick, glossy mayonnaise and mustard dressing. Perfectly al dente elbow macaroni is tossed with crisp red bell peppers, celery, and scallions for the ultimate summer potluck side dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 cups
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 340
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 16 oz Elbow Macaroni 450g
  • 1.5 cups Mayonnaise 350ml, full-fat
  • 2 tbsp Yellow Mustard 30ml
  • 2 tbsp Granulated Sugar 25g
  • 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar 15ml
  • 1 medium Red Bell Pepper finely diced
  • 2 stalks Celery finely diced
  • 4 whole Green Scallions sliced
  • 1 tsp Paprika for dusting

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot For boiling macaroni
  • 1 Clear Glass Serving Bowl For visual presentation
  • 1 Whisk To emulsify the dressing

Method
 

Boil the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni for 8-9 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse thoroughly with cold water.
Make the Dressing
  1. In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, sugar, and vinegar until glossy and pale-yellow.
Combine and Garnish
  1. In a glass bowl, fold the dressing and diced vegetables into the macaroni. Dust with paprika and top with sliced scallions.

Notes

Chill for 2 hours before serving for the best flavor.
Add a splash of milk if the salad becomes too thick after refrigeration.