The easiest classic macaroni salad recipe is the perfect pasta salad for kids year round. You can sneak a ton of vegetables into this delicious and tangy side dish that looks like it was made with colorful confetti!

Easy MACARONI SALAD Recipe

Pasta salad is one of my favorite dishes to make for parties and get-togethers because not only is it a crowd-pleaser, it is made from inexpensive ingredients, which makes it cost-effective when cooking for many people.

I also love that the ingredients are basic pantry staples that I usually have on hand! If you don’t have some of these ingredients, switch it up and use what you have.

This really is the best macaroni salad recipe.

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Delicious Recipe for Macaroni Salad:

• Serves 16-20
• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 10 min

Macaroni Salad Ingredients

• 1 box (16 oz) elbow macaroni
• 1/3 cup red onion, finely diced
• 3/4 cup or ½ red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup (2 stalks) celery, diced
• 3/4 cup matchstick carrots, chopped
• 2 large eggs, hard boiled
• 3/4 cup frozen peas

Dressing Ingredients for Macaroni Salad

• 1 cup mayonnaise, regular or light
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Macaroni Salad

STEP 1

Start by boiling the pasta according to directions on box to al dente.

STEP 2

Then, while the pasta is cooking, cut vegetables and eggs.

STEP 3

Add to a large bowl.

STEP 4

When the pasta is done, rinse thoroughly in cold water.

STEP 5

Next, add to a large bowl.

STEP 6

In a small bowl, combine ingredients for dressing until smooth.

STEP 7

Pour over pasta mixture and mix to coat well.

STEP 8

Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.

STEP 9

Store leftovers in refrigerator.

Pasta salad is so colorful! It makes the perfect centerpiece for a BBQ!

Notes:

Don’t like mayonnaise? That’s okay! You can use half and half of sour cream and mayo. Combine the mayonnaise and sour cream for a still rich and creamy macaroni salad, but one that isn’t so regular mayo forward.

Don’t like the sweetness of red peppers? Red bell peppers are great, but they’re not for everyone. You can use a green pepper if you’d like. Just depends on your personal preference, this is your mac salad afterall.

Instead of red onions, you can also use green onions.

Can You Make Macaroni Salad with Food Allergies? 

Yes! Depending on the food allergy, you can make an easy pasta salad to meet those needs!

• There are many different versions of gluten free, egg free, dairy free, and corn free pasta noodles. You could also use zoodles (zucchini noodles) in place of pasta for a fun macaroni alternative!
• There are also many different vegan mayonnaise products that will help you if you have an egg allergy (and then just opt out of adding the hard-boiled egg to this recipe). 

Thanks to so many awesome dietary options, where there’s a will for a simple macaroni salad recipe, there’s a way! 

This family favorite is great for a summer potluck, goes well with any bbq, hot dogs, fried chicken. It is such a versatile salad as most cold pasta salad is.

More Easy Recipes that Kids will Love from Kids Activities Blog

1. If you’re looking for light summer meal and appetizer ideas, pita bread recipes are the perfect choice! 
2. Salads are one of my favorite things to eat on hot summer days. If you have a hard time getting your kids to eat veggies, try these kid-approved salad recipes! 
3. These summer snacks are healthy and yummy! 
4. Are you up to your ears in corn, from your garden or the farmer’s market? Try these sweet corn summer recipes! 
5. This easy Greek pasta salad recipe with chicken makes a cool and refreshing dinner on hot nights! 

How did your easy classic macaroni salad turn out? Did your kids love this pasta salad?