Easy Macaroni Salad

4.50 from 6 votes

This Easy Macaroni Salad is made with elbow macaroni, cheddar, sweet relish and a creamy mayo dressing for the perfect summer side dish.

Prep Time15

Cook Time10

Total Time25

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: macaroni salad

Servings: servings

Calories: 535kcal

Boil the macaroni in salted water until it’s al dente. Rinse in cold water and drain well.
1 pound elbow macaroni
In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, salt, black pepper, celery, sweet relish, and cheddar. Stir it until all of the ingredients are incorporated.
1 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup white vinegar, 2 Tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 stalk celery, 2 Tablespoons sweet relish, 8 ounces cheddar cheese
Fold the macaroni into the dressing mixture and stir to coat.
Cover the bowl with foil or plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. Let it chill for at least 3 hours, or overnight.
Serve!

Cook the pasta just until al dente so it doesn't become mushy.
Let the salad chill before serving so the flavors have time to develop.
Stir the salad before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Add a splash of vinegar if the salad needs a little extra brightness.
Cut the cheese into small cubes so every bite gets some.
If the salad seems dry after chilling, stir in a little extra mayonnaise before serving.