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The Ultimate Classic Potluck Macaroni Salad: Creamy, Tangy, and Perfect for a Crowd

A close-up of a white bowl overflowing with creamy Classic Macaroni Salad (Potluck Style), mixed with chopped eggs and red onion.
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This recipe yields a large batch of creamy, traditional American macaroni salad, ideal for potlucks, picnics, and cookouts. It uses standard ingredients for a reliable, crowd-pleasing flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup celery, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup sweet pickle relish
  • 4 large eggs, hard-boiled and chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise (full fat recommended)
  • 1/4 cup yellow mustard
  • 2 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain immediately and rinse thoroughly with cold water to stop cooking and remove excess starch. Drain very well.
  2. In a very large bowl, combine the cooled macaroni, chopped celery, red onion, sweet pickle relish, and chopped hard-boiled eggs.
  3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, white vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth. This is your dressing.
  4. Pour the dressing over the macaroni mixture. Fold gently until all ingredients are evenly coated. Do not overmix.
  5. Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and the pasta to absorb the dressing properly.
  6. Before serving, give the salad one final gentle stir. Add a splash more vinegar or a pinch of salt if needed to adjust the flavor.

Notes

  • Rinsing the cooked pasta well with cold water is key to preventing a gummy texture later.
  • For best results and a truly classic flavor, use full-fat mayonnaise.
  • If the salad seems too thick after chilling, stir in one or two tablespoons of milk or a little extra vinegar to loosen it slightly.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://spoonsprout.com/classic-macaroni-salad-potluck-style/