If you’re craving a refreshing, crunchy, and creamy side dish that’s perfect for picnics, BBQs, or family dinners, this Classic Macaroni Salad with Tangy Dressing is exactly what you need. It’s loaded with vibrant veggies, hard-boiled eggs, and a delightfully tangy dressing that brings everything together beautifully.

Macaroni salad is a staple comfort food that never goes out of style. Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled meats or enjoying it as a standalone lunch, this version stands out with its perfectly balanced flavors and satisfying textures.

Classic Macaroni Salad with Tangy Dressing

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly Balanced Flavor: The sweet gherkins and red wine vinegar add a lovely tang that complements the creamy dressing.
Crunchy and Fresh: Red bell peppers, celery, and onions provide a refreshing crunch in every bite.
Simple to Make: Just boil, chop, mix, and chill — perfect for any skill level.
Make-Ahead Friendly: This salad tastes even better after resting in the fridge for a few hours.
Crowd-Pleasing: Ideal for potlucks, family meals, or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Macaroni Salad:

8 oz dry macaroni noodles
½ cup finely diced sweet gherkins
¾ cup finely diced red bell pepper
⅓ cup thinly sliced celery
⅓ cup finely diced red onion
2 large hard-boiled eggs, finely diced

For the Dressing:

¾ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream
2 tablespoons sweet pickle juice
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni noodles and cook until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Salad Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled macaroni noodles, sweet gherkins, red bell pepper, celery, red onion, and diced hard-boiled eggs.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, sweet pickle juice, red wine vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Combine and Chill

Pour the dressing over the macaroni mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

Step 5: Refrigerate

Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. Before serving, give it a gentle stir and adjust seasoning if needed.

Variations

Swap the Veggies: Use diced cucumber, shredded carrots, or green peas for different textures.
Make it Vegan: Substitute mayonnaise and sour cream with vegan alternatives and omit eggs.
Add Herbs: Fresh dill or parsley adds a bright, herbal note.
Spice It Up: Add a dash of cayenne or hot sauce to the dressing for some heat.

Heating & Storage

Storage: Store the macaroni salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers delicious.
Serving: Serve cold or at room temperature, perfect for warm days or chilled meals.
Avoid Freezing: Due to the mayo and sour cream, this salad doesn’t freeze well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use elbow macaroni instead of regular macaroni?

Yes, elbow macaroni is a classic choice and works perfectly in this recipe.

How long does macaroni salad last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, it lasts about 3 days.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! It’s best made at least an hour in advance to let flavors develop.

What can I substitute for sweet pickle juice?

You can use dill pickle juice or a mix of vinegar and a little sugar.

Can I use homemade mayonnaise and sour cream?

Yes, homemade versions will work wonderfully and enhance the freshness.

Can I add protein to this salad?

Yes, adding diced chicken, tuna, or cooked shrimp turns it into a full meal.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free pasta, then yes, this salad can be gluten-free.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Substitute mayonnaise for a dairy-free version and omit sour cream or use a dairy-free alternative.

How do I prevent the salad from becoming watery?

Drain and rinse the pasta well, and squeeze moisture out of any vegetables that release water.

What’s the best way to boil pasta for salad?

Cook pasta until just al dente, rinse under cold water to stop cooking, then toss with a little olive oil.

Conclusion

This Classic Macaroni Salad with Tangy Dressing is a timeless side that brings a fresh, flavorful, and colorful element to any meal. Easy to make and always a hit, it’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a simple family dinner. Try it once, and you’ll see why this recipe is a staple!

Classic Macaroni Salad with Tangy Dressing

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Author: Chef sara
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A refreshing macaroni salad with crunchy vegetables, diced hard-boiled eggs, and a tangy dressing featuring sweet pickle juice, Dijon mustard, and red wine vinegar. Ideal for summer gatherings and easy meal prep.

Instructions

Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water. Toss with olive oil.
In a large bowl, combine macaroni, gherkins, red bell pepper, celery, red onion, and eggs.
In a separate bowl, whisk all dressing ingredients until smooth.
Pour dressing over macaroni mixture and toss gently to coat.
Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour. Stir before serving. Adjust seasoning if necessary.