If you’re looking for the ultimate summertime side dish that’s easy to make, irresistibly creamy, and loved by just about everyone, look no further than this Classic Macaroni Salad! Whether you’re heading to a BBQ, potluck, or just want a satisfying cold pasta salad in the fridge, this recipe hits all the right notes.
Why You’ll Love This Spectacular Side Dish
- Simple & Reliable. This is a time-tested classic that always turns out great.
- Make-Ahead Friendly. Even better after a few hours in the fridge.
- Crowd-Pleaser. Perfect for picnics, parties, and family dinners.
- Customizable. Easy to tweak to suit your preferences.
Once you make this macaroni salad from scratch, you’ll never want to settle for store-bought again. The creamy dressing and crisp vegetables make it the perfect addition to any summer meal.
What Does Macaroni Salad Taste Like?
Macaroni salad is the kind of dish that shows up at almost every summer cookout, and for good reason. It’s creamy, tangy, slightly sweet, and full of texture thanks to the crunchy veggies.
Not only is it satisfying on its own, but it pairs beautifully with grilled meats, sandwiches, and more. And let’s be honest, macaroni salad tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Elbow Macaroni - The star of the show! Cook until al dente and rinse with cold water.
- Mayonnaise - Forms the creamy base of the dressing. Use a high-quality mayo for best flavor.
- Dijon Mustard - Adds tang and complexity to the dressing.
- Apple Cider Vinegar - Helps balance out the richness of the mayo and adds brightness.
- Tomato - Diced tomato adds natural sweetness and color the the salad.
- Sugar - Just a touch of sweetness to round out the flavor.
- Salt & Pepper - Season to taste.
- Peas and Carotts - Adds fresh crunch to every bite.
- Red Bell Pepper - For color, crunch, and a little natural sweetness.
- Red Onion - Adds sharpness and bite.
- Pickle Relish - Sweet or dill, depending on your preference, for a tangy punch.
How To Make Macaroni Salad
- Cook the Macaroni . Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until just al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta quickly.
- Prep the Veggies and Eggs . While the macaroni is cooling, finely dice the red bell pepper, tomato, and red onion.
- Make the Dressing . In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine Everything . Add the cooled macaroni, diced vegetables, and pickle relish to the bowl with the dressing. Gently stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve . Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold and garnish with chopped parsley or paprika for a pop of color, if desired.
Tips And Tricks
Making a great macaroni salad is easy, but these tips will ensure you get it perfect every time:
- Rinse the Pasta . Rinsing stops the cooking and removes excess starch so the salad doesn’t get gummy.
- Use Real Mayonnaise . Avoid light or fat-free versions for the best creamy texture and flavor.
- Chill Before Serving . Give your salad time in the fridge. It really brings out the best flavors.
- Dice Ingredients Evenly . Small, uniform pieces make for a better texture and more balanced bites.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta . Mushy pasta will ruin the texture of the salad. Aim for just al dente.
Variations
- Bacon - Add crumbled cooked bacon for a smoky, salty twist.
- Tuna - Mix in a can of drained tuna for a protein-packed version.
- Spicy - Add chopped jalapeños, hot sauce, or sriracha for a little kick.
- Vegan - Use vegan mayo and skip the eggs. Add chickpeas for extra protein.
- Cheddar - Stir in shredded cheddar cheese for extra richness.
What To Eat With Macaroni Salad
Macaroni salad is a versatile side that pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are some tasty options to complete your meal:
- Grilled Chicken or Steak - A juicy protein balances the creaminess of the salad.
- Burgers and Hot Dogs - The ultimate cookout combo.
- Fried Chicken - Crispy and comforting, perfect with a cool salad.
- BBQ Ribs or Pulled Pork - The tangy dressing plays beautifully with smoky BBQ flavors.
- Fresh Fruit - Add watermelon, cantaloupe, or pineapple for a refreshing contrast.
How Long Does It Last?
Macaroni salad should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3 to 5 days. In fact, it usually tastes better the day after it’s made!
If you’re taking it to a picnic or BBQ, make sure it doesn’t sit out for more than 2 hours (1 hour if it’s hot outside) to avoid spoilage.
Can You Freeze It?
Technically, yes, but it’s not recommended. Freezing can cause the mayo-based dressing to separate and make the texture watery or gritty once thawed.
If you need to prep ahead, consider chopping the vegetables and cooking the pasta in advance. Store them separately and mix everything together the day you plan to serve it.
More Of Our Best BBQ Sides
- Instant Pot Baked Beans
- Keto Coleslaw
- Vegan Potato Salad
- Low Carb Broccoli Salad
- Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
- Tuna Macaroni Salad
Macaroni Salad Recipe | Classic BBQ Side Dish
Ingredients
- ▢ 2 cups Elbow Pasta
- ▢ 1 cup Mayonnaise
- ▢ 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
- ▢ 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- ▢ 1 Tomato , diced
- ▢ 1 tsp Granualted Sugar
- ▢ 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
- ▢ 1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper
- ▢ 1/2 cup Peas and Carrots Mix
- ▢ 1/4 cup Bell Pepper , diced
- ▢ 1/4 cup Red Onion , diced
- ▢ 1/4 cup Pickle Relish
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni . Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until just al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta quickly.
- Prep the Veggies and Eggs . While the macaroni is cooling, finely dice the red bell pepper, tomato, and red onion.
- Make the Dressing . In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine Everything . Add the cooled macaroni, diced vegetables, and pickle relish to the bowl with the dressing. Gently stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve . Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold and garnish with chopped parsley or paprika for a pop of color, if desired.
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Macaroni Salad Recipe | Classic BBQ Side Dish
Ingredients
- 2 cups Elbow Pasta
- 1 cup Mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
- 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 Tomato diced
- 1 tsp Granualted Sugar
- 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 1/2 cup Peas and Carrots Mix
- 1/4 cup Bell Pepper diced
- 1/4 cup Red Onion diced
- 1/4 cup Pickle Relish
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni . Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until just al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta quickly.
- Prep the Veggies and Eggs . While the macaroni is cooling, finely dice the red bell pepper, tomato, and red onion.
- Make the Dressing . In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine Everything . Add the cooled macaroni, diced vegetables, and pickle relish to the bowl with the dressing. Gently stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve . Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold and garnish with chopped parsley or paprika for a pop of color, if desired.
Macaroni Salad Recipe | Classic BBQ Side Dish https://twosleevers.com/macaroni-salad-recipe/
If you’re looking for a soothing drink that’s easy to make and packed with wellness benefits, this Lemon Ginger Tea is for you. With fresh lemon juice, spicy ginger, and natural honey, it’s warming, refreshing, and perfect for any time of day.
Why You’ll Love This Delicious Drink
- Fast. Ready in under 10 minutes for a quick wellness boost.
- Easy. Just fresh ingredients and hot water, no fancy equipment needed.
- Immune Boosting. Ginger and lemon both support immune health and digestion.
- Refreshing. Light, bright, and soothing with a hint of sweetness.
- Versatile. Enjoy it hot for comfort or iced for a cooling refreshment.
With this homemade Lemon Ginger Tea, you get a café-quality tea at home that’s not only delicious but also supportive for digestion, hydration, and relaxation.
What Does Lemon Ginger Tea Taste Like?
Lemon ginger tea is a beloved classic for its comforting warmth, zesty citrus flavor, and the slight spiciness of fresh ginger. It’s caffeine-free, making it ideal for evenings, yet energizing enough to start your morning with clarity.
Is It Healthy?
Lemon ginger tea is considered a highly healthy beverage thanks to its combination of nourishing and soothing ingredients.
Fresh ginger root provides powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, supporting digestion, reducing nausea, and easing discomfort from bloating or an upset stomach. Lemon adds a dose of vitamin C and bright citrus freshness, boosting immune function and aiding hydration.
When sweetened with honey, the tea gains additional antibacterial and throat-soothing benefits, making it especially comforting during cold and flu season.
Overall, drinking this tea is a natural way to support digestive health, strengthen the immune system, and stay hydrated while enjoying its warming, refreshing flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Fresh Ginger Root - Provides the signature warming spice, slight heat, and aromatic depth that makes it so soothing and energizing. Thin slices allow the flavors to infuse fully.
- Fresh Lemon - Adds bright citrus freshness, tanginess, and vitamin C to the tea. Sliced lemons infuse their oils and juices into the water, while lemon juice alone intensifies the flavor quickly.
- Honey - Optional, but it naturally sweetens the tea while providing a smooth, soothing effect on the throat, especially beneficial during colds or sore throat.
- Water - Acts as the base of the tea, extracting flavors from the ginger and lemon. Hot, filtered water ensures clarity and proper steeping.
- Optional Additions Turmeric - Adds earthy flavor and anti-inflammatory benefits. Fresh Mint - Brings a cooling herbal freshness to balance the ginger spice. Cinnamon Stick - Infuses warming, sweet spice and depth, complementing ginger perfectly.
How To Make Lemon Ginger Tea
- Prepare the Ingredients. Peel and slice fresh ginger into thin pieces. Slice the lemon or juice it, depending on preference.
- Boil Water. Heat filtered water in a kettle or pot until boiling.
- Steep. Add ginger slices to a mug. Pour hot water over them and let them steep for 5 minutes.
- Add Lemon and Honey. Stir in fresh lemon juice or slices and sweeten with honey to taste.
- Serve. Sip warm or cool slightly and pour over ice for an iced version.
Tips And Tricks
Making Lemon Ginger Tea is simple, but these tips will ensure the best flavor and experience:
- Use Fresh Ginger. Fresh root provides the best flavor and health benefits over powdered ginger.
- Adjust Strength. Steep longer for a spicier tea or use less ginger for a milder taste.
- Add Turmeric. A pinch of turmeric pairs perfectly with ginger for an anti-inflammatory boost.
- Make Ahead. Brew a large batch, store in the fridge, and reheat or serve iced throughout the day.
Variations
If you love Lemon Ginger Tea and want to experiment with flavors, here are a few variations to try:
- Mint- Add fresh mint leaves for cooling herbal notes.
- Cinnamon- Steep with a cinnamon stick for extra warmth and depth.
- Turmeric- Add a pinch of turmeric and black pepper for an anti-inflammatory tonic.
- Iced- Brew as usual, let cool, and pour over ice for a refreshing summer drink.
What To Enjoy With Lemon Ginger Tea
Lemon Ginger Tea pairs beautifully with light snacks and breakfast items, such as:
- Shortbread Cookies - The buttery sweetness complements the bright citrus notes.
- Fresh Fruit - Enjoy with berries, melon, or pineapple for a refreshing combination.
- Light Breakfast - Serve with oatmeal , yogurt parfait, or avocado toast for a balanced morning meal.
How Long Does It Last?
Freshly brewed Lemon Ginger Tea is best enjoyed immediately, but you can store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat the tea gently before serving if you want it hot, or enjoy it chilled over ice.
Can You Freeze It?
Yes, you can freeze lemon ginger tea. To do so, allow the tea to cool completely after brewing, then pour it into freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays. If you use ice cube trays, once frozen, transfer the cubes to a resealable freezer bag for easier storage.
Frozen lemon ginger tea can last for up to 2-3 months.
More Tasty Teas
- Lemongrass Tea
- Instant Pot Iced Tea
- Hibiscus Tea
- Instant Pot Bubble Tea
Lemon Ginger Tea Recipe | Homemade Ginger Tea
Ingredients
- ▢ 4 cups Water
- ▢ 3 inches Ginger Root
- ▢ 1 Lemon , sliced
- ▢ Honey , to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients. Peel and slice fresh ginger into thin pieces. Slice the lemon or juice it, depending on preference.
- Boil Water. Heat filtered water in a kettle or pot until boiling.
- Steep. Add ginger slices to a mug. Pour hot water over them and let them steep for 5 minutes.
- Add Lemon and Honey. Stir in fresh lemon juice or slices and sweeten with honey to taste.
- Serve. Sip warm or cool slightly and pour over ice for an iced version.
