Name: Dolly Parton's Macaroni Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked); 1 cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 2 teaspoons sugar; 1 cup celery, finely chopped; 1 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped; 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

This creamy, classic Southern side dish is a tribute to down-home comfort and irresistible flavor. Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad is everything you want in a chilled pasta salad: rich, tangy, a little crunchy, and oh-so-satisfying. The creamy dressing hugs every piece of elbow macaroni, while chopped vegetables add texture and freshness.

Perfect for potlucks, summer BBQs, or a cozy family dinner, this recipe brings Southern charm to your table with minimal effort. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or can even shine as a light main on a warm afternoon. And yes, it gets better as it chills, making it an ideal make-ahead dish.

Why You’ll Love This Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad

Nostalgic Southern Flavor: Brings that old-fashioned taste with a creamy tang.
Easy to Make: Boil, chop, mix, and chill. That’s it.
Crowd Pleaser: Everyone from picky eaters to foodies will grab seconds.
Budget-Friendly: Simple pantry staples come together deliciously.
Make-Ahead Marvel: Actually tastes better the next day!

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you begin, having the right tools makes everything smoother. Here are the essentials:

Large Pot: For boiling the elbow macaroni. A wide, deep pot prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
Colander: To drain and rinse the pasta quickly. This step stops the cooking and cools it down fast.
Large Mixing Bowl: Where all the magic happens. Make sure it’s big enough for easy mixing without spillage.
Whisk: Perfect for combining the dressing into a smooth, creamy blend.
Cutting Board & Sharp Knife: For dicing celery, bell pepper, and onion with precision.
Rubber Spatula: Helps fold the ingredients gently without breaking the pasta.

Getting prepped ahead—cooking the pasta, chilling it, and chopping the veggies—will help this dish come together in a breeze.

Ingredients for the Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad

Elbow Macaroni: The base of the salad. Holds the creamy dressing perfectly.
Mayonnaise: Adds richness and binds all ingredients.
Dijon Mustard: Gives a slight tang that balances the creaminess.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides acidity to brighten the flavors.
Sugar: A pinch of sweetness enhances the savory elements.
Celery: Adds fresh crunch and texture.
Green Bell Pepper: Brings color and crispness.
Red Onion: For a sharp bite that cuts through the richness.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning.

How To Make the Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Perfection

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Dressing

In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Chop the Veggies

While the pasta cools, finely dice the celery, green bell pepper, and red onion. Keep them uniform for a nice texture and balanced bite.

Step 4: Combine Everything

In a large bowl, add the cooled macaroni, chopped veggies, and pour the dressing over top. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold everything together until well coated.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Serving and Storing Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad

Serve this salad cold straight from the fridge as a side or light main dish. It pairs wonderfully with BBQ, fried chicken, burgers, or as part of a picnic spread.

For storage, keep the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Give it a gentle stir before serving again to refresh the dressing. Avoid freezing as the creamy dressing may separate.