Description
This Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad recipe is a creamy, Southern-style pasta salad perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or meal prep. Made with elbow macaroni, crisp veggies, and a tangy mayo dressing, it’s a nostalgic and crowd-pleasing side dish. Best served chilled!
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
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Let cool completely.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
3. Finely dice the celery, green bell pepper, and red onion.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled macaroni, chopped vegetables, and dressing.
5. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold everything together until evenly coated.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to let the flavors meld.
Notes
For extra tang, add a splash more vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice.
Chill thoroughly before serving for best texture and taste.
Dice the veggies uniformly for balanced flavor and better texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg