Mac Salad Recipe
Make Mac Salad Recipe in just 45m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Pasta Salad Base
Vegetables
Dressing
Optional Add-ins
Method
Cooking the Pasta
- 1
Boil the Pasta
In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 tsp of salt to the boiling water.
- 2
Cook the Macaroni
Add 2 cups of macaroni pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically 7-9 minutes.
- 3
Drain and Cool
Once cooked, drain the macaroni in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
Preparing the Salad
- 4
Combine Vegetables
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of diced celery, 1 cup of diced red bell pepper, and 1 cup of sliced green onions.
- 5
Make the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tbs of mustard, 2 tbs of apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp of sugar, 1 tsp of salt, and 1 tsp of black pepper until smooth.
- 6
Mix Ingredients
Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl with the vegetables. Pour the dressing over the macaroni and vegetables, and mix well until everything is evenly coated.
- 7
Add Optional Ingredients
If using, fold in 2 chopped hard-boiled eggs, 1 cup of crumbled cooked bacon, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
Chilling and Serving
- 8
Chill the Salad
Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- 9
Serve
Serve chilled as a side dish or light meal. Enjoy your delicious mac salad!
