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Classic Creamy Elbow Macaroni Salad Recipe Easy Homemade with Egg and Celery

classic creamy elbow macaroni salad - featured image
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A simple, comforting macaroni salad featuring elbow macaroni, chopped eggs, celery, and a creamy dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, and BBQs, this recipe is easy to make ahead and loved by all ages.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (about 200g) uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 3 large hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
  • 2 medium celery stalks, finely diced
  • 3/4 cup (180ml) mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional but recommended)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups (200g) of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions, about 7-8 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely. Drain thoroughly.
  2. Place 3 large eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water by about an inch. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, turn off heat and cover the pot. Let eggs sit for 10-12 minutes. Drain and transfer eggs to an ice bath to cool. Peel and chop into small pieces.
  3. Wash and finely dice 2 medium celery stalks.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine 3/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon white vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (if using). Whisk until smooth and creamy.
  5. Add the cooled macaroni, chopped eggs, and diced celery to the dressing. Gently fold to coat evenly, avoiding overmixing.
  6. Fold in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, if using.
  7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld and salad to firm up.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta to keep it al dente. Rinse pasta with cold water to stop cooking and prevent stickiness. Chop celery just before mixing to maintain crunch. Chill at least 1 hour for best flavor. If salad thickens after chilling, stir gently and add a splash of milk or extra mayo to loosen. Optional parsley adds freshness. Variations include swapping celery for cucumber or bell pepper, using Greek yogurt instead of some mayo, or adding pickles or hot sauce for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: macaroni salad, creamy macaroni salad, elbow macaroni salad, egg salad, celery salad, potluck recipe, picnic side dish, BBQ side dish

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/classic-creamy-elbow-macaroni-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-with-egg-and-celery/