Introduction
Lina Vexley, a food lover who always seeks ways to bring fresh twists to traditional dishes, first made macaroni salad for a family gathering. It was a warm summer day, and she wanted a dish that was not only refreshing but also simple to prepare. After experimenting with a few ingredients, she created a creamy, tangy, and hearty macaroni salad that everyone loved. Since that day, it’s become a staple at her family picnics and gatherings. Lina now shares her delicious macaroni salad recipe, perfect for any occasion, and sure to satisfy both kids and adults alike.
Recipe

Classic Macaroni Salad
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Pot
Ingredients
- 2 cups macaroni pasta cooked and drained
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1/2 cup celery chopped
- 1/2 cup carrot shredded
- 1/4 cup red onion finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and yellow mustard to create the dressing.
- Add the chopped celery, shredded carrot, and red onion to the dressing, and mix well.
- Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl and stir until the pasta is well coated with the dressing and vegetables.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, and mix again.
- Chill the macaroni salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
Notes
Nutrition
How to Make Macaroni Salad
To make a delicious macaroni salad, start by cooking the macaroni pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water, then set it aside to cool completely. Once the pasta has cooled, you can prepare the dressing. In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and mustard to create a tangy base for your salad.
Add chopped celery, shredded carrot, and finely chopped red onion to the dressing, mixing everything together to create a crunchy and flavorful combination. Once the vegetables are mixed in, add the cooled macaroni pasta to the bowl and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the dressing.
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix again to ensure all ingredients are evenly seasoned. For the best flavor, cover and chill the macaroni salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together, making each bite more delicious.
Macaroni salad is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a quick lunch. Feel free to add extra ingredients like diced pickles or a sprinkle of paprika for an extra kick. This salad is refreshing, creamy, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Conclusion
Macaroni salad is a timeless classic that’s easy to make and always a hit at gatherings. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue, a picnic, or simply as a side dish for lunch, this recipe is versatile, delicious, and sure to satisfy. Lina Vexley’s creamy, tangy macaroni salad will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection, providing a perfect balance of flavors and textures every time. Enjoy!