Chef John's Classic Macaroni Salad

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353 Reviews
49 Photos

This deli-style macaroni salad will always be a crowd-pleaser, whether it's sitting next to some smoky ribs or just a humble hot dog. Just pay attention to a few key details as you make it. Top with sliced green onions if desired.

By
John Mitzewich
Chef John
John Mitzewich
John Mitzewich — aka Chef John — has produced more than 1,500 cooking videos for Allrecipes. He's the actor, director, and screenwriter whose hands and voice confidently walk you through techniques.
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Updated on February 28, 2024
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Prep Time:
30 mins
Cook Time:
15 mins
Additional Time:
4 hrs 15 mins
Total Time:
5 hrs
Servings:
12
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 12 servings

Dressing:

  • 1 cup mayonnaise (Optional)

  • ¼ cup white vinegar

  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt, or more to taste

  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper

  • 1 tablespoon white sugar, or more to taste

  • 1 cup finely diced celery

  • ¾ cup diced red bell pepper

  • ½ cup grated carrot

  • ½ cup chopped green onions, white and light parts

  • ¼ cup diced jalapeño pepper

  • ¼ cup diced poblano pepper

Macaroni:

  • 1 (16 ounce) package uncooked elbow macaroni

  • 1 tablespoon water (Optional)

  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (Optional)

Directions

  1. Whisk mayonnaise, vinegar, Dijon, salt, black pepper, and cayenne together in a bowl until well blended. Whisk in sugar, then stir in celery, bell pepper, carrot, green onions, jalapeño pepper, and poblano pepper. Cover and refrigerate until macaroni is ready.

  2. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender but firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain but do not rinse.

  3. Let macaroni drain in a colander for about 5 minutes, shaking out the moisture from time to time. Pour macaroni into a large bowl; toss to separate and let cool to room temperature, 10 to 15 minutes. Macaroni should be sticky.

  4. Pour dressing over macaroni and stir until evenly distributed. Cover and refrigerate until macaroni absorbs the dressing, at least 4 hours or overnight if possible.

  5. Stir salad before serving. Mix water and remaining mayonnaise into salad for a fresher look.

940 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

295 Calories
16g Fat
32g Carbs
5g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 12
Calories 295
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 16g 21%
Saturated Fat 2g 12%
Cholesterol 7mg 2%
Sodium 508mg 22%
Total Carbohydrate 32g 12%
Dietary Fiber 2g 7%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 5g 11%
Vitamin C 17mg 19%
Calcium 19mg 1%
Iron 2mg 8%
Potassium 170mg 4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.