Mom's Best Macaroni Salad

4.4
(696)
609 Reviews
35 Photos

This sweet macaroni salad is, by far, the best I've ever put into my mouth. It has a perfect blend of sweet and tart and is so pretty, thanks to numerous multi-colored veggies. But be ready for this to disappear before you put it on the table. I have 6 children, and it is all I can do to keep them from nibbling on it while I make it.

Submitted by Renee Chase
Updated on November 15, 2024
Tested by
Allrecipes Test Kitchen
Tested by Allrecipes Test Kitchen
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looking down at a large bowl of macaroni salad, topped with freshly cracked black pepper
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Prep Time:
30 mins
Cook Time:
10 mins
Additional Time:
8 hrs
Total Time:
8 hrs 40 mins
Servings:
16
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 16 servings

  • 16 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni

  • 4 carrots, shredded

  • 1 large red onion, chopped

  • ½ green bell pepper, seeded and chopped

  • ½ red bell pepper, seeded and chopped

  • 1 cup chopped celery

  • 2 cups mayonnaise

  • 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

  • ½ cup white sugar

  • ½ cup white vinegar

  • salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Gather all ingredients.

    all ingredients gathered to make macaroni salad

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Rinse under cold water; drain and set aside.

    elbow macaroni boiling in water until tender yet firm to the bite

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  3. Stir together carrots, red onion, bell peppers, and celery in a large serving bowl. Mix in mayonnaise, condensed milk, sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined.

    mix all vegetables and dressing ingredients together until well combined

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  4. Add macaroni; toss gently, then cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours.

    macaroni added to the large bowl, tossing gently to combine

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  5. Enjoy!

    looking down at a bowl of macaroni salad, topped with freshly cracked black pepper.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Cook’s Note

I usually make this a day before, stirring it occasionally to blend the flavors. Keep the salad chilled in the refrigerator. The macaroni will absorb some of the liquid.

908 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

424 Calories
25g Fat
45g Carbs
7g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 16
Calories 424
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 25g 32%
Saturated Fat 5g 24%
Cholesterol 19mg 6%
Sodium 205mg 9%
Total Carbohydrate 45g 16%
Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
Total Sugars 22g
Protein 7g 13%
Vitamin C 10mg 11%
Calcium 87mg 7%
Iron 1mg 6%
Potassium 222mg 5%

* 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.