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A creamy elbow macaroni salad in a green bowl. The salad is garnished with fresh chopped parsley.

Elbow Macaroni Salad


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Description

This creamy, classic Elbow Macaroni Salad is a nostalgic side dish that’s perfect for cookouts, potlucks, or a simple dinner at home.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 3/4 cup Miracle Whip
  • 1 tablespoon sour cream
  • 1 celery stalk, tiny diced
  • 2 tablespoons red onion, tiny diced
  • 1 hardboiled egg, tiny diced
  • 1 heaping teaspoon dill relish
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley, plus more for garnish

Instructions

  1. Tiny dice the celery and red onion. Place them on paper towels to soak up excess moisture.
  2. Dice the hard boiled egg.
  3. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente.
  4. Drain the pasta, then spread it out on paper towels to cool and release excess water.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine Miracle Whip, sour cream, diced celery, red onion, hardboiled egg, dill relish, black pepper, and fresh parsley. Mix well.
  6. Once the pasta has cooled, gently fold it into the dressing mixture.
  7. If the mixture seems dry, stir in a little more Miracle Whip or sour cream to taste.
  8. Taste and adjust salt, if needed.
  9. Garnish with extra fresh parsley, then chill in the fridge until ready to serve.

Notes

  • This recipe is for a small batch that will easily serve four people as a side dish. Double the recipe to serve more people.
  • Salt your pasta water generously for the best flavor.
  • Tiny dice the celery, onion, and egg for a smoother texture in each bite.
  • Pat vegetables dry with paper towels to prevent watering down the dressing.
  • Cool pasta before mixing to avoid melting the dressing.
  • Add more Miracle Whip or sour cream if the mixture feels too dry after combining.
  • Chill before serving for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld.
  • Taste before salting — Miracle Whip and relish add plenty of seasoning.
  • Garnish with extra parsley just before serving for a fresh, vibrant look.
  • Make ahead up to one day for convenience and even better flavor.
  • Customize it with peas, shredded carrot, or chopped pickles, if desired.
  • Prep Time: 12 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish, Dinner
  • Method: Easy
  • Cuisine: American