Macaroni Salad – the perfect side dish for Summer! A perfect choice for your next potluck, picnic, or cookout.
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I have to admit, when I was younger, I didn’t like any kind of macaroni salad, potato salad or coleslaw. Weird, I know. Man, oh, man, I had no idea what I was missing! In my much wiser adult years, I enjoy these salads, especially in the summer. There’s just something about a cold salad.
I have my preferences, doesn’t everyone? My mom likes to make her potato salad with more of a mustard base, I prefer more of a mayonnaise base. This macaroni salad is a little on the sweet and tangy side. Again, my mom likes her recipes a little bit different than me. Eh, to each their own is what I say!
This macaroni salad is perfect, I swear, I could eat just the dressing by the spoonful’s. It’s just that good! This is a nice salad for potlucks, baby showers, church functions, every “you name it” event you can think of.
Macaroni Salad
Macaroni Salad - the perfect side dish for Summer! A perfect choice for your next potluck, picnic, or cookout.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni
- 4 carrots, shredded and roughly chopped
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 green bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped
- 1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped
- 1 cup finely chopped celery
- 2 cups mayonnaise
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook until tender, about 8 minutes. Rinse under cold water to cool and stop the cooking process and drain.
- In a large bowl, stir together the carrots, red onion, green pepper, red pepper, and celery. Mix in the mayonnaise, sweetened condensed milk, sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Add the cooked macaroni and toss gently.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours. Serve cold.
Nutrition Information:
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 422Total Fat: 25gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 301mgFiber: 2gSugar: 22gProtein: 6g
Originally published on March 27, 2012. Updated on April 20, 2021.
Loving all your salad links to Food on Friday – have a great week.
Thank you for the invite 🙂
Why sweetened condensed milk? Doesn't that make it too sweet?
It is a sweet and tangy combo with the sweetened condensed milk, sugar and vinegar.
Mmm this looks delish! And I am definitely on your side of things because I don't like mustard at all >.<
Bookmarking this for later, it would go perfect with some Hawaiian BBQ I think~
Gina
Pink Wings
I have made this for over 20 yrs., and it is so good. Everyone wants the recipe, and nobody can believe it has the milk in it. Try it!!
Thanks so much for stopping by! This is definitely a hit at every place I've ever shared it! 🙂
I made this today, my husband LOVED it!
I made this and loved it but wondered how it would taste if I used Apple Cider Vinegar instead…
I've never used apple cider vinegar – if you try it that way, I would love to know how it turns out!
I don’t know about the apple cider vinegar, but I use pickle juice instead of vinegar.
I would say the sweetened condensed milk is the secret ingredient. I like to let this sit overnight as well. I use Jane's Krazy Mixed Up Pepper for everything, and I used it with this. I have shared the recipe with others. HUGE hit.
I’ve tried your potatoe salad & it was a huge hit. I haven’t made potatoe salad in ages, but I remember my grandma used to add a couple of tablespoons of pickle juice & some shredded carrot. Your recipe reminded me of my grandmas. I will definitely try the macaroni salad soon.
I made your macaroni salad yesterday, all I can is say is it’s amazing!! Definitely a keeper & will make it for my next bbq invite.
Not sure if I want to give my friends the recipe?
Hello Jamie,
Do you use 1 pound box of dry elbow macaroni or 2 pounds box? Thanks for taking the time to answer me.
Use a 1 lb. box of dry macaroni ?
Oh my goodness Jamie! Made it and WOW!!!! Thanks much again for getting back to me.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
I would if you could add some really bacon bites or small ham cubes to it
You absolutely can!