Description
If you’re searching for a cold, creamy, and nostalgic side that screams summer potluck, Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad is exactly what you need. This quick and easy recipe is packed with fresh veggies, elbow macaroni, and a creamy mayo-based dressing that pulls everything together perfectly. Ideal for a quick lunch, picnic, or BBQ — this dish is a must-have in your go-to list of easy dinner ideas, quick lunch options, or healthy snack alternatives. Perfectly balanced, delightfully simple, and undeniably Southern, it’s the ultimate comfort food idea.
Ingredients
2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
1 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup sweet pickle relish
1/4 cup celery, finely diced
1/4 cup bell pepper (green or red), finely diced
2 tablespoons red onion, finely diced
1/4 cup shredded carrot
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. While the pasta cooks, finely dice the celery, bell pepper, and red onion. Shred the carrot.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl of dressing, followed by the chopped veggies and carrot.
5. Stir gently until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
7. Stir before serving. Add a spoonful of mayo or splash of milk if the salad seems dry.
Notes
For extra tang, you can add a teaspoon of yellow mustard to the dressing.
Chill for several hours or overnight for best flavor development.
Add chopped ham or shredded chicken to make it a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: easy macaroni salad, picnic food, summer side dish, cold pasta salad, Dolly Parton recipe