Elbow Noodle Pasta Salad

Creamy, tangy, crunchy, and packed with flavor, this elbow noodle pasta salad is the perfect side dish for cookouts, picnics, potlucks, and easy family dinners. Tender elbow macaroni is tossed with crisp vegetables and coated in a rich homemade dressing that balances sweetness and acidity beautifully. It’s one of those classic recipes that tastes even better after chilling in the refrigerator for a few hours.

Inspired by traditional American macaroni salad recipes, this version combines creamy mayonnaise, sweet relish, mustard, and crunchy vegetables for the ultimate crowd-pleasing pasta salad.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients
• Perfect make-ahead side dish
• Great for BBQs, summer parties, and lunch meal prep
• Creamy texture with crunchy vegetables
• Customizable with extra add-ins like cheese, bacon, or peppers

Ingredients

For the Pasta Salad

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• ½ cup celery, finely chopped
• ½ cup carrots, finely shredded
• ⅓ cup sweet onion, finely diced
• ¼ cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons diced pimientos or roasted red peppers

For the Dressing

• ¾ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet relish
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1½ tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon celery salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper (optional)

Also Read: Chicken Nugget Recipe

How to Make Elbow Noodle Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until tender according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

While the pasta cools, finely chop the celery, onion, bell pepper, and pimientos. Shred the carrots using a box grater.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, relish, mustard, vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, celery salt, black pepper, and paprika until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cooled macaroni and vegetables to a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the top and stir until evenly coated.

Step 5: Chill Before Serving

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This helps the flavors blend together and gives the salad its classic creamy texture.

Also Read: Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe

Tips for the Best Pasta Salad

• Salt the pasta water well for maximum flavor
• Rinse pasta with cold water so it stays firm and cool
• Use full-fat mayonnaise for the creamiest dressing
• Let the salad chill before serving for better flavor
• Add extra mayo before serving if the pasta absorbs too much dressing

Delicious Add-Ins

You can customize this elbow noodle pasta salad with:

• Crispy bacon bits
• Diced cheddar cheese
• Chopped dill pickles
• Green onions
• Hard-boiled eggs
• Peas
• Ham cubes

Also Read: Pork Fillet Tenderloin Recipe

What to Serve with Pasta Salad

This pasta salad pairs perfectly with:

• Grilled chicken
• Burgers
• BBQ ribs
• Pulled pork sandwiches
• Hot dogs
• Fried chicken

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir before serving and add a spoonful of mayonnaise if needed to freshen it up.

Also Read: Crab Patty Recipe

Nutritional Information (Per Serving Approx.)