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Close-up of creamy macaroni salad with elbow pasta, small bits of vegetables like carrots and green peppers, all coated in a thick, pale dressing.

Creamy Macaroni Salad: The Best Classic Side Dish

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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 2 cups macaroni cooked
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 1 tbsp. brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
  • ½ tsp. Dijon mustard
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup grated carrot
  • 1/4 cup yellow onion finely diced
  • 1/4 cup celery diced
  • 2 tbsp. green onions chopped

Instructions

  • Cook macaroni per package instructions and cool to room temperature.
  • In a mixing bowl, add mayonnaise, milk, brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper.
  • Whisk those ingredients until smooth.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine macaroni, carrots, onion, celery, and green onions.
  • Pour the dressing over the macaroni and stir until everything is cooked evenly.
  • Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let all the flavors marinate.