Macaroni Salad with Mustard Dressing

In American-style macaroni salad, tender short pasta is served cold in a creamy, tangy dressing, making it a dependable side for lunches, barbecues and picnic spreads. Here, mayonnaise gives the salad its familiar smooth coating, while Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar sharpen the flavour so it stays bright rather than heavy. Finely diced celery and red onion bring crispness and a little bite, with parsley adding freshness at the end. A short chill is important: it helps the dressing settle around the pasta and gives the flavours time to come together before serving.
Cuisine style American deli-style salad
Cooking style Make-ahead friendly • Minimal cleanup
Time commitment Under 1 hour

Why this recipe works

  • Tangy balance: Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar sharpen the mayonnaise dressing so the salad tastes creamy without feeling heavy.
  • Crunch in every bite: Finely diced celery and red onion add crispness against the tender pasta and smooth dressing.
  • Built for chilling: A short rest in the fridge helps the dressing cling to the macaroni and gives the flavours time to settle.

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Timing notes

  • Chill before serving: The salad needs at least a brief chill so the dressing thickens slightly and the flavours meld.
  • Serve cold: Keep it refrigerated until serving, especially for picnics or barbecues, as the mayonnaise-based dressing is best kept cool.

Ingredient notes

  • Dice the vegetables finely: Small, even pieces of celery and red onion distribute their crunch and sharpness without overpowering the pasta.
  • Tune the tang: Apple cider vinegar gives a clear, bright acidity; white wine vinegar can be used for a slightly softer finish.
  • Mustard choice matters: Dijon keeps the dressing smooth and punchy, while whole-grain mustard gives a milder flavour and a more textured bite.

Common mistakes

  • Leaving the pasta too wet: Shake the macaroni well after rinsing; excess water can thin the dressing and make the salad taste flat.
  • Dressing hot pasta: Let the macaroni cool before adding the mayonnaise mixture so the dressing stays thick and creamy.

Make-ahead tips

  • Make it in advance: The salad can be prepared ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Stir after chilling: Give the salad a good stir before serving, as the dressing may firm up slightly in the fridge.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to the boil. Cook the macaroni until just tender, following the packet timing, then drain in a colander. Rinse briefly under cold water to cool it quickly, then shake well to remove excess water.
  2. Finely dice the celery and red onion. Finely chop the parsley. Tip the cooled macaroni into a mixing bowl and add the celery, onion and most of the parsley, reserving a little for the top.
  3. In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, fine sea salt and black pepper until smooth. Pour the dressing over the macaroni and toss until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust with a pinch more salt or pepper if needed.
  4. Cover and chill for at least 15 minutes so the flavours meld. Give it a final stir, then sprinkle over the reserved parsley to serve. Serve cold.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • Cool the macaroni quickly after draining so the mayonnaise dressing stays thick and creamy rather than turning oily.
  • For the best texture, dice the celery and red onion small and evenly so you get crunch in every forkful.
  • If serving at a picnic or barbecue, keep the salad chilled and do not leave it out for long in warm weather.

Substitutions

  • Replace Apple cider vinegar with White wine vinegar for a slightly softer acidity.
  • Replace Dijon mustard with Whole-grain mustard for a milder heat and a more textured dressing.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 3 days
  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Stir before serving; if it thickens after chilling, loosen by stirring well.

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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Total time: 40min (20min active)
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Cuisine: American
  • Allergens:
    Eggs Gluten Wheat
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