This Deli Mac Salad is a creamy, tangy, and crunchy pasta salad that’s perfect for picnics, BBQs, and family gatherings. With a variety of fresh veggies, a zesty dressing, and the rich creaminess of mayonnaise, this salad will be a crowd-pleaser at any event. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, it’s the ultimate side dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deli Mac Salad is the ideal balance of creamy, crunchy, and tangy flavors. The elbow macaroni provides the perfect base, while the combination of celery, red bell pepper, red onion, and dill pickles adds a refreshing crunch. The creamy dressing, made with mayonnaise and Dijon mustard, brings everything together with just the right amount of tang. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a go-to recipe for any gathering.

Ingredients

2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked and cooled
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup dill pickles, chopped
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Add the cooked and cooled macaroni, celery, red bell pepper, red onion, dill pickles, and hard-boiled eggs (if using).
Toss everything together until the salad is well coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to blend.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes + chilling
Servings: 6 servings

Variations

Add Proteinham for a more substantial salad.: Add cooked chicken, tuna, or ham for a more substantial salad.
Make it Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to give the salad a spicy kick.
Herb-Infused: Toss in fresh herbs like parsley or dill to add extra flavor.
Vegan Version: Omit the hard-boiled eggs and use a vegan mayonnaise substitute for a plant-based version.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the mac salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad tastes best after chilling, so making it a few hours ahead of time is ideal.
Reheating: This salad is best served cold, so there’s no need to reheat it. Just take it out of the fridge and serve!

FAQs

1. Can I make this macaroni salad ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, this salad tastes better after it has had some time to chill and let the flavors blend together. Make it a few hours or a day ahead for the best results.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use other small pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or penne in place of elbow macaroni.

3. Can I make this salad spicier?

To make it spicier, you can add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing.

4. How do I keep the macaroni from getting soggy?

Make sure to cook the macaroni al dente (slightly firm) so that it doesn’t absorb too much dressing. Allow the pasta to cool completely before mixing it with the other ingredients.

5. Can I leave out the hard-boiled eggs?

Yes, you can leave out the eggs if you prefer, or replace them with another protein like cooked chicken or tofu.

6. How long will this salad last in the fridge?

This salad will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, though it’s best eaten within the first 2 days for optimal freshness.

7. Can I use low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt?

Yes, you can substitute low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to make the salad a bit lighter while still keeping it creamy.

8. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, just use gluten-free elbow macaroni to make this recipe gluten-free.

9. Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! You can add other vegetables like peas, cucumbers, or shredded carrots for added color, crunch, and nutrition.

10. Can I use store-bought mayonnaise instead of making my own?

Yes, store-bought mayonnaise works just fine for this recipe. Just make sure to use your favorite brand for the best flavor.

Conclusion

Deli Mac Salad is the ultimate creamy, tangy, and refreshing side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s for a picnic, BBQ, or family dinner, this salad is easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. The combination of elbow macaroni, crunchy veggies, and a tangy dressing makes for a satisfying dish that everyone will love. Whip up a batch and enjoy it at your next gathering!

Deli Mac Salad

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Print Recipe

This Deli Mac Salad is the ultimate creamy, tangy, and crunchy side dish, perfect for BBQs, picnics, and family gatherings. Featuring elbow macaroni, fresh veggies, and a zesty dressing made with mayonnaise and Dijon mustard, this easy-to-make salad will be a crowd-pleaser at any event. Ideal for meal prep, it’s best when chilled, allowing the flavors to develop.

Total Time: 20 minutes + chilling
Yield: 6 servings

Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Add the cooked and cooled macaroni, celery, red bell pepper, red onion, dill pickles, and hard-boiled eggs (if using).
Toss everything together until the salad is well coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to blend.

Notes

Make it Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper for some extra heat.
Herb-Infused: Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can add extra freshness to the salad.
Vegan Version: Use vegan mayonnaise and omit the eggs for a plant-based version.

Author: Sophia
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Side Dish, Salad, Picnic Recipes
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Diet: Vegetarian