Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad

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Creamy, nostalgic, and bursting with Southern charm, Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad is a timeless side dish that has graced countless family gatherings, potlucks, and summer barbecues. With its perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, crisp celery and green bell pepper, and a tangy yet smooth mayonnaise-based dressing, this salad offers the perfect balance of texture and flavor. It’s comfort food at its finest, delivering that down-home taste that brings people together.

Whether you’re planning a picnic, looking for a hearty side to accompany your grilled mains, or just craving something cold and creamy, this macaroni salad delivers. It’s quick to whip up, easy to customize, and stays delicious for days — making it a reliable go-to for meal prep or entertaining. Let’s take a deeper look into what makes this dish special.

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Why You’ll Love This Macaroni Salad

• It’s an authentic Southern classic inspired by Dolly Parton herself.
• Comes together quickly with pantry staples.
• The texture is creamy yet crunchy thanks to the vegetables.
• Ideal for make-ahead meals, picnics, and potlucks.
• Customizable: easy to add your own twist with herbs or protein.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad, you’ll need just a handful of kitchen tools. Here’s what to prepare:

• Large pot: For boiling the macaroni to al dente.
• Colander: Crucial for draining and rinsing the pasta.
• Mixing bowls: Use a large one for combining ingredients and a smaller one for mixing the dressing.
• Chef’s knife & cutting board: To chop vegetables evenly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures the perfect balance of ingredients.
• Silicone spatula or wooden spoon: For gently folding ingredients without mashing them.

Each tool plays a role in making sure your salad has the right texture and consistency. Sharp knives make crisp, uniform veggie pieces, and a wide mixing bowl gives you space to stir everything together easily without breaking the pasta.

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Preparation Tips

Start by cooking the macaroni until it’s just al dente — overcooking will make the salad mushy once the dressing is added. After boiling, rinse the pasta with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly. When chopping vegetables, aim for small, bite-sized pieces that match the size of the pasta for even distribution. Always taste the dressing before mixing it in; you can adjust the sweetness or tanginess to your preference. Finally, let the salad chill for at least an hour in the fridge before serving. This resting time lets the flavors meld beautifully.

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Ingredients for Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad

• 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 1 cup mayonnaise (preferably full-fat for creaminess)
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup celery, finely diced
• 1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped
• 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped (red or sweet onion works best)
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional for extra richness)
• Paprika for garnish (optional)

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Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 7–8 minutes. Do not overcook, as the pasta will soften more after being dressed.

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Step 2: Drain and Rinse

Once the macaroni is cooked, drain it thoroughly using a colander. Rinse it under cold running water to stop the cooking process and to cool the pasta quickly. Let it drain well to avoid a watery salad.

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Step 3: Prepare the Dressing

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed. This creamy base is what gives the salad its signature flavor.

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Step 4: Chop the Vegetables and Eggs

Finely dice the celery, green bell pepper, and onion so that they blend easily with the macaroni. If using eggs, chop them into small pieces. Uniform chopping ensures a consistent bite throughout the salad.

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Step 5: Combine All Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled macaroni, chopped vegetables, and eggs (if using). Pour the dressing over the mixture and gently fold everything together with a spatula or large spoon. Be careful not to mash the macaroni.

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Step 6: Chill Before Serving

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving. This chilling period allows the flavors to meld and the dressing to soak into the pasta. Just before serving, sprinkle with paprika for a touch of color if desired.

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Notes

For the best results, use high-quality mayonnaise and fresh, crisp vegetables. The flavors develop even more after the salad has been refrigerated for a few hours or overnight, making it a perfect make-ahead dish. You can easily scale the recipe up for larger gatherings or tweak it to suit your taste — add diced pickles for extra tang, use red bell peppers for sweetness, or mix in shredded carrots for color and crunch.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the pasta: This will lead to a mushy texture once the dressing is added.
• Not cooling the pasta properly: Warm pasta can absorb too much dressing, making the salad overly thick.
• Under-seasoning the dressing: Always taste and adjust the dressing before mixing it in.
• Adding veggies too early: If the macaroni is still warm, it can cause the veggies to lose their crunch.
• Skipping the chill time: The salad needs time to absorb all the flavors and firm up in texture.

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Storage Instructions

Store the macaroni salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 4 days. Stir before serving, as the dressing may settle or thicken slightly. Avoid freezing, as mayonnaise-based dressings can separate when thawed. If making ahead, consider leaving out ingredients that might get soggy (like cucumbers or tomatoes) until right before serving.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 290
• Total Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Cholesterol: 65mg
• Sodium: 320mg
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 5g

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of mayonnaise is best for this recipe?

Full-fat mayonnaise gives the best creamy texture and flavor, but you can use light mayo or a mix of Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.

Can I make this macaroni salad ahead of time?

Absolutely. In fact, it tastes better after a few hours in the fridge. Just be sure to stir it before serving.

How long will the macaroni salad last in the fridge?

Up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container.

Can I freeze macaroni salad?

It’s not recommended. The mayonnaise dressing can separate and become watery when thawed.

Is there a way to make this dish more colorful?

Yes! Try adding red bell pepper, shredded carrots, or even some chopped parsley for added color and freshness.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, small shell pasta or ditalini can work well too. Just ensure it holds the dressing nicely.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Only if you use gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

What proteins can I add to make it a main dish?

Chopped grilled chicken, tuna, or diced ham are great protein additions to make this salad more filling.

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Conclusion

Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad brings classic Southern comfort to your table with its creamy texture, crunchy veggies, and tangy dressing. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and perfect for everything from casual lunches to festive potlucks. Whether you stick to the traditional version or give it your own flair, this dish is sure to become a crowd favorite.

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