Description
This creamy and comforting Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad is a Southern classic that brings nostalgia and flavor to your table. It’s made with elbow macaroni, crisp bell peppers and celery, and a tangy-sweet mayo-based dressing that soaks into every bite. Perfect for quick lunches, picnic food ideas, easy dinner sides, or as a make-ahead dish for potlucks, this easy recipe fits into all your food ideas from breakfast to dinner. Ideal for anyone looking for classic comfort food or deliciously simple crowd-pleasers.
Ingredients
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)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7–8 minutes.
2. Drain the macaroni and rinse under cold running water to cool it quickly. Let it drain completely.
3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
4. Chop the celery, green bell pepper, onion, and eggs into small pieces.
5. Combine cooled pasta, vegetables, and eggs in a large bowl. Add the dressing and gently fold together.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Sprinkle with paprika if desired.
Notes
For best flavor, let the salad chill for several hours or overnight before serving.
Use full-fat mayo for a creamy, rich texture. Light mayo or Greek yogurt can be used as substitutes.
Finely chopped vegetables ensure even distribution and better texture in every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiled
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: macaroni salad, dolly parton recipe, summer side, picnic dish, easy dinner, food ideas, classic macaroni salad, cold pasta salad, quick lunch