This “Really Good Macaroni Salad” lives up to its name with a blend of classic ingredients and flavorful twists. It’s easy to prepare, affordable, and makes the perfect side dish for picnics, barbecues, or a simple family meal. What sets this salad apart is the dressing—made with real mayo, sour cream, sweet pickle juice, Dijon mustard, and fresh dill—that gives it a sweet, tangy, and creamy finish.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Salad:

• 6 cups elbow macaroni (1 lb box), cooked al dente

• 1/2 large white onion, finely chopped

• 4 celery stalks, finely chopped

• 5–6 sweet pickles, finely chopped

• 4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

• 1 cup green olives (pimento-stuffed), sliced in half

• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped

• Additional fresh dill for garnish

Dressing:

• 2/3 cup mayonnaise (real, not Miracle Whip)

• 1/2 cup sour cream (full-fat)

• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

• 4 teaspoons sweet pickle juice

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon pepper

Directions

1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, pickle juice, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.

3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, chopped onion, celery, sweet pickles, green olives, and the dressing. Mix well to coat.

4. Add chopped hard-boiled eggs and fresh dill. Stir again to combine everything evenly.

5. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed.

6. Chill in the refrigerator before serving. Garnish with fresh dill on top.

Nutrients

• Calories: 633 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 86g

• Protein: 18g

• Fat: 24g

• Saturated Fat: 5g

• Trans Fat: 1g

• Cholesterol: 109mg

• Sodium: 845mg

• Potassium: 333mg

• Fiber: 4g

• Sugar: 9g

• Vitamin A: 433 IU

• Vitamin C: 1mg

• Calcium: 75mg

• Iron: 2mg

The Ultimate Make-Ahead Salad for Every Occasion

Macaroni salad is one of those classic dishes that fits any occasion, and this one shines when made in advance. It holds up beautifully in the fridge, allowing all the flavors to meld together over time. Whether you’re prepping for a weekend barbecue or need a quick weekday lunch, this salad offers flexibility without sacrificing taste. It can be served cold or at room temperature, and it’s sturdy enough to transport, making it ideal for outdoor events or road-trip snacks. It’s comfort food that’s practical, portable, and perfectly satisfying.

Creamy, Tangy, and Herb-Infused Dressing

What truly sets this macaroni salad apart is the dressing. It’s rich and creamy thanks to a combination of real mayonnaise and full-fat sour cream, which together create a smooth, luxurious texture. Dijon mustard and sweet pickle juice add a touch of tang and complexity that makes the flavor profile more refined. A small amount of sugar brings just the right amount of sweetness, while salt and pepper round it out. The fresh dill, both mixed in and sprinkled on top, adds a fragrant herbal note that brightens the whole dish. This isn’t just a mayonnaise-heavy macaroni salad—it’s a thoughtfully balanced and well-seasoned version that delivers in every bite.

Classic Add-Ins With a Flavor Upgrade

This recipe includes the staple ingredients you’d expect in a traditional macaroni salad: elbow macaroni, chopped onions, and celery for crunch. But it goes a step further by incorporating chopped hard-boiled eggs, sweet pickles, and sliced green olives. The eggs bring richness and a protein boost, while the sweet pickles offer that irresistible sweet-and-sour tang that pairs so well with the creamy base. The green olives, stuffed with pimento, contribute a salty, briny depth that elevates the entire salad from ordinary to exceptional. It’s a combination that plays with flavor and texture, ensuring no bite is ever boring.

Perfect Texture in Every Bite

Achieving the ideal texture in a macaroni salad is key, and this recipe nails it. The elbow macaroni is cooked al dente, holding its shape while absorbing the creamy dressing. The celery and onions provide crunch and freshness, offering contrast to the soft noodles and eggs. Chopped sweet pickles bring bursts of flavor and a slight chew, while the olives add a smooth, savory element. Together, these ingredients create a multidimensional mouthfeel that keeps you coming back for more. It’s hearty but not heavy, creamy but not mushy, and incredibly satisfying without being overbearing.

Balanced, Family-Friendly Flavor

Macaroni salad is a dish for all ages, and this version is no exception. Kids love the creamy texture and slight sweetness, while adults appreciate the complexity introduced by the mustard, dill, and pickles. The flavor is bold enough to stand on its own yet neutral enough to complement a wide variety of main dishes, from grilled meats and fish to sandwiches and veggie platters. It’s the kind of side dish that bridges generations and brings people together, especially around the table on a warm day.

Easy to Adapt for Dietary Needs

This macaroni salad is easy to adjust based on your preferences or dietary requirements. Swap in gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-friendly, or use a plant-based mayo and sour cream to make it dairy-free and vegan. You can reduce the sugar if you prefer a more savory flavor, or add more pickle juice for extra tang. For a spicy twist, try adding a pinch of paprika or a splash of hot sauce. The base recipe is incredibly flexible, making it a great foundation for all sorts of delicious variations.

A Great Way to Use Pantry and Fridge Staples

One of the best things about this recipe is that it makes use of ingredients you likely already have on hand. Pasta, mayonnaise, eggs, pickles, onions, and celery are all common staples, which means you can pull this salad together at the last minute without a special trip to the store. It’s a smart way to make use of leftover hard-boiled eggs or that jar of pickles sitting in the back of your fridge. And because the ingredients are affordable and accessible, it’s a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

Ideal for Meal Prep and Leftovers

This macaroni salad keeps well in the fridge for several days, making it perfect for meal prep. Prepare a big batch at the start of the week and enjoy it as a side dish with lunch or dinner, or as a stand-alone light meal. The flavors only get better as they sit, and the salad holds its texture beautifully without becoming soggy. It’s a time-saving option for busy families, and it’s always a welcome addition to leftovers that need a little extra something on the side.

A Crowd-Pleaser You’ll Make Again and Again

This “Really Good Macaroni Salad” earns its name not only for its flavor but for its reliability and popularity. It’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that has broad appeal and consistent results. Whether you’re making it for your own family or feeding a crowd, you can count on this salad to deliver smiles and seconds. It’s become a staple at potlucks, reunions, and neighborhood parties—and once you try it, you’ll understand why. The combination of creamy dressing, zesty mix-ins, and perfect pasta texture is just too good to resist.

Conclusion

“Really Good Macaroni Salad” is more than just a side dish—it’s a celebration of simple ingredients made better with thoughtful details. With a creamy, tangy, and herb-laced dressing, plus the satisfying addition of eggs, olives, and sweet pickles, this macaroni salad stands out in the best way possible. It’s easy to make, easy to love, and easy to share. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for a comforting dish to prep for the week, this salad is always the right choice. Once you try it, it just might become your go-to macaroni salad recipe for life.