How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

What ingredients do I need for American Macaroni Salad?

You need 13 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 2 cups dry elbow macaroni, cooked, rinsed, and drained, 1/3 cup diced celery, 1/4 cup minced red onion, soaked in cold water for 5 minutes, drained, 1 tablespoon minced flat-leaf parsley, and more.

Is American Macaroni Salad suitable as pasta & noodles?

Yes, American Macaroni Salad falls under the Pasta & Noodles category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

How do I store leftover American Macaroni Salad?

Keep refrigerated in an airtight container and enjoy within 1–2 days for the best freshness. Best served cold — no reheating needed.

American Macaroni Salad Recipe

Name: American Macaroni Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups dry elbow macaroni, cooked, rinsed, and drained; 1/3 cup diced celery; 1/4 cup minced red onion, soaked in cold water for 5 minutes, drained; 1 tablespoon minced flat-leaf parsley; 1/2 cup diced vine-ripened tomato (optional); 1/2 cup prepared mayonnaise; 3/4 teaspoon dry mustard; 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar; 1 1/2 tablespoons cider vinegar; 3 tablespoons sour cream; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste; Freshly ground black pepper; Copyright 2001 Television Food Network, G.P. All rights reserved.

Fresh, crisp and full of flavor — this American Macaroni Salad is a must-try. Made with elbow macaroni, celery, red onion and flat-leaf parsley. Easy st…

This American Macaroni Salad relies on simple, everyday ingredients such as diced celery, minced flat-leaf parsley, prepared mayonnaise and dry mustard. It comes together quickly and makes 4 servings, at about 251 kcal each. The step-by-step instructions below are written to be easy to follow, even on a busy day.

It's versatile enough for an easy weeknight dinner yet satisfying enough for guests at the weekend. Serve it with your favorite sides, and keep any leftovers for a quick meal the next day.

Updated Jun 30, 2026

Serves 4 Pasta & Noodles

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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American Macaroni Salad

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

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Frequently Asked Questions