Best Macaroni Salad Ever

The aroma of macaroni salad instantly transports me back to summer afternoons spent at my grandmother’s house. The sticky humidity, the sound of cicadas buzzing in the trees, and the vibrant colors of the salad on her checkered picnic blanket are forever etched in my memory. It was more than just a dish; it was a symbol of togetherness, laughter, and the simple joys of life. And now, years later, I continue the tradition, always striving for that “best ever” bite.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 8-12
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 16 ounces ditalini (package, small round macaroni)
• ½ cup green onion (sliced thin, about 1 small bunch)
• 1 (16 ounce) package cheese (cubed)
• 1 (3 7/8 ounce) can olives (pre-sliced)
• 1 (2 ¼ ounce) can olives (pre-sliced)
• 1 cup Miracle Whip
• 1 cup relish sandwich spread
• ¼ cup pickle (finely diced)
• ½ tablespoon sweet-hot mustard (I prefer to use the brand Beaver’s)

Equipment Needed

• Large pot
• Colander
• Large mixing bowl
• Knife
• Cutting board

Instructions

1. First, fill a large pot with water and bring it to a high boil on the stove.
2. While waiting for the water to boil, prepare the vegetables and cheese. Slice the green onions thinly. Cube the cheese into small, bite-sized pieces. Finely dice the pickles. You can place the diced vegetables and cubed cheese in a small bowl and store them in the refrigerator while the pasta cooks; this will prevent the cheese from becoming too soft.
3. Once the water is boiling, add the ditalini to the pot and cook until al dente. This typically takes about 8-10 minutes; follow the package directions.
4. Once the pasta is cooked, drain the water using a colander. Allow the macaroni to cool completely. You can speed this process up by rinsing it with cold water.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the Miracle Whip, relish sandwich spread, and Beaver’s Sweet Hot Mustard. Mix these ingredients together thoroughly. If you prefer a stronger mustard flavor, you can add more of the sweet hot mustard, but do so a little at a time, as it can easily overpower the other flavors in the salad.
6. Add the cooled macaroni to the mixing bowl with the dressing. Gently fold the pasta into the dressing until it is well coated.
7. Next, add the sliced green onions, cubed cheese, and pre-sliced olives to the bowl. Gently fold these ingredients into the macaroni salad until everything is evenly distributed.
8. Check the consistency of the salad. It should be nice and moist. If it seems too dry, add a little more Miracle Whip and sandwich spread until you reach your desired consistency. You can also add about 2 tablespoons of water if needed to prevent the Miracle Whip and sandwich spread from dominating the flavor.
9. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. If the salad becomes dry while refrigerated, simply add more Miracle Whip and sandwich spread as needed before serving.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For an extra creamy texture, try using mayonnaise in addition to, or in place of, some of the Miracle Whip.
• To prevent the pasta from sticking together, toss it with a little olive oil after draining.
• Prepare the salad a day ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld together.
• If you’re using a block of cheese that isn’t pre-cubed, chill it in the freezer for about 15 minutes before cutting. This will make it easier to cut into uniform cubes.
• Taste as you go! Feel free to adjust the amount of sweet-hot mustard, relish, or other ingredients to suit your personal preferences.
• Don’t overcook the pasta. Al dente pasta will hold its shape better and prevent the salad from becoming mushy.
• If you don’t have Beaver’s Sweet Hot Mustard on hand, any good quality sweet hot mustard will work. You can even use regular yellow mustard in a pinch, but the sweet-hot version really elevates the flavor.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Macaroni salad is best served chilled. It makes a perfect side dish for barbecues, picnics, potlucks, and other gatherings. It pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, and more.

Store leftover macaroni salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will typically last for 3-5 days. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly over time as the pasta absorbs more of the dressing. If the salad becomes dry, simply add a little more Miracle Whip and sandwich spread before serving. Macaroni salad is not suitable for freezing, as the texture of the mayonnaise and vegetables will change significantly. Leaving macaroni salad at room temperature for extended periods of time can promote bacterial growth. Discard any salad that has been left out for more than two hours, or one hour if the temperature is above 90°F.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	428 kcal	21%
Total Fat	17g	26%
Saturated Fat	9g	45%
Cholesterol	36mg	12%
Sodium	807mg	33%
Total Carbohydrate	49g	16%
Dietary Fiber	3g	11%
Sugars	1g	5%
Protein	19g	37%

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free ditalini pasta to make this salad gluten-free.
• Vegan: Substitute vegan mayonnaise for the Miracle Whip and use a plant-based cheese alternative. You may also need to find a vegan relish sandwich spread.
• Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy kick.
• Vegetables: Get creative with your vegetables! Add diced bell peppers, celery, carrots, or even cooked peas.
• Protein: Add some cooked ham, tuna, or shredded chicken to make it a more substantial meal.
• Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack would be delicious.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs can add a wonderful flavor. Try adding chopped parsley, dill, or chives.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make this macaroni salad ahead of time?
A: Yes, this macaroni salad is actually better when made ahead of time, as it allows the flavors to meld together. Prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Q: How long will this macaroni salad last in the refrigerator?
A: Properly stored in an airtight container, this macaroni salad will last for 3-5 days in the refrigerator.

Q: Can I freeze this macaroni salad?
A: Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the mayonnaise and vegetables will change significantly, resulting in a watery and less appealing salad.

Q: I don’t have Beaver’s Sweet Hot Mustard. What can I use instead?
A: Any good quality sweet hot mustard will work as a substitute. You can even use regular yellow mustard in a pinch, but the sweet-hot version adds a unique and delicious flavor.

Q: My macaroni salad is too dry. How can I fix it?
A: If your macaroni salad is too dry, simply add a little more Miracle Whip and sandwich spread until you reach your desired consistency. You can also add a tablespoon or two of water if needed to thin it out.

Final Thoughts

This “Best Macaroni Salad Ever” recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion, big or small. Its delightful blend of textures and flavors, with that subtle kick of sweet-hot mustard, will leave your guests wanting more. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and prepare to create a macaroni salad masterpiece that will be the star of your next gathering. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and substitutions to make it your own. And most importantly, enjoy the process of creating something delicious and memorable!