This deli-style macaroni salad is creamy, crunchy, tangy, and sweet. It’s pasta, celery, peppers, carrots, and scallions, tossed in a homemade creamy dressing. A fail-proof recipe that everyone will enjoy!
Enjoy this delicious macaroni salad with oven-baked bbq chicken and chipotle baked beans for a perfect summer meal.
There are many variations to macaroni salad but this is hands down my new favorite recipe! I wanted this to taste exactly like the macaroni salad you get at the deli market and I actually think it’s better. More delicious, budget-friendly potluck recipes are this Hawaiian macaroni salad and macaroni chicken salad.
Ingredient Notes
- Macaroni Pasta – Although it is called macaroni salad, any type of short-shaped pasta will work.
- Celery – Adds crunch but if you’re not a fan you can omit it.
- Carrots – You can use shredded or finely cubed carrots.
- Scallions – Not a fan of scallions? Use yellow or red onions instead. Shallots are great too.
- Red Bell Pepper – Green or yellow peppers work too, if you want some heat, throw in a jalapeno pepper.
- Mayo – I highly recommend using Hellman’s mayo for this recipe.
- Sugar – A must! It adds sweetness and balances the acidity of the vinegar.
- Vinegar – Adds flavor.
- Mustard – I used dijon mustard but feel free to use any type of mustard. If you want some heat, add horseradish.
- Celery Salt – Adds flavor but is completely optional.
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Cook the macaroni pasta in boiling salted water according to package instructions.
- While the pasta cooks, prepare the dressing. In a large bowl, combine the mayo, vinegar, mustard, sugar, celery salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until well combined.
- Add the carrots, peppers, scallions, and celery to the bowl and mix until well combined.
- Stir in the cooked pasta and season generously with salt and pepper. Add more mayo if needed and enjoy!
Top Tips For The Perfect Deli-Style Macaroni Salad
- If making this ahead of time, stir in some extra mayo and a splash of water right before serving. Also, make sure to check for seasoning.
- Classic deli macaroni salad doesn’t include eggs but feel free to add hard-boiled eggs.
- Want to make it extra flavorful? Add some extra herbs like basil, parsley, and dill. Also, green peas and shredded cheddar cheese go great in this too!
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Most of the time the dressing sits at the bottom of the bowl, so make sure to mix well.
- Garnish with fresh scallions or paprika, if desired.
Storage
Place any leftovers in an air-tight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Don’t leave this salad out in the sun, it will get greasy and go bad.
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Deli Style Macaroni Salad
Ingredients
- 1 lb macaroni pasta
- 1 cup mayo
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp celery salt
- 2 carrots finely shredded
- 2 celery stalks finely diced
- 2 scallions finely sliced
- 1 red bell pepper finely diced
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni pasta in boiling salted water according to package instructions. Allow the macaroni pasta to cool for at least 15 minutes.
- While the pasta cooks, prepare the dressing. In a large bowl, combine the mayo, vinegar, mustard, sugar, celery salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until well combined.
- Add the carrots, peppers, scallions, and celery to the bowl and mix until well combined.
- Stir in the cooked pasta and season generously with salt and pepper. Add more mayo if needed and enjoy!
Notes
- If making this ahead of time, stir in some extra mayo and a splash of water right before serving. Also, make sure to check for seasoning.
- Classic deli macaroni salad doesn’t include eggs but feel free to add hard-boiled eggs.
- Want to make it extra flavorful? Add some extra herbs like basil, parsley, and dill. Also, green peas and shredded cheddar cheese go great in this too!
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Most of the time the dressing sits at the bottom of the bowl, so make sure to mix well.
- Garnish with fresh scallions or paprika, if desired.
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