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Deli-style macaroni salad in a white bowl with carrots and celery in the background.
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5 from 3 votes

Deli Style Macaroni Salad

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.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time7 minutes
Total Time27 minutes
Course: sides
Cuisine: American
Servings: 12
Calories: 282kcal

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.

Nutrition

Calories: 282kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 240mg | Potassium: 155mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 2045IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1mg