How long does macaroni salad last in the fridge?

Cold macaroni salad with celery will generally last for 3-5 days in the refrigerator if properly stored in an airtight container.

What can I add to macaroni salad to make it better?

To enhance your cold macaroni salad with celery, consider adding chopped ham, cooked bacon, shredded cheese, hard-boiled eggs, or a dash of hot sauce. You can also adjust the dressing with extra vinegar, mustard, or a touch of sweetness like sugar or pickle relish. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can also brighten the flavor.

What kind of macaroni is best for macaroni salad?

Elbow macaroni is the most traditional and widely used type of pasta for macaroni salad. However, other small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even rotini can also work well.

Why is my macaroni salad watery?

Watery macaroni salad is often caused by overcooked pasta releasing excess starch or from vegetables like celery releasing moisture over time. Make sure to cook the pasta al dente and drain it well. You can also try adding the dressing closer to serving time or using less mayonnaise and adding more sour cream or Greek yogurt to reduce the liquid content.

Can you freeze macaroni salad?

Freezing macaroni salad is generally not recommended. The mayonnaise-based dressing tends to separate and become watery upon thawing, and the pasta can become mushy. The celery may also lose its crispness.

What goes well with macaroni salad?

Cold macaroni salad with celery is a versatile side dish that pairs well with grilled meats like hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, or ribs. It also complements sandwiches, fried chicken, and is a popular addition to picnics and barbecues.

Cold Macaroni Salad with Celery That Tastes Like Grandma Made 2026

Name: Cold Macaroni Salad with Celery
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: PT-493497H11M32S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound (16 oz) elbow macaroni; 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise; 1/4 cup sour cream; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for pasta water; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 4 large celery stalks, finely diced (about 1 1/2 cups); 1/2 cup finely diced red onion; 1/3 cup finely chopped fresh parsley; 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)

Cold Macaroni Salad with Celery

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This creamy, crunchy macaroni salad is a perfect make-ahead side dish for any gathering. Its balanced, savory dressing clings to tender pasta and crisp celery, with flavors that improve overnight. It’s a reliable crowd-pleaser for cookouts and potlucks.

Author: Harmony
Prep Time: 20min
Cook Time: 10min
Total Time: 30min plus 2h chill
Yield: 10 servings 1x
Category: side
Method: boiling, chilling
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound (16 oz) elbow macaroni
1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for pasta water
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
4 large celery stalks, finely diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
1/2 cup finely diced red onion
1/3 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse immediately under cold running water until completely cool.
While the pasta cooks, make the dressing. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until smooth.
Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold with a spatula until evenly coated.
Fold in the diced celery, red onion, parsley, and chopped hard-boiled eggs (if using) until well combined.
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, before serving.

Notes

For best results, do not skip chilling the salad. To mellow the raw onion bite, soak diced onion in cold water for 10 minutes then drain. For a lighter version, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 10
Calories: 380
Sugar: 3
Sodium: 450
Fat: 22
Saturated Fat: 4
Unsaturated Fat: 16
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 38
Fiber: 2
Protein: 7
Cholesterol: 45

Find it online: https://www.homestyletable.com/cold-macaroni-salad-celery/