Welcome to a taste of nostalgia with our Old Fashioned Macaroni Salad with sweet pickles and a creamy dressing that’s sure to bring back memories of family gatherings and picnics in the park. This classic cold salad recipe balances the tangy sweetness of pickles with the creamy richness of mayo and sour cream, creating a perfect side dish for any occasion.
This simple recipe is easy to double, and it feeds a large crowd. Making it perfect for a BBQ or potluck. Plus, it’s a great make ahead recipe, since the flavors are even better on the second day. As the macaroni salad chills in the fridge, the flavors develop and meld together, making the salad even tastier.
There is a reason that this pasta salad recipe has been around for over 50 years.
Old-Fashioned Macaroni Salad with Sweet Pickles
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 8 Ounces Elbow Macaroni
- ½ Medium Onion diced and can be sweet , red, white, or green onions
- 1 Rib Celery diced, finely chop leaves for decoration if desired
- 3 Medium Sweet Pickles diced, or bread and butter pickles
- 2 Large Eggs Hard-cooked and diced
For the Dressing
- 1/3 Cup Mayonnaise or Miracle Whip
- ¼ Cup Sour Cream
- 1 Teaspoon Dijon Mustard
- 2 Teaspoons Sweet Pickle Juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.8 Ounces Elbow Macaroni
- In a mixing bowl, prepare the dressing by combining mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, sweet pickle juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to your taste preferences.1/3 Cup Mayonnaise, ¼ Cup Sour Cream, 1 Teaspoon Dijon Mustard, 2 Teaspoons Sweet Pickle Juice, Salt and black pepper to taste
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled macaroni, diced onion, celery, sweet pickles, and hard-boiled eggs.½ Medium Onion, 1 Rib Celery, 3 Medium Sweet Pickles, 2 Large Eggs
- Pour the dressing over the macaroni mixture and gently toss until well coated. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- For a pretty presentation, I like to transfer the cold salad to a serving bowl and garnish with the diced celery leaves or some parsley. Even a few sliced pickles or a dollop of sweet pickle relish.
Your Own Private Notes
Nutrition
Recipe Variations
- Additions. Customize your salad with crunchy veggies and other additions like diced bell peppers, red pepper, black olives, cherry tomatoes, or chopped green onions for added crunch and flavor.
- Cheesy Twist. Mix in shredded cheddar cheese for a creamy, cheesy variation.
- Spicy Kick. Add a dash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños for a spicy version.
- Lighter Option. Substitute half of the mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing.
- Protein Boost. Mix in diced ham or grilled chicken for a heartier dish.
What kind of onion would work well with this recipe?
For this Pasta Salad, several types of onions could work well, depending on the flavor profile you prefer. Here are some options.
- Sweet Onion. A mild, slightly sweet option that blends well with the creamy dressing and sweet pickles. Ideal if you don’t want a strong onion flavor.
- Red Onion. Adds a pop of color and a slightly sharper bite, which contrasts nicely with the tangy and creamy dressing.
- White Onion. A bit stronger and more pungent than sweet onions but still works well in cold salads.
- Green Onions (Scallions). Milder and fresher tasting, these can be mixed into the salad or used as a garnish for a subtle onion flavor.
Pro Tip. If you prefer a less intense onion flavor, you can soak diced onions in cold water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the salad.
Switch up the Pasta Shapes
The best pasta should hold its shape well and have enough surface area to absorb the creamy dressing. Here are some great options.
- Elbow Macaroni. The classic choice for a traditional creamy macaroni salad. Its small, curved shape holds the dressing well.
- Small Shells. Their slightly larger shape and hollow center trap the dressing, making every bite flavorful.
- Ditalini. A small tube-shaped pasta that gives a slightly different texture while still absorbing the dressing nicely.
- Cavatappi. A spiral pasta that adds a fun texture and holds onto the dressing exceptionally well.
- Rotini. While not traditional, its corkscrew shape grabs the creamy dressing for a hearty bite.
Storage Leftover Macaroni Sweet Pickle Salad
Store leftover macaroni salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Stir well before serving again.
This easy macaroni salad recipe is just like the ones you’d find in your local deli at your local grocery stores.
Whether served alongside grilled meats, fried chicken, hot dogs, or enjoyed on its own, this Old-Fashioned Macaroni Salad is a versatile and beloved classic that will delight your family and guests alike. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for summer gatherings or a quick weekday meal.
Enjoy creating memories with this simple yet delicious recipe that brings together the best of creamy textures and tangy flavors.
If you prefer dill pickles, we have a delicious dill pickle pasta salad too.
Learn how to make easy peel hard-boiled eggs with our recipe.
My family loved this!