How to Make The Best Macaroni Salad // Step by Step

It's hard to beat this Macaroni Salad, it is way high on my list of favorites. I love that's it's easy and full of flavor, lightly sweet and savory and satisfying. You can exchange some of the ingredients in this salad for your favorite too if you wish. My mama made this Macaroni salad often when I was growing up and I've changed it up a little throughout the years until it was just perfect. Not everyone enjoys a little sweet in their Macaroni salad, so you can make your own adjustments and you can add also add peas, carrots, ham or cheese if you wish and it'll be a winner I'm sure. I hope you give it a try. ❤️
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4.5 qt Le Creuset Dutch Oven
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Big glass Mixing bowl
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Cuisinart single burner
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INGREDIENTS ______________
1 Lb. Elbow Macaroni
1 Tbsp Salt (for boiling)
1 1/4 C. Mayonnaise
3/4 C. Sour Cream
1 1/2 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
1/3 C. Sweet Gherkin juice
2 1/2 Tbsp Sugar
3 tsp Yellow Mustard
1/2 tsp Salt or as needed
3/4 tsp Black Pepper
3 Xtra Large Boiled eggs (chopped)
3/4 C. Finely diced Red Bell Pepper
3 /4 C. Finely Sliced Celery
3 /4 C. Finely chopped Sweet Gherkins (pickles)
1/2 C. Finely Chopped Red Onions
1-2 Tbsp Chopped Chives
● TIPS
Soak Red Onions in cold water for 15 minutes to soften onion flavor
● Always keep Macaroni Salad refrigerated
DISCLAIMER
DO NOT EAT OR SERVE THIS DISH TO ANYONE WHO IS OR MIGHT BE ALLERGIC TO ANY INGREDIENT IN THIS DISH.
#macaroni
#macaronirecipe
#rachelcookswithlove

[@mylisse105]

This woman is the kind of lady you would want as a friend. Just think how well you would be fed!

[@rachelcookswithlove]

❤🥰👍

[@lisamartin3346]

lol

[@rebeccapugh2842]

❤​@@rachelcookswithlove

[@ApplePie..]

And the pounds you would gain!

[@portisleft6483]

I want Rachel as my adopted mom!

[@michellehill1780]

Watching you Rachel is always a sweet change from all the negative going on in the world. Have a blessed Easter 🐣

[@KRDP]

Miss.Michelle i believe you said it best , with all thats going on in the world there is nothing i love more then to see rachel cook a dish often times seeing rachel cook can give you some cooking idears

[@gwenprice9290]

Love your cooking! Thanks!

[@pathuskey1589]

Thank you, Rachel! I’ll be making this for Easter dinner! Happy Easter to you and your Ron!✝️

[@KRDP]

@@pathuskey1589 agreed

[@elviratagarda1176]

L​@@KRDP

[@user-pl7bn2rt2d]

Hello there Rachel. It is always so good to see you. I want to Thank God for having such an amazing cook on KZbin. May the good Lord always bless you and keep you safe and healthy where ever you go. Your hard work and dedication is outstanding 💪👍

[@rachelcookswithlove]

Your sweet comment made me so happy, I appreciate your blessing my friend, same to you. ❤

[@user-vs2cd3jk3i]

Hi Rachel it’s been a while since I’ve seen you .. your Macaroni salad looks delicious thank you for sharing it…take care ❤️

[@dianecollins9426]

Looks so so yummy Rachel ❤ will make this for sure ,everyone loves your recipe for potato salad , so I know my family will like this Recipe as well Thanks Rachel , your great and so are your recipes ,Your a lucky man Ron . Diane Australia 🇦🇺 ❤

[@pilydumbolton5548]

What a great recipe. Specially because you can eat it cold.

[@plantlvr]

I work at a plant nursery and I tell my customers all the time 'benign neglect' is much better than fussing over a plant 😊

[@rachelcookswithlove]

lol Sometimes it really seems like it 😂

[@youtubeuser6418]

775k subscribers and still the sweetest most humble Rachel!! Shows your genuine character! Been watching you since the beginning and still enjoy every video and recipe!!! Thank you!

[@rachelcookswithlove]

That really made me smile for that beautiful comment and thank you for being a faithful friend. Many blessings and Happy Easter ❤️❤️❤️

[@rosecooper973]

I just love your videos. Your personality is terrific

[@rachelcookswithlove]

What a sweet comment, thank you so much my friend. ❤

[@richardvtagle]

I'd just love to stick a spoon into the screen and grab a spoonful of this scrumptious salad! We love macaroni salad and this one is like one I've never made before but bet your bottom dollar that I'll be making it. I usually make my mama's macaroni salad which is totally different from this one. I truly hope that as we approach Easter Sunday, you and your Ron will be blissfully happy and blessed. And may the Resurrection of our Savior bring you both great joy and peace. Sending you tons of love and hugs my dear Rachel.

[@rachelcookswithlove]

Thank you for that Sweet comment my friend. Many blessing to you and your family 💖

[@deandeluca1953]

I love watching your videos. You remind me of my mother she loved cooking and making different meals. Thank you keep up the good cooking ❤

[@rachelcookswithlove]

Thank you so much for your comment. ❤️ 🥰

[@deandeluca1953]

Your very welcome 🤗. I am Sicilian do you know any dishes like Italian meals you can make.?

[@toddforhetz]

Wonderful ! I wish I was coming to that party ! Also, we all would LOVE to see your new garden and yard. I remember your tour you gave us when you lived in Ohio. FUN !

[@rachelcookswithlove]

Oh yes I cant wait to have my new garden ready to show everyone. Have a great day! 😍

[@dmartin1203]

It looks so delicious. What a perfect pot-luck dish! It will be the hit of the party! Potato salad, pasta salad, any type of hearty salad paired with a delicious, hearty bowl of soup is my favorite meal...any time of the year. Your dishes are packed with flavor and so delicious. Thank you for being You❣️Blessings to you and your Ron. Hope you have a wonderful evening at the party...be safe!

[@rachelcookswithlove]

Yes!! Perfect for Potlucks and it will be a hit. Thank you so much my friend. ❤

[@marleneyeager3581]

I made this recipe yesterday, my hubby hates mayo but he was willing to try. Made with 3/4 mayo. He, loved it, ❤it was delicious. Recipe a must keep. Thank u. Ur recipes and sweet video are do consistent and good.

[@sharonscott7913]

Dear Rachel so great to watch you do your magic again. My 12 year old granddaughter is visiting and learning to cook. I mean really cook. Not just open cans and processed foods and dump them in a pan like so many internet "cooks" these days. We have watched many of your videos as we head to the kitchen and she makes a recipe card and shopping list for future reference. She is so excited by the results! So am I and her grandpa! Thank you for the straight forward excellent presentations. People like you bless our world in unheralded missions. Your sweet presence and the comforting food experiences you encourage and share are such an important Rachel mission. God bless you! We are making this salad for Easter dinner! ❤

[@rachelcookswithlove]

Makes me feel so good you are making wonderful sweet memories with your granddaughter and doing things together in the kitchen can be so fun. Happy Easter! 😍😍

[@susankrier5206]

Thank you so much for putting the recipe in the description box. I get tired of having to go to another link that sometimes does not work on other cooking channels. Appreciate your fine videos. ❤️💐

[@rachelcookswithlove]

You are so welcome!

[@TheTruthIsUncomfortable]

Every recipe of yours I have tried my family has loved. I don't have imagination when it comes to cooking and I deeply appreciate you and your easy way about you.

[@rachelcookswithlove]

My pleasure my friend, thank you so much for your support of my channel. ❤️😊

[@karigould3303]

I enjoy every video you present. You always give clear instructions in such an engaging way. Your delightful personality shows through. When you refer to your husband as, "My Ron", my heart is touched. I lost my precious husband when he moved to Heaven. Showing women how to refer to their husbands with loving respect is a very valuable lesson. Thank you! ❤

[@rachelcookswithlove]

Thank you! You brought a smile to my face, many blessings to you. 😍

[@melaniemazurski9006]

Rachel, Your voice soothes me and when I’m having a really bad day, I watch one of your videos and you make me feel so much better.

[@rachelcookswithlove]

Aw! Thank you for your comment my friend, life is beautiful, and these are the good ol days.❤️

[@debbie678]

Looks yummy! Been trying to find a great Mac salad recipe. Can't wait to try. Thank you 😊

[@rachelcookswithlove]

Thank you so much, I hope you enjoy it my friend. ❤

[@chilkat_river]

I really enjoyed seeing how you make mac salad. It was part of almost every meal when I lived in Hawaii. There they don't use many eggs. They do use a lot of ham and cheese. No pickles. I'm old now and live alone so I don't make it anymore. I buy a small size one and add ham or spam and cheese. I love your channel. Thank you.

[@rachelcookswithlove]

Thank you for sharing that with me my friend, all those ingredients sound delicious. Hugs and love to you.❤

[@nancypaquet2403]

Rachel, I love your Easter Bunny apron! Just beautiful!

[@rachelcookswithlove]

Thank you so much my friend. ❤️

[@mariaesparza2589]

Yummy!! Not the way I usually make macaroni salad but certainly I will try your recipe ❤ Thanks for sharing!!

[@rachelcookswithlove]

I hope you enjoy it my friend, thank you so much. ❤

[@candaceclark6861]

Rachel you are a joy to watch and listen to ❤️. I cannot wait to try dressing recipe on my macaroni salad. It sounds delicious. I am also going to try the red bell peppers, they really add a nice color to the salad! Love your story about the chives 😊 Bless you and your family ❤️

[@rachelcookswithlove]

I hope you enjoy it my friend, I appreciate your comment. ❤

[@enjoy7024]

I love how you always have your ingredients clearly set out in the ingredient box. Also you give some tips. So convenient. You don't have to traipse over to a website. When I think of your channel, apart from the deliciousness of the food, I think easy, convenient!

[@harrietlivengood6793]

This is one of my very favorite salads, I make these often. The macaroni salad you made is beautiful, I know it’s delicious. God bless you and your Ron. Have a blessed Easter as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. ✝️ 🙌🏻 ❤️

[@rachelcookswithlove]

Thank you so much my friend, we will celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior. ❤️👍

[@cathybabnick7326]

Rachel, I so enjoy watching your videos. I feel like you genuinely enjoy what you do, and I am so grateful you share your recipes with us. You are an expert in combining flavors to make delicious food. Some of your favorites have become favorites of mine!

[@kathyrama4570]

Plant your Rosemary in the ground. Oregano, a very large pot. I planted Oregano in the ground and it took up the whole bed, and lasted about four years. Basil does very well in the ground. I live in Mississippi, I previously lived in WV, I raised a lot of herbs in pots. I was in Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and trees fell on my bed I had the oregano in, when the workers cut the trees, removed them with bobcat machines, the pulled all the oregano out of the ground. I enjoy watching you cook.

[@wandaallen6664]

Oh my how I wish I could have that whole bowl. I have had two dental surgeries. One on one side and then the other side. I am so hungry for something with a little crunch. Ty you for sharing. Mercies are new everyday.

[@rachelcookswithlove]

Aw! I hope you heal quick my friend, and I hope you get to enjoy this salad.❤

[@laurahiler6575]

L0​@@rachelcookswithlove

[@christineryals-zi6rc]

Love all the useful tips! I always learn something new when watching your videos.

[@markbrookes6557]

I haven't had a good macaroni salad in well over an age. This makes me want to revisit such a thing!

[@rachelcookswithlove]

I hope you give it a try my friend, enjoy.❤

[@KRDP]

hey rachel , this past sunday i told my grandma while visting her and my grandfarther for easter that i made your sausage casserole that me , my mom , my brother and farther loved so much that i surprised my mom with the dish , that grandma said to me well where'd you ever learn to do that??? so i looked at her with a big smile and said * youtube , Rachel cooks with love* so my grandma was like well i'll be darned you can learn alot from youtube. now this time around i figured since its only gonna be me and my mom for easter this sunday i would make the casserole again , Miss.Rachel i just cant thank you enough for teaching this ole country boy how to make a good ole country sawmill breakfast casserole.

[@juliaavila3253]

Thanks for the recipe!! You're such a good cook and person. May God bless you always.

[@guadalupeknippen528]

Nice salad. I think it would be fun to see your garden. I remember you once showed us your fabulous garden in your Ohio house. It was amazing. 🌷🌿

[@rachelcookswithlove]

Aw, thank you so much. I miss Ohio alot my friend, I will put it on my list to show you.❤

[@marcechristensen6804]

I was skipping through several uTubes last night watching people cook. I just have to give you praise for the professional way you run your uTube channel. I had to quit watching most of them early on because they were not good cooks and were so slap stick. Thanks you for your great way of teaching us to cook and how to look so pretty in the kitchen. 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@rachelcookswithlove]

OMG what a sweet thing to say! Thank you so much for that I really appreciate it 💖💖💖💖

[@debk5325]

Your timing is perfect Racheal. Thank you

[@rachelcookswithlove]

My pleasure my friend. ❤

[@lovdolls]

So pleasing to watch and I love how you made this salad always a favorite.

[@heidijg]

Oh Rachel, that looks amazing! I can’t wait to try it! I made your flour tortillas again for some fajitas, and they were so good! You have taught me so much! Thank you!! You are such a blessing!! ❤

[@ritacabello-gonzales4220]

Thank you for sharing your recipes I’m going to have to try this one

[@Janette612]

Your cooking is Amazing 👏 😋

[@rachelcookswithlove]

Thank you so much, hugs and love to you. ❤️ 😋

[@craigadams4143]

I ❤ how you always give well thought out and explicit directions about your recipes.🎖️🏆🥇🙌

[@mariestoeberl9373]

Rachel, I hope you like your move to Texas and glad you are still doing videos. You make such delicious food. Glad to see you here again 😊

[@brendapressley8158]

Love watching you cook. You cook with love

[@dannybransonsfoodandtravel]

I love your videos. You are so easy to listen to. My compliments to you for taking your production to such a high level also. Thank you!

[@kateg7298]

Rachel, that looks delicious! I have a question for you. Now that you're back in Texas have you started buying Ken'z Henz Eggs yet? They're phenomenal. They're free range and they're from Santa Fe. The yolks are bright orange and they're the best eggs I've ever had in my life. I can't go back to regular supermarket eggs anymore. Thanks for another great recipe!

[@rachelcookswithlove]

Thank you so much, I do buy cage free eggs, I will look into it. I appreciate your comment my friend. ❤

[@YolandaCantu-nw8lo]

I enjoy All your recipes!😊 They are so authentic. Make my mouth water

[@pilydumbolton5548]

I just make this salad, it is so good, just loved it. Thanks for a great macaroni salad ❤

[@letiiciamariscal9246]

Hello, checking in from Watsonville, Ca, love your cooking, blessings ❤

[@rachelcookswithlove]

Thanks so much! Blessings to you in Watsonville CA my friend. ❤️

[@RyanR-ty2nw]

Ms. Rachel, you're my hero, right now. This dish looks absolutely delicious, but I came here from your video on how to prep and clean a molcajete. I've been searching around for a while, and no one covered the topic of prep, maintenence, and cleaning properly, save you. :-) Thank you so much, and Happy Easter! 😁

[@kathyhernandez2051]

Rachel I love all your recipes enjoy watching your videos.God bless you keep u health always ❤️

[@carolbenson6524]

All your recipes are fantastic 😅. Best macaroni salad I've ever seen 😅

[@susieramick7202]

Perfect spring and summer recipe. Thank you and Happy Easter . 🐰

[@tiffanysether9920]

Love how u showed how to make it it looks delicious I’m gonna try it

[@marthatovar8033]

Rachel, thank you...I just made the salad & it's delicious. I made about half of the bag. Thank you again!

[@shelleymurphy1966]

Rachel I absolutely love your recipes! Your potato salad recipe was the one I’ve been looking for my whole life! Of course I tweaked it a little for our taste, but it’s amazing! I also just made your beef enchiladas and they were a big hit! So now I’m going to try this recipe because my husband loves macaroni salad. And like potato salad, I’ve tried many recipes without success, so I’m hoping yours is the ONE! I will come back and update after I’ve tried it to let you know. Either way, I want to thank you for sharing your recipes. Often it seems people don’t like to share, so I truly appreciate that you do and will share your channel with my friends.

[@christinapandian7929]

Have a blessed Easter. I will make this as soon as possible. You make it all look so simple.

[@dstat74]

You posted this in the Nick of time. I’m going to make this for an Easter cookout along with potato salad. Mmmm

[@rachelcookswithlove]

Yummy!!! I hope you love it my friend, if you make it early and let it get cold it'll be even tastier. Enjoy my friend. ❤

[@jeanineskitchen2607]

delicious recipe. Thank you for sharing it. Spring time is here and I love spring salads.

[@joaniel9562]

I made this for our Easter dinner, and it was so delicious. It was a hit.

[@carolbrockmeier8958]

Thank you for your tip about soaking the onions.

[@kipsohns7971]

So glad to have you into our great state of Texas! You'll love it!💖🤗

[@cherifraaza2484]

Love the way you cook with so much love in every step. Thanks for sharing. I plan on making this tomorrow. You are a joy to watch. Cheri

[@rachelcookswithlove]

Cheri I love doing this and I really hope you enjoy. Thank you! 💕💕

[@joycefazzino2527]

Rachel you make the best recapies!! Have a Bless Easter 🙏

[@rachelcookswithlove]

Thank you! You too! ❤️🥰

[@user-cy2hz6lk6j]

LOVE macaroni salad! This one sounds terrific!!Thanks Rachel and Happy Easter

[@Chevy420.]

love watching you cook it make me feel at home god bless you

[@terrylancey5451]

I'm definately going to try it. It looks delicious

[@ejmedina7065]

Hi Rachel, yummy, I love this salad. You're awesome!! Happy Easter to you, Ron and your family!!🤗

[@ginahernandez3219]

I love macaroni salad. Thanks for sharing your recipe, Rachel ❤

[@Tricia8110]

You made it just like my mom did ... bless you ❤

[@nysavvy9241]

I love this recipe, it's just perfect. Thank you, Rachel!

[@rachelcookswithlove]

You're so welcome! ❤️🥰

[@brendafife3253]

The new kitchen is nice, looks good size. 🙏❤️ Your happy & adjusting well in Texas.

[@mandilynn47]

Perfect timing! Was looking for a recipe for brisket! Love your vids so so much! ❤❤❤ Happy Easter! ❤

[@phyllismitchell]

I have been looking for a good macaroni salad. This recipe has all of my preferences.

[@lisagrolon3027]

What a nice change to your macaroni salad , you got me with the sweet pickles and juice, can’t wait to try this.

[@OliverFrench-oe4pb]

Absolutely delicious! Thank you ❤

[@amyenrriques4863]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us! Love the bunny apron! Have a blessed Easter Day!

[@marytheresel795]

This recipe looks absolutely divine! I love sweet gherkins and I’m sure they just make this salad! I can’t wait to make it. Thank you for sharing. May you & your Ron have a blessed Easter😊❤️

[@rachelcookswithlove]

Thank you so much, blessings to you my friend, Happy Easter. ❤

[@cathymarquez2466]

Rachel I love all the ingredients in your macaroni salad. 👍😋❤️❤️

[@teeser2436]

I love macaroni salad ! Can’t wait to try your recipe . Thank you.❤️

[@rachelcookswithlove]

Hope you enjoy 😊

[@rhonavoss8531]

Macroni salad is a favorite during the summer months.. For sure I’ll be using your recipe..Thank You so much for all the yummy recipes.. I think I’ve told you but again I use at least 2 of your recipes weekly !

[@crashlight7686]

I made this tonight as a side with dinner. I have to say this was so delicious. I would definitely recommend trying this.

[@user-gi6dk6fe5b]

Kia ora Rachel...you have such a beautiful calm voice and presence ❤...Have a blessed Easter

[@NolaDeb]

Another Winner! Thanks Rachel for sharing your recipes tips and tricks! Blessings to you and your Ron. 👍

[@rachelcookswithlove]

Thank you so much, blessings to you my friend. ❤

[@suecash8186]

I think I love just about everything you make ❤❤

[@gtjgtj8334]

This salad looks so good! I have tried many of your recipes and all of them have been delicious ! Way to go Rachel! Thanks

[@rachelcookswithlove]

Thank you so much for your sweet comment. ❤

[@roxeyserckie5414]

Yummy, I can tell!!! Thank you for dressing tips.

[@patriciacook7212]

I have been looking for a good macaroni salad recipe and looks like I found it! I, too, like it sweet. Great recipe and of course your expression when you taste. Love it. Thank you, Rachel

[@rachelcookswithlove]

You are so welcome! 🥰❤️😋

[@rosieschmitt6509]

Thank You so much for this recipe i just started watching you and Thankful I found You God Bless Happy Easter 👩‍🍳🥂🐇🐇🐣🐤

[@lordrussell666]

you make it like my grandma made it thanks for sharing how you make this

[@vickiferris7752]

I just love ALL the ingredients...esp sweet gherkins. YUM. My sis just sent this recipe and we will need to make soon! Thank you! I love how you present... GOOD JOB!

[@rachelcookswithlove]

I was so happy to read this, thank you so much to you both my friend. ❤❤

[@katesinclair2645]

It looks delicious. This is definitely my new macaroni salad recipe. thank your for sharing,

[@rachelcookswithlove]

Thank you for that and hope you enjoy! ❤️

[@Donaldopato]

Love the idea of pickle brine! Great, colourful salad! I leave sugar out, happy you give a choice. I too have a chive plant I can not kill, which is fine since I love them. Great job Doña Rachel ❤!

[@debbiezombro2839]

Oh Rachel that looks amazing, I will be making this for my Easter dinner. ❤❤

[@estherjarvis7047]

love this recipe! Thank you!

[@rachelcookswithlove]

You are so welcome! ❤️

[@tammyreilly9889]

Hi Rachel! Your macaroni salad looks delicious! I am going to make it! I love a cold macaroni salad! Happy Easter to you and your family!

[@Deedee-xh7dh]

Oh my goodness.Looks so incredibly delicious.Thank you for sharing.

[@rachelcookswithlove]

My pleasure, I hope you give it a try my friend. ❤️🥰😊

[@irenemartinez8474]

Hi Rachel, I just discovered your channel and your cooking looks delicious. I’ll be making some of your recipes soon! You remind me of my Tia who lives in San Antonio. Thank you!❤

[@janmiller8469]

Love your videos and content. Watch you all the time and enjoy your cooking so miuch. Thank you for sharing.

[@rachelcookswithlove]

You're welcome my friend, I really appreciate your support of my channel, thank you. ❤

[@elizabethferguson8197]

Hello going to try this for Easter, thank you!

[@margaritainkster7470]

Excellent Rachel, this salad recipe is a keeper! I am lacto-vegetarian and this look delicious. From Vancouver sendjng you a big hug.❤

[@karenroy357]

I am making this to take to Easter dinner It sounds 😋 yummy.

[@deborahcollins9623]

Thank you Rachel for another awesome recipe. I will be making this soon!!

[@rachelcookswithlove]

Hope you like it! Hugs and love my friend. ❤️

[@lindalewis7098]

Another awesome recipe. Thanks Rachel.😊