Quick and Delicious Macaroni Salad Recipe

This classic Macaroni Salad recipe is quick and straightforward to make. Made with chopped vegetables and pasta tossed with a creamy flavor-packed dressing, this macaroni salad is perfect for your next potluck or picnic.
RECIPE: preppykitchen.com/macaroni-sa...
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Macaroni Salad
Published: May 12, 2021 · Modified: May 12, 2021 by John Kanell
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This classic Macaroni Salad recipe is quick and straightforward to make. Made with chopped vegetables and pasta tossed with a creamy flavor-packed dressing, this macaroni salad is perfect for your next potluck or picnic.
A plate of macaroni salad in front of a bowl on a marble surface.
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A staple for hot summer days, this macaroni salad is made with only a handful of kitchen staples. It’s shockingly easy to make at home and much more flavorful than the store-bought tubs. The best part about this dish is that it tastes even better after it’s spent some time in the fridge, meaning you can make this ahead of time whenever you’re free. No fuss, no muss, no rush!
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[@juliamorton3438]

The miming of cutting the parsley got me laughing

[@saundraschaefer]

Same. 💖

[@tinacostner3069]

Me to. I bet he picks up parsley ASAP

[@PreppyKitchen]

LOL, thank you!!!

[@humanoidcat9633]

Soo petty😅

[@lauragriffin6512]

That was hilarious. I love his videos.

[@Mediterranean81]

I laughing when u cut imaginary parsley, 😂😂😂😂😂

[@Lin99990]

Poor Brian, he will forever be remembered for forgetting the parsley 😆

[@Aiko2-26-9]

Couples issues! So funny.

[@fandhtwoohs8129]

Brian did it to himself. Shaaaame, shaaaame.

[@HSdirectioner5]

@@Aiko2-26-9 wait what?

[@soloangel625]

Good video enjoy your day yummy

[@creatinepowder353]

Brian you scank !! what do you mean you forgot the parsley ?? LOL

[@uniquejummieanigilaje3035]

Oh my goodness, you got me at the fresh parsley imaginary chopping 😂🤣 I was like where’s the parsley 🌿 ❓❓

[@sha-irapaiman1938]

Your video's are alwayss so funnnn😂the invisible parsley🤣

[@PreppyKitchen]

OMG, thank you!!! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@DavidHall-ge6nn]

Years ago, I had a friend with a gorgeous, classic 1956 Bentley. He always had a jar of Grey Poupon in the glove box because, invariably, somebody at a stoplight would say, "Pardon me, would you happen to have any Grey Poupon?" "Certainly," he'd reply with a blinding smile fairly radiating noblesse oblige. It never got old.

[@PreppyKitchen]

This made my day. What a great story!!

[@janabanana3396]

The tip about vinegar to tame down the onion is GOLDEN!!!!

[@Fuzzi974]

I rolled on the flour laughing when I saw John cutting the parsley. I'm still laughing 3 minutes later.

[@tg360andbeyond]

Grey Poupon!! About 20 years ago my friend rented a limo for a day trip. When we climbed in the back there was a jar of Grey Poupon velcroed to the wall next to the window. As we're going down the highway people were ogling the limo, so my friend rolled down the window, grabbed the jar and totally mimed that commercial. I thought it was hilarious and the people in the other car did too. A great memory. 😁

[@amorson3035]

Funny! When I had my prom in -ahem- 1996 we rented a limo. We had so much fun rolling down the window asking cars beside us if they had any grey poupon.

[@deanr3417]

Cut bell beepers with the soft inside part facing up. Your knife won’t slip of the tougher slippery skin that way saving your tender fingertips!

[@jillybean9569]

can i just say i am SOOO HAPPY and excited to see food recipes besides baking recipes on ur channel i absolutely love ur recipes and cant wait to try this one!

[@PreppyKitchen]

Thank you so much!!

[@williamsmith2771]

I also am happy to see these recipes.

[@cv6329]

hhii

[@christinavang9198]

@@PreppyKitchen jk😅j

[@corogal2518]

So, the Grey Poupon commercials, yes I remember them. I just aged myself. :)

[@jddo3298]

it's OK @Coro Gal.... just say you saw them while watching reruns! lol. PS I remember them too. Have an Awesome day.

[@casolo8107]

Me three.

[@hardyzfan86]

John’s got jokes! The chopping of the imaginary parsley, the Grey Poupon commercial reference 😂 recipe video and comedy skit all rolled into one

[@SisiYemmieTV]

The invincible parsley 😂😂

[@MaiMai-ov9pl]

Right?!😂 I was laughing away. Poor thing lol.

[@jmontgomery32]

Invisible

[@d.m.junior6194]

okay...the parsley thing was THE BEST passive aggressive, hilarious thing I've seen today! ROTFL!!! I love it!

[@linjaysha]

LOL! The invisible parsley and the shout out to the old Grey Poupon commercial! I was hoping you were going to break out into song about the sweet pickles! 🎵🎶🎵

[@joannevargas9638]

Hi John! Love all your videos! Yes, I do remember the Grey Poupon commercials! I have a great tip for easy peel hard boiled eggs. Saw it somewhere... Steam the eggs on a vegetable steamer over boiling water for 15 minutes, cool down in ice water after steaming. Even if they are fresh, so easily peeled! Just pop the cooked on the round bottom to start the cracking and Voila!! Easy peasy!

[@lauragriffin6512]

This is my macaroni salad!!! I keep a bowl of some sort of salad in the fridge all summer long so that if any of my family wants a nutritious snack, instead of chips, etc. they just grab a small dish of salad...macaroni, potato, cucumber, or any other that will last well in the fridge for a couple of days. Been doing that for 4 decades.

[@Ena48145]

Sorry but calling this nutritious made me laugh.. pasta is the worst carb you can eat as is coating it with mayo. WITH THAT SAID, I made macaroni salad tonight and I'm adding extra ingredients mentioned in the video because I am craving a deli style one lol. I'm about to chow down on a big bowl of it! My mom always did the same as you for us kids!! Macaroni salad, potato salad, cucumber salad in the fridge pretty much all summer long. Her potato and macaroni salad is just mayo, salt, pepper, celery, onion and that will always be my favorite and best way for me (except when I feel spicy and want something different like tonight lol) and then her cucumber salad is thinly sliced cucumber and onion, mayo, vinegar, salt, pepper, I think a little bit of sugar? She also always made something called "dippy" (she and her Italian family would dip bread into it) which is just onion, fresh tomato, olive oil, salt, pepper. She hasn't made pasta salad in years but I always loved that too!.. olives, onion, chunks of salami and mozz, etc. Might have to make that tomorrow! You sound like a great mom and I'm glad you take care of your family the way you do and make sure they are provided for :)

[@lauragriffin6512]

@@Ena48145 Our salads are identical, including the cucumber. We must be related. Only difference with my potato and macaroni is that I add a LOT of celery, onion, red and orange sweet peppers, shredded carrots (must be shredded, not chopped), so that half the salad is nice crunchy vegetables....nutritious. 😊 !! Plus chopped hard boiled eggs in the potato.

[@anonymouspost9144]

my new favorite pickle is bread & butter pickles. A little sweet and a little tart!

[@vanessacarreno2241]

Un aplauso for that second when you said "me encanta". It was the cutest thing besides the parsley miming. Cheers from Venezuela.

[@DrBrunoRecipes]

That looks absolutely delicious 😋 Greetings from Scotland 😊 Have a wonderful day everyone 🌻 Stay safe, stay blessed 🌻

[@alwp8758]

“Smart mom’s know, how kids minds grow, SWEET PICKLES! I haven’t thought of those books in decades, thanks for the reminder, those were fun. Chopping parsley 🌿 never looked so entertaining - you are awesome. Thanks for another great video.

[@PreppyKitchen]

OMG that's the song!!!!!!!!

[@raygilliam8472]

I didn't remember the song, but we have the whole collection of books including several extras. 😊

[@jackiet586]

Love you John! Virtual cooking with you always gives me the happy feeling! This was another one of your splendidly delicious dishes. Thank you!

[@packertai1]

I love his saying in the beginning “it tells ya!” 😂 Love it!

[@beritobere82]

Man… that parsley looked so fresh 😂😂

[@muggle804]

I do remember the Grey Poupon commercials. I’m a child f the 80’s.

[@jayadama1301]

I love macaroni salad

[@beverlyyarborough5077]

I totally agree with Brian, parsley is a garnish. That was hilarious watching the faux parsley chopping. This looked amazing besides the bell pepper. Pickle juice is also excellent for muscle cramps.

[@thebrightestrainbowever3841]

It’s the imaginary chopping parsley for me 😂💜🌈 Love your humor John! Also this sounds and looks so good!👏🏻

[@royordway9157]

I got a kick out of too. Last week my husband went to the market for me to get stuff. I had carrots on the list and when I reached into the fridge to get them, no carrots. I wish my brain worked fast enough to do just what you did. Good job John

[@julendia]

Of course we remember Grey poupon, I always carry some in my purse but doesn’t everyone 🤣

[@marangelasp7462]

Greetings from Oklahoma. Don't take me wrong, but I love this guy. He is so natural, has a winning smile, and is a good chef. I am crazy about his personality. I never get tired of watching him when he is making delicious recipes. He reminds me a lot of my close dear cousin, all the mannerisms.

[@urbanhomesteadingchannel1813]

I love that you mentioned eating the Mac salad with a spoon. A few weeks ago I made Mac salad and gave my husband a fork. He looked at me like I came from a different planet. He said who eats Mac salad with a fork?? I said everyone I know. Hes like how do you scoop it up? I said I'm stab the Mac with the tines?🤷‍♀️ I've never eaten Mac salad with a spoon!! He thought I was nuts 😂

[@scottthomas1894]

I liked the reference to Grey Poupon in Wayne’s World when they pulled up next to a Rolls.

[@ninaf6068]

I'm definitely going to add this to the baby shower food menu. My neighbor always makes pasta salad but I always end up picking out the deli meat she adds and just eating the elbow pasta. On the other hand, John's version would be eaten up in one sitting. Thanks!

[@MF-qz7en]

Also try this kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJ2zdqudntGseMU

[@China-Clay]

Best parsley cut EVER!

[@mercelineamaliedunette3125]

No pls I'm getting addicted to your channel...I don't have a favourite youtuber until I saw you. You are the best. Keep going💜 and I have to say this, I get a positive vibe while seeing you smile.🤍

[@nazihaaslam2635]

Tip to help peel eggs effortlessly: make a pin size hole with toothpick one end of the eggs before placing in the boiling water. The water separates the shell from the egg as it boils. The shell literally falls off!

[@Vera111]

oh interesting, when they're boiled I let them chill in cold water and then crack them open in the water, it works wonders every time and they peel super easy.

[@57msdeb]

Not fresh from the farm eggs. They are a mess to peel.

[@joanmcguire1112]

Put salt in the water . The egg shell are easy to peel

[@ldgalaxy]

John's channel is one of my top three cooking channels. I love the variety of recipes he shares and his camera presence is very engaging. Like many others have mentioned, the parsley cutting bit was funny. Keep up the good work John and thank you for your well done presentations.

[@ishsadeepa9359]

What are the other 2 channels?

[@msemilyli]

The parsley bit was hilarious!! And yes I remember the grey pupon commercial.

[@attimesava1596]

I watch the baking videos because I just like watching you bake but I love these videos because I’ll give them a try.

[@Fatimazalme]

Absolutely stunning!👌🏻

[@jeevithaglory8557]

My daughter's favorite dish Thank you John 😍

[@aleidacook257]

I know this is two years old, but I just watched it. I love watching you.

[@ksvorn]

Hahahaah the missing parsley!!! I literally LOL on the chopping of “parsley “ and the throwing it in the bowl!!

[@florencemariangeles3847]

Its 3am here in the Philippines and this made me hungry. Yummm.

[@bibimbabam6636]

This is often found on the Filipino Christmas Eve dinner table, but with more dressing added.

[@miriam3700]

Bibim Babam and with raisins too. Lol

[@bibimbabam6636]

@@miriam3700 And without parsley. That's why Bryan did not get it. Parsley is for pancit. 😆😆

[@eybimadrid8117]

Loving the parsley sass❤ You are the best!

[@kimsteele7714]

OMG, I am screaming, the chopping of the parsley., too too funny. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@carolgranger9916]

My Mother and Grant mother made this when I was a kid. It was really good.

[@beliabustamanterojas8335]

I’ve had such a difficult day, but seeing you with your good energy and cutting the imaginary parsley made me so happy. Thanks!!!

[@bluesakura2092]

Don’t worry, Be happy 🌸

[@TheGenflute]

I totally remember that commercial! My sister and I always wanted to ask cars next to us. 😂

[@-alaagouda8191]

لا تحسدوا الناس على نصيبهم من الفرح، لمجرد أن نصيبهم من الحزن لم يُرى“...

[@ksully6551]

I didn't think you were old enough to remember that commercial, thanks for the giggle 😊

[@ldnurse79]

hahaha, your parsley bit was hilarious!!! Love it! You were obviously in a playful mood today.

[@jessicadoire8831]

Your videos have inspired me to get back into cooking! I’ve tried many of your recipes and I’m always amazed at how great they are. Thank you

[@PreppyKitchen]

I'm so glad! Thank you!

[@stevenjewell460]

Always a fun show! I remember the Grey Poupon commercial. the man in the car. I am taking this salad to the BBQ next week! Thanks, Preppy!

[@lauramcelhiney]

Steven Jewel

[@ronsandahl274]

Some time ago I stopped boiling my hard boiled eggs and started steaming them. I put a steamer basket in a pot, add come water, and when it is heavily steaming I add the eggs, cover them, and let them steam for 12 minutes for creamier centers, or 15 minutes for drier centers best for potato salad and macaroni salad. The high heat of the steam caused the membrane inside to separate quickly from the shell. I have never had eggs peel this easily and I frankly will never go back.

[@natashakadam4617]

I made this and it was excellent. John's recipes are foolproof. I make a lot of his recipes and often.

[@renajagdeo8120]

Can t wait to try this recipe!

[@aaroncross2366]

This recipe is the closest I have ever had to my mother's. She was a simple country lady and had perfected a way of cooking things that eliminated the unnecessary and concentrated on the things that made a recipe sooo good. The only difference I think is that she didn't use peppers in her mac salad, and sometimes she would add small cubes of cheddar. Anyway, thanks for the recipe, It's very good.

[@akatibucarta]

“Me encanta” love it

[@bjarbj944]

I can tel you are a true foodie. Your opinions on onions and mayonnaise are spot on! It’s the little details that make dishes so delicious!

[@todaysfoodrecipe6899]

Wow such an easy and quick recipe😍macroni looking very delicious😋thanks for sharing this amazing recipe👍May God give you more success.

[@idiot675]

Sometimes my macaroni salad is egg salad with some macaroni in it

[@CarolJanssen]

Love the invisible parsley 🌿 🤣🤣

[@Holly-bk8gx]

I love macaroni salad . Its a quick and easy side

[@rebeccaritchie5920]

I love your videos so much but this one was extra special. I was laughing the whole time…chopping the invisible parsley, the Grey Poupon (but of course), the wiggly spoons, and my favorite, that “pop of green!” I think that hanging out with you and Brian would be so much fun!

[@ninucijoy7958]

Definitely try this one.Hit the like button for parsley

[@VaultDwellerGal]

Awesome video! Between the throwback to 80s commercials and the invisible parsley- love it!! “Sweet Pickles are excellent”

[@catherineharris27]

I 💙 dill pickles!! Hate sweet pickles!! I 💙 a ranch macaroni salad especially if using garden picked tomatoes!! So yummy 😋

[@curly73ful]

The trick to peeling hard boiled eggs is to immediately run them under cold water & peel them as the cold water is running over them. The shell slides right off

[@lauragriffin6512]

That doesn't work for me. 😒

[@curly73ful]

@@lauragriffin6512 How long do you boil your eggs. I like to boil them for 15 minutes. Turn on the cold water, pour the eggs into the sink. Crack the eggs under the cold water & start peeling. Hope that helps 😊

[@icekilla126]

The reel trick is the older the egg the better. Doesn’t matter what you try a freshly laid egg never peels cleanly.

[@lauragriffin6512]

@@curly73ful I have one of those boiled egg indicators that you put in the pot with the eggs. It turns color according to the doneness of the eggs and they come out perfect every time. But I have tried every trick, gimmick, idea, suggestion known to man on how to peel the shells, leaving the egg intact and I still can't do it.

[@curly73ful]

@@lauragriffin6512 Don't give up. You'll find something that works. Good luck 😊

[@d.t.garcia8705]

You are so cute! 😂 Can't let a little missing parsley get you down! There are videos to be uploaded!

[@barontjr]

John - I LOVE your vibe. It is light, fun and soothing. This is cooking meets therapy! Ha! Mister Rogers would approve!

[@mikeneidlinger8857]

I'm in assisted living and we get American Food like hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, potato salad, spaghetti with meatballs. My favorite is corn dogs with potato salad.

[@archergirl2000]

The parsley shade being thrown omg 😂

[@Argggg-]

Can you believe this vid was posted about 29 minutes ago yet it has so many views 👏👏👏

[@candyarmstrong5400]

I have my own chickens n ducks and can say fresh eggs are a pain in the wazoo to peel when hard boiled it's much easier when the eggs are 1-2 weeks old

[@patcavasin5947]

I do remember grey poupon.....John, you are a treasure...thank you for your videos

[@j.umajor9292]

Nice, with mixed of joyful chat and comedy, makes the food lovely

[@BK-hs1dd]

I grew up with that commercial " pardon me sir"

[@amypeterson1280]

Ugggghhh this looks Soo good! 😩🙌 Definitely going to make this tonight.

[@HanneCroonen]

Ggtidrsffak

[@j0ellyfish]

Made this (without the eggs cause it messes with me) Soooo good.

[@hollytaylor4212]

Omg! Sweet Pickles!.😂😂😂 I remember too. ❤

[@lauramcelhiney]

Hi Taylor

[@Canadianbatgirl62]

Hi John! Awesome recipe, can't wait to try it. Just a hint... whether your eggs are fresh or not, a teaspoon of baking soda in the water while they cook makes those shells slide right off. Give it a try!❤️👍🙂

[@bluesakura2092]

Thanks for the recipe !!! ❤️

[@alicepineda8064]

Best way to make sure you don’t cut yourself is to flip the bell pepper over so you’re chopping the inside. It won’t slip on the inside like it does on the outside skin ! 😃

[@lauragriffin6512]

That's what I do too.

[@youtubaholic]

How cute are you seriously... The parsley bit cracked me up... 😂😂

[@fayebone9155]

“Good moms know how kids minds grow”. Dang it it’s stuck in my head now. Lol. Can’t wait to try this. Cool trick with the onions btw.

[@amberluttrelll8359]

This looks amazing. Father’s Day I made something I’ve never tried before. I made macaroni salad and put in the fake crab 🦀 and chopped it up. It was so good. Nice change from tuna salad

[@KENTUCKY-MAMA]

Thanx 4 the Idea. I use lumped crab drained from the can in quiches. Soo good

[@DanielleRabbit]

Lol “imaginary” parsley ☺️

[@LoveYourLife222]

I recall the commercial. I think the man was in the backseat of a Bentley. Loved the humor on the missing parsley! 🌿 😆

[@MMShooter-rb3et]

That looks so good with that parsley added in.

[@jaynehall5592]

I have a very old fig tree in my garden, but I have no idea what to do with them, maybe when it’s fig time you could do a dessert, I live in the UK

[@mahnoor8914]

Same...it ain't old.....but has got so many figs..... It's fig season tho....am Asian

[@Vera111]

baby, make jam!! I make fig jam almost every year and most of it I send it to my family in Romania, it lasts forever too!! You need only 3 ingredients figs sugar and lemon juice and a lot of jars to store it 😋

[@LL-squared]

I just planted a pot full of imaginary parsley! Cannot wait to harvest it 😆

[@MCL071487]

I love the passive aggressive parsley chopping.

[@justtraveler]

Nice sharing ☺️

[@RUBG900]

Cannot wait to try this! Looks absolutely delicious!

[@princess6299]

It's 1:24am where i live people watch something else😉 Where as im watching preppy kitchen❤

[@HowToCuisine]

Totally in love with this macaroni salad! Yum! Thank you for sharing! 😍😍

[@kathyprettyman3]

Yes, I remember the Grey Poupon commercial! My son repeats it every time I add mustard! "Pardon me. Do you have any Grey Poupon?" Love your humor, John!

[@MJA5]

Neat trick with the onions. My girlfriend is Chilean, they make a dish called ensalada Chilena, which is basically fresh tomatoes and onions with a vinaigrette. But the onions they soak for a few minutes in hot water, like hot out of the tap. That softens them and calms them down a bit. I'll stash that vinegar trick up my sleeve.

[@melodybeitzel5378]

I liked watching the invisible parsley 🌿 being chopped 😉😉

[@erics3039]

Made this for our 4th of July lunch. Turned out great! Thanks, John!

[@MLMLW]

But John!! I want to hear you sing the pickle song!!! Lol. Yes I remember the Grey Poupon commercials. The macaroni salad looks delicious & I can't wait to try it. I'm going to use real parsley, however. None of that ghost stuff. Lol. 😉 Thanks for sharing!! 😊❤