Description
This Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad is a creamy, tangy, Southern-style side dish perfect for summer potlucks, easy dinners, or a quick lunch. With elbow macaroni, crunchy veggies, sweet pickle relish, and a classic mayo-based dressing, it’s a nostalgic and flavorful crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re searching for healthy snack options, simple dinner ideas, or an easy recipe to prep ahead, this one fits the bill.
Ingredients
2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
1/3 cup sweet pickle relish
1/3 cup diced celery
1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/4 cup diced pimentos
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Boil macaroni in salted water until just under al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. In a large bowl, mix mayo, mustard, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Add chopped eggs, celery, bell pepper, pimentos, and sweet pickle relish to the bowl.
4. Stir in cooled macaroni and fold everything together gently.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
6. Before serving, give it a gentle stir and add extra mayo if needed.
Notes
Don’t overcook the pasta—pull it a minute early for perfect texture.
Chilling overnight brings out the best flavor.
Add extra mayo the next day if it looks dry.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: macaroni salad, dolly parton recipe, easy pasta salad, summer sides, picnic recipes