Description
Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad is a creamy, tangy, and delicious dish that embodies Southern comfort, perfect for potlucks and family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish or dill relish
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp milk (optional, to thin dressing)
- 1 tsp paprika (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
2. While the pasta cools, finely chop your celery, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and red onion.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, yellow mustard, and sweet pickle relish. Stir until smooth and creamy, adding salt and pepper to taste.
4. Gently add the cooled macaroni and diced vegetables into the dressing mixture, folding them together until well coated.
5. Cover the salad and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours before serving.
6. Optional: Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika before serving.
Notes
Make the salad a day in advance for optimal flavor development.
Adjust salt and pepper to taste for the perfect balance.
Substitute red onion with green onions for a milder flavor.
Great for BBQs, potlucks, or as a make-ahead lunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg