Bring the comfort and nostalgia of old-fashioned family gatherings to your Christmas table with this Christmas Classic Macaroni Salad that transforms simple ingredients into a beloved side dish that’s as essential to holiday meals as it is delicious. This isn’t just any pasta salad – it’s a time-honored recipe that combines perfectly cooked elbow macaroni with a rich, creamy dressing and colorful mix-ins that create layers of flavor and texture in every forkful. Each generous serving delivers the satisfying combination of tender pasta, crisp vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, and a tangy-sweet dressing that’s been perfected over generations of holiday celebrations. Whether you’re carrying on family traditions, need a make-ahead side that feeds a crowd, or want to add that essential comfort food element that makes Christmas dinner feel complete, this classic macaroni salad brings the warmth of shared memories and the satisfaction of tried-and-true flavors that never go out of style.
Serving: 10-12 people as a side dish
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (plus 2 hours chilling time)
Ingredients
For the Macaroni Salad:
1 pound elbow macaroni
6 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
1 cup celery, finely diced
1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
1/2 cup green bell pepper, finely diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped (optional)
For the Classic Dressing:
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon celery seed
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
For Garnish:
Paprika for dusting
Fresh parsley sprigs
Extra chopped hard-boiled eggs
Instructions
Begin by cooking the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente, being careful not to overcook since the pasta will continue to absorb moisture from the dressing as it chills. Overcooking results in mushy pasta that breaks apart in the salad.
Drain the cooked macaroni thoroughly and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it quickly. Shake out as much water as possible to prevent diluting the dressing later.
Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl and toss with a small amount of oil or a spoonful of mayonnaise to prevent sticking while you prepare the other ingredients.
Prepare your hard-boiled eggs by placing them in a large pot covered with cold water, bringing to a boil, then reducing heat and simmering for 10 minutes. Transfer immediately to an ice bath, then peel and chop when completely cool.
Preparing the Fresh Components
Dice the celery finely and evenly to ensure it distributes well throughout the salad and provides consistent crunch in every bite. Remove any tough strings for the best texture.
Cut the red and green bell peppers into small, uniform dice that will add color and sweetness without overwhelming the other flavors. The combination of colors creates visual appeal perfect for holiday presentations.
Finely dice the red onion and soak it in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the sharp flavor, then drain and pat dry. This step prevents the onion from overpowering the salad.
Chop the fresh parsley and chives if using, keeping them separate until ready to add to maintain their bright color and fresh flavor.
Creating the Classic Dressing
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and sour cream until smooth and well combined. The sour cream adds tanginess and helps prevent the dressing from becoming too heavy.
Add the apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and sugar, whisking until the sugar completely dissolves and the mixture is smooth. The vinegar provides essential acidity that balances the richness.
Stir in the celery seed, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika, whisking until all seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the dressing.
Taste the dressing and adjust seasonings as needed – it should be well-balanced with creamy richness, tangy brightness, and subtle sweetness that complements the other ingredients.
Assembling the Salad
Add the chopped hard-boiled eggs, diced celery, red and green bell peppers, drained red onion, and fresh parsley to the bowl with the cooled macaroni.
Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture, then gently fold everything together using a large spoon or spatula, being careful not to mash the eggs or break up the pasta.
The salad should be well-coated with dressing but not swimming in it. If it seems dry, add a bit more mayonnaise; if too wet, let it chill to allow the pasta to absorb some moisture.
Chilling and Final Touches
Cover the macaroni salad tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to a covered container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but preferably 4-6 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and develop.
Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and taste for seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or a splash of vinegar if needed. Chilling can mute flavors slightly, so adjustments may be necessary.
Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with a light dusting of paprika, fresh parsley sprigs, and additional chopped hard-boiled eggs for an attractive presentation.
Tips for Perfect Christmas Classic Macaroni Salad
Don’t overcook the pasta as it will continue to absorb moisture and can become mushy. Al dente texture holds up best in cold salads.
Cool completely before adding dressing to prevent the mayonnaise from breaking or becoming oily from residual heat.
Balance the dressing by tasting and adjusting seasonings both when made and after chilling, as flavors can change as the salad sits.
Dice vegetables uniformly for even distribution and professional appearance that’s worthy of your holiday table.
Make it ahead as this salad actually improves with time, making it perfect for busy holiday preparation schedules.
Keep it cold by serving in a chilled bowl and not leaving it at room temperature for more than 2 hours for food safety.
Customize carefully by adding ingredients like diced ham, cheese, or pickles while maintaining the classic flavor profile.
Reserve some garnish to add fresh color and texture just before serving, as some ingredients can lose their appeal after sitting in the dressing.
Serving and Storage
Serve this classic side dish alongside traditional Christmas ham, turkey, or roast beef for the perfect holiday combination that guests will expect and love.
Make-Ahead Benefits
This salad is ideal for holiday entertaining as it can be made 1-2 days ahead and actually improves in flavor, freeing up valuable kitchen time on Christmas day.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 11 servings):
- Calories: 285
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Sodium: 385mg
- Cholesterol: 105mg
- Potassium: 185mg
- Vitamin C: 25mg
- Folate: 45mcg
This classic holiday side provides carbohydrates for energy from the pasta and beneficial nutrients from the vegetables and eggs. The hard-boiled eggs contribute high-quality protein and choline for brain health, while the bell peppers add vitamin C and antioxidants. The celery provides fiber and potassium. Though indulgent with mayonnaise-based dressing, this traditional dish offers substantial nutrition and satisfying comfort that makes it a worthwhile addition to special holiday meals when enjoyed in moderation.
