Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad Recipe is creamy, flavorful and easy to make. It is perfect for summer cookouts, picnics or family meals. This salad has tender pasta, crunchy veggies and a rich dressing that everyone loves.
The flavors are simple but taste amazing together. You can make Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad in minutes with easy ingredients.
In this post, I will show you how to make Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad and the ingredients for Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad. Let’s get started.
My Experience With This Recipe
I first made this salad for a family picnic. Everyone loved the creamy dressing and soft pasta. The crunchy celery and onion added perfect texture. My friends said it reminded them of classic Southern recipes.
It was easy to make and stayed fresh for hours. I enjoyed making it because it is simple and forgiving. Now I make Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad often for parties. It is always a crowd favorite and brings smiles.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Course: Salad
- Cuisine: Southern
- Calories: 280 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large pot
- Strainer
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board
- Knife
Ingredients You Need for Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 1/4 cup shredded carrot (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil macaroni in salted water until tender. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
2. Chop the Vegetables
Dice celery, red onion and carrot. Chop hard-boiled eggs into small pieces for easy mixing.
3. Make the Dressing
In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, salt and black pepper. Stir until smooth.
4. Combine Pasta and Vegetables
Add cooled macaroni to a large mixing bowl. Add chopped vegetables and eggs gently.
5. Add Dressing
Pour dressing over macaroni and vegetables. Mix slowly until every piece is coated well.
6. Chill the Salad
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
7. Taste and Adjust
Taste the salad. Add more salt, pepper or sugar if needed. Mix gently before serving.
8. Serve Fresh
Spoon salad into a serving bowl. Garnish with a little extra chopped egg or paprika if desired.
Recipe Tips
- Use elbow macaroni or similar small pasta shapes.
- Do not overcook pasta to avoid mushy salad.
- Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes for flavors to blend.
- Add more mayonnaise or sour cream for creamier texture.
- Use fresh vegetables for the best crunch.
Nutrition Information
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 |
| Carbs | 30g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 2g |
Serving Suggestions
Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad is perfect for lunch or dinner. Serve it alongside grilled meats, sandwiches or picnic snacks.
It tastes great cold and pairs well with barbecue dishes, fried chicken or fresh fruit. You can also enjoy it as a light side dish at family gatherings.
Best Sides To Serve With
- Grilled chicken
- Hamburgers or hot dogs
- Corn on the cob
- Coleslaw
- Potato salad
- Fresh fruit
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Keeps fresh for up to three days. Do not freeze, as the dressing may separate.
Stir before serving if liquid separates slightly. Always serve cold for the best taste and texture.
Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup celery chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion chopped
- 2 hard-boiled eggs chopped
- 1/4 cup shredded carrot optional
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Boil macaroni in salted water until tender. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
Chop the Vegetables
- Dice celery, red onion, and carrot. Chop hard-boiled eggs into small pieces for easy mixing.
Make the Dressing
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, salt and black pepper. Stir until smooth.
Combine Pasta and Vegetables
- Add cooled macaroni to a large mixing bowl. Add chopped vegetables and eggs gently.
Add Dressing
- Pour dressing over macaroni and vegetables. Mix slowly until every piece is coated well.
Chill the Salad
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Taste and Adjust
- Taste the salad. Add more salt, pepper or sugar if needed. Mix gently before serving.
Serve Fresh
- Spoon salad into a serving bowl. Garnish with a little extra chopped egg or paprika if desired.
Notes
- Use elbow macaroni or similar small pasta shapes.
- Do not overcook pasta to avoid mushy salad.
- Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes for flavors to blend.
- Add more mayonnaise or sour cream for creamier texture.
- Use fresh vegetables for the best crunch.
FAQs About Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a few hours ahead. Refrigerate it to let the flavors mix. Add eggs and celery last for freshness.
2. Can I use light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt?
Yes, light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt works well. It makes the salad lighter but still creamy and flavorful.
3. Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, you can add bell peppers, peas or corn. Chop them small so they mix easily with pasta.
4. Why is my salad too watery?
If the pasta was not rinsed well or the vegetables release water, the salad may be watery. Drain pasta and pat veggies dry.
5. Can I make this vegan?
Yes, use vegan mayonnaise and omit eggs. You can also replace sour cream with plant-based yogurt for creaminess.
Conclusion
Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad Recipe is simple, creamy and full of flavor. Now you know how to make Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad with easy steps and simple ingredients.
It is perfect for summer picnics, parties or family meals. This salad combines soft pasta, crunchy vegetables and a tangy dressing that everyone loves.
Try this recipe today and enjoy a fresh, tasty and classic Southern dish that will be a hit with family and friends.
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.
