Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad Recipe
Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad 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.
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.