Classic Macaroni Salad (Cold Pasta Salad)

5 from 1 vote

This colorful macaroni salad is prepared with grated carrot, onion, bell pepper all tossed in a creamy mayonnaise-mustard dressing.

Course Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine Italian

Keyword cold pasta salad, pasta salad

Diet Vegetarian

Method Stovetop

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Servings

Calories 358kcal

Stovetop Pot Method
In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Stir in the salt.
Add the macaroni to the water, and stir a few times to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions (about 10-12 minutes) occasionally stirring, until al dente or softer according to the desired texture. Once the pasta is cooked, drain excess water and keep it aside.
Instant Pot Method
Add dry macaroni, water, salt to the Instant Pot. Most of the pasta should be covered in water. If it is not, add some more water.
Furthermore, close the lid on the pot. Pressure Cook (high pressure) for 4 minutes. Note: I am using elbow macaroni pasta in this recipe which has 10 minutes for cooking on the stovetop. So to cook on Instant Pot – Divide the cooking time by half and minus one for al dente pasta. So it's 4 minutes. For softer pasta do 5 minutes.
When the instant pot beeps, wait for 5 minutes and Quick Release the remaining pressure manually. Then open the lid, and drain if there is any extra water.
Mix together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, white vinegar, red chili powder, sugar, salt, and ground pepper in a large bowl.
Stir in the carrot, onion, celery, colored bell pepper, and cooked macaroni. Mix well.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving, but preferably overnight. Deli Style Homemade Creamy Macaroni Salad is ready to serve.

You can add vegetables of your choice like jalapeños, celery, lettuce, zucchini, cucumber
Add an extra 1-2 tablespoons of mayonnaise to the salad before serving if you want the salad more creamy.
You can also add some shredded cheese.

Note: Nutrition values are my best estimates. If you rely on them for your diet, use your preferred nutrition calculator.