A creamy, nostalgic bite of comfort, Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad brings Southern charm straight to your table. This isn’t your average side dish—it’s a rich, flavorful, and delightfully simple salad that pairs perfectly with anything from BBQ ribs to fried chicken. The texture is a dream: tender elbow macaroni coated in a creamy dressing, punctuated with crisp bell peppers and onions for just the right amount of crunch.

Whether you’re preparing for a potluck, picnic, or just want a cold and creamy lunch on a hot summer day, this macaroni salad recipe is a no-fail crowd-pleaser. It comes together in minutes, can be made ahead, and tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge. Classic, comforting, and versatile, it’s a Southern staple for a reason.

Why You’ll Love This Macaroni Salad

Simple & Delicious: Easy ingredients and no fancy steps.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes better as it chills.
Family Favorite: Even picky eaters will come back for seconds.
Great for Gatherings: A big bowl feeds many.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best?

Elbow macaroni is the gold standard here. Its classic curved shape holds onto the creamy dressing like a charm. If you want to swap in small shells or ditalini, go for it—but nothing quite says “macaroni salad” like elbow pasta. Whatever shape you choose, just be sure not to overcook it. You want a firm bite that holds up well in the fridge.

Ingredients for the Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad

Every ingredient in this creamy salad plays a key role in creating a harmonious balance of flavor and texture.

Elbow Macaroni: The base that gives this dish its classic structure.
Mayonnaise: The creamy glue that binds everything together and gives it that rich Southern flavor.
Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle tang and depth to the dressing.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Cuts through the richness and brightens the dish.
Sugar: Just a hint to balance the tang.
Celery: Brings crunch and freshness.
Green Bell Pepper: Offers mild sweetness and a bit of texture.
Red Onion: Adds a pop of color and a slight bite.
Salt & Pepper: Enhances every single flavor.

How To Make the Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Step 2: Chop the Veggies

Dice the celery, green bell pepper, and red onion into small, uniform pieces for even distribution throughout the salad.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and sugar until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine

Add the cooled macaroni and chopped veggies to the bowl of dressing. Stir everything together gently until well combined.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld. Serve cold, garnished with a bit of extra black pepper or a sprinkle of paprika if you like.

How to Serve and Store Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad

This macaroni salad makes about 8 servings and is best served cold. You can prepare it up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to 4 days.

If it dries out a bit in the fridge, just stir in a spoonful of mayonnaise or a splash of milk to revive the creaminess before serving.

What to Serve With Macaroni Salad?

Classic BBQ Ribs

A smoky, saucy rack of ribs is the ultimate partner for a cold, creamy pasta salad.

Fried Chicken

Southern comfort at its best. Crisp meets creamy.

Cheeseburger Sliders

These juicy bites go great with the cool tang of macaroni salad.

Grilled Veggie Skewers

A lighter option that adds balance and color.

Baked Beans

The sweetness of baked beans plays beautifully against the salad’s zippy dressing.

Deviled Eggs

Because you can never have too many creamy side dishes at a Southern gathering.

Pulled Pork Sandwiches

That savory richness finds the perfect complement in this chilled side.

Watermelon Slices

Refreshing and sweet, it finishes the meal with a juicy pop.

Want More Salad Ideas?

If you love this Dolly-inspired dish, you’ll definitely enjoy these other satisfying salad recipes:

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add a twist with pickles or a sprinkle of cheese? Did you use red bell pepper instead? I love hearing how you make these classics your own.

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