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Dolly Parton's Macaroni Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 72 reviews

Dolly Parton's Macaroni Salad is a creamy and colorful side dish featuring tender elbow macaroni, crisp vegetables, and a tangy dressing made with mayonnaise, mustard, and sweet pickle relish. Perfectly chilled and garnished with paprika, this salad combines classic flavors with a delightful crunch, making it an ideal accompaniment to barbecues and picnics.

Ingredients

For the Salad

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni (can substitute with small shells or ditalini)
  • 1 cup mayonnaise (for a lighter twist, swap in Greek yogurt)
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard (no substitutions recommended)
  • 1 cup celery (can substitute jicama for different texture)
  • 1 cup green bell pepper (can substitute cucumbers for milder taste)
  • 1 cup red bell pepper (feel free to use more green bell pepper or chopped carrots)
  • 1/2 cup red onion (chop finely for even spread, or use green onions)
  • 1/3 cup sweet pickle relish (can use chopped dill pickles for a distinct taste)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)

Optional Add-Ins

  • 2 large hard-boiled eggs (adds richness and protein)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (for an exciting flavor twist)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh herbs like parsley or dill (for a refreshing finish)

Instructions

  1. Boil Water: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water, then let it cool completely.
  2. Chop Veggies: While the pasta cools, finely dice the celery, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and red onion for uniform pieces.
  3. Mix Dressing: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, and sweet pickle relish. Stir until smooth and creamy. Add salt and black pepper to taste.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Gently add the cooled macaroni and chopped vegetables to the dressing. Toss everything together until well combined.
  5. Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
  6. Optional Garnish: Sprinkle paprika over the top and optionally add chopped fresh herbs or sliced hard-boiled eggs before serving for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
  • You can substitute elbow macaroni with small shells or ditalini pasta for texture variation.
  • Adjust salt and pepper to your liking.
  • Adding hard-boiled eggs increases protein content and richness.
  • Chilling the salad for at least 2 hours enhances the flavor melding.
  • Fresh herbs like parsley or dill make a great finishing touch.

Find it online: https://mealsbykate.com/dolly-partons-macaroni-salad-recipe-2/