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Classic Pasta Salad

Classic pasta salad with vegetables in a mayonnaise-based dressing, tossed until evenly coated and chilled for best flavor. Elbow macaroni, celery, red onion, bell pepper, and peas come together for a traditional American picnic-style salad.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
chilling 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 620
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

elbow macaroni
  • 1 lb elbow macaroni
mayonnaise
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
white vinegar
  • 2 tbsp white vinegar
sugar
  • 1 tbsp sugar
Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
celery
  • 1 cup celery, diced
red bell pepper
  • 0.5 cup red bell pepper, diced
red onion
  • 0.5 cup red onion, finely diced
frozen peas
  • 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
salt and pepper
  • 0.25 salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

Cook and cool the pasta
  1. Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions, then drain and rinse with cold water until the pasta looks cool and stops steaming.
Make the mayonnaise dressing
  1. Whisk mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and glossy, with no sugar granules visible.
Toss the salad
  1. Combine pasta, diced celery, diced red bell pepper, finely diced red onion, and thawed peas in a large bowl until the vegetables are evenly distributed.
  2. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly, so the pasta appears lightly slick and every vegetable is covered.
Chill and finish
  1. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight so the salad firms up slightly and the flavors meld.
  2. Stir before serving and adjust seasoning until taste is balanced and the dressing clings smoothly to the pasta.

Notes

For the best texture, rinse the pasta with cold water thoroughly so it doesn’t clump, then chill the finished salad uncovered for 30 minutes to help the surface cool before covering. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; it can be frozen up to 1 month, though peas and onions may soften. For a lighter option, use light mayonnaise instead of regular mayonnaise to reduce calories while keeping the classic flavor.