Description
Dolly Parton's Macaroni Salad is a creamy, tangy side dish combining al dente macaroni with fresh vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, and a luscious mayo-sour cream dressing. Perfectly balanced with sweet pickle relish and a hint of grated onion, this classic salad is ideal for potlucks, picnics, or as a comforting accompaniment to your favorite meals.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb macaroni
Vegetables and Mix-ins
- 2 cups diced cucumber
- 1 cup diced green pepper
- 2 tablespoons grated onion
- 1/2 cup sweet pickle relish
- 2 hard boiled eggs, chopped
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Transfer the macaroni to a large bowl.
- Add Vegetables: To the bowl with macaroni, add the diced cucumber, diced green pepper, grated onion, and sweet pickle relish. Mix gently until combined, then set the mixture aside.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Salad: Pour the dressing over the macaroni and vegetable mixture. Stir well to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing.
- Add Eggs: Fold in the chopped hard-boiled eggs carefully to avoid breaking them up too much, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the salad.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least a few hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled for best taste and texture.
Notes
- The salad is best served chilled and tastes even better the next day.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier and slightly healthier option.
- Ensure macaroni is thoroughly cooled before mixing to avoid wilting the vegetables.
- Adjust salt and pepper to your taste preference.
- For extra crunch, add diced celery or bell pepper variations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
