Name: Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked) 1 cup mayonnaise 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 2 teaspoons sugar 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 cup chopped celery 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion 1/3 cup sweet pickle relish (or chopped sweet pickles)

Creamy, tangy, and irresistibly nostalgic, Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad is the kind of side dish that never goes out of style. Whether you’re packing it for a picnic, serving it at a potluck, or enjoying it with grilled chicken on a summer night, this macaroni salad brings all the cozy Southern charm in one bowl. The classic elbows are tossed in a luscious dressing and mixed with a medley of crunchy vegetables that add color, texture, and just the right amount of zing.

Inspired by Dolly’s love of comforting, home-cooked meals, this salad is both simple and satisfying. It has that creamy mayo base we all know and love, balanced with a little tang from vinegar and mustard, plus the sweet crunch of bell peppers and celery. It’s easy to make, make-ahead friendly, and guaranteed to be one of the first dishes to disappear from the table.

What Makes Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad So Good?

Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad stands out because it’s built on timeless ingredients with a perfect balance of creaminess, crunch, and flavor. The use of elbow macaroni gives the dressing plenty of nooks to cling to, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Plus, the sweetness from chopped pickles and the brightness from vinegar elevate it beyond your average deli version. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you’re home.

Ingredients for Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad

Elbow Macaroni: This classic pasta shape is ideal for soaking up the creamy dressing.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base that ties everything together with richness.
Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle tang and depth that complements the mayo.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Brings brightness and balances the richness.
Sugar: Just a hint to counterbalance the tang and make everything pop.
Salt & Pepper: Basic seasonings that highlight all the flavors.
Chopped Celery: Adds crunch and freshness.
Green Bell Pepper: Brings color and a mild bite.
Red Onion: For a little zing and a touch of color.
Sweet Pickles or Relish: A Dolly-approved twist that brings a sweet and tangy kick.

How To Make the Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.

Step 2: Prep the Vegetables

While the pasta cools, finely chop the celery, green bell pepper, red onion, and sweet pickles or relish. You want the pieces small enough to blend seamlessly into every bite.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. This will be your creamy, tangy dressing that brings everything together.

Step 4: Combine and Toss

Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold in the chopped vegetables, making sure everything is well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Chill Before Serving

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour (or overnight) to let the flavors meld. Stir before serving and garnish with a little extra chopped celery or pickles if you’d like for presentation.

How to Serve and Store Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad

This macaroni salad is the perfect companion for outdoor BBQs, fried chicken dinners, or just a casual lunch. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or even a scoop on top of leafy greens for a picnic-style salad bowl. For serving, you can garnish it with a little paprika or a few sprigs of fresh parsley to give it a pop of color.

As for storing, keep the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 4 days, making it a great make-ahead option. Be sure to give it a good stir before serving, especially if it’s been sitting overnight—the dressing may need to be loosened with a splash of milk or an extra spoonful of mayo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes! While elbow macaroni is traditional and holds the dressing well, you can use shells, rotini, or ditalini. Just make sure it’s a shape that captures the creamy sauce.

Is it okay to make this salad a day in advance?

Absolutely. In fact, it’s even better the next day once all the flavors have had a chance to mingle.

Can I lighten this up?

Sure! Swap out part of the mayo with Greek yogurt or use a light mayonnaise to reduce calories without losing creaminess.

What kind of pickles work best?

Sweet pickles or sweet pickle relish are ideal for that Southern Dolly twist. If you prefer a more tangy bite, dill pickles work too.

How do I keep the pasta from getting soggy?

Be sure to cook the pasta just until al dente and rinse it with cold water right after draining. This stops the cooking and keeps it from becoming too soft.

Can I add protein to make it a main dish?

Definitely. Diced ham, shredded chicken, or even chopped boiled eggs work well to bulk this up into a full meal.

Want More Salad Recipes With Personality?

If Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad brightened your day, here are a few more vibrant and crowd-pleasing options to explore next:

Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad Recipe combines two picnic favorites in one creamy, dreamy bowl.
Mexican Street Corn Potato Salad adds zesty flair and bold texture to your summer table.
Popcorn Salad Recipe for those who love quirky, crunchy surprises in every bite.
Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce for a balanced, protein-packed twist on salad night.
Shamrock Mint Milkshake Pie if you’re craving something sweet and cool to follow up your savory salad meal.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can whip up a batch any time summer cravings hit.

And when you do, don’t forget to drop a comment below to tell me how it turned out! Did you stick with sweet pickles, or go bold with dill? Maybe you added in some ham or eggs?

I’d love to see your spin on this Southern classic. For more comforting, retro-inspired dishes like this, check out my daily recipe shares over on Pinterest: Life with Jam.