Ina Garten Macaroni Salad – A Fresh and Flavorful Summer Side

Ina Garten’s Macaroni Salad is a refreshing twist on a classic picnic dish. It combines tender pasta, crisp vegetables, and a creamy yet tangy dressing for the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Whether you’re serving it at a summer BBQ, packing it for lunch, or enjoying it alongside grilled meats, this salad is a crowd-pleaser that never feels heavy or bland.

With fresh herbs, crunchy celery, and a subtle kick from mustard and vinegar, this recipe is elegant, satisfying, and easy to make ahead.

Other Ina Garten Recipes

• Ina Garten Spinach Artichoke Dip
• Ina Garten Fettuccine Alfredo
• Barefoot Contessa Spinach Pie
• Ina Garten Spinach Puff Pastry
• Ina Garten Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes

What Is Ina Garten Macaroni Salad?

Ina Garten’s macaroni salad is a cold pasta salad made with cooked elbow macaroni, a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing, and crunchy, fresh vegetables like celery and red onion. It’s flavored with mustard, vinegar, and a touch of sweetness to give it a bright, well-rounded taste. Served chilled, it’s ideal for picnics, potlucks, and summer gatherings.

Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Macaroni Salad

• Classic with a twist – Balanced with acid, creaminess, and fresh crunch
• Perfect for make-ahead meals – Gets better as it chills
• Customizable – Add protein, herbs, or other veggies to suit your taste
• A crowd favorite – Always a hit at cookouts and gatherings
• Great for leftovers – Holds well in the fridge for 3–4 days
• Simple ingredients – Easy to find and quick to prep
• Pairs with many mains – Ideal alongside grilled meats or sandwiches

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten’s Macaroni Salad

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ¾ cup celery, finely diced
• ½ cup red onion, finely diced
• ¼ cup chopped parsley
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Macaroni Salad

Step 1: Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8–9 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Let it cool completely.

Step 2: Make the dressing

In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper. The dressing should be creamy with a slight tang.

Step 3: Combine the salad

Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl with the dressing. Stir in the diced celery, red onion, and chopped parsley. Mix gently until everything is well coated.

Step 4: Chill before serving

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld. Taste before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten’s Macaroni Salad

• Grilled chicken or steak – A refreshing contrast to rich meats
• Pulled pork sandwiches – Adds a creamy, cool side to smoky flavors
• Fried or baked fish – Balances crispy, savory bites
• Hot dogs or burgers – Classic BBQ pairings
• Roasted vegetables – Keeps the meal light and wholesome
• Deviled eggs or pickles – Adds variety to picnic spreads
• Sweet tea or lemonade – Complements the mild tang of the salad

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten’s Macaroni Salad

• Don’t overcook the pasta – Keep it firm so it holds up in the dressing
• Cool pasta before mixing – Prevents the dressing from thinning out
• Use fresh parsley – Adds color and brightness
• Taste after chilling – Flavors mellow as it rests, so adjust as needed
• Dice vegetables evenly – For a balanced texture in every bite
• Add a splash of milk if too thick – Helps loosen the salad after chilling
• Let it chill for best flavor – At least 1 hour before serving

Creative Variations of Ina Garten’s Macaroni Salad

• Add chopped pickles or relish – For extra tang and crunch
• Mix in diced hard-boiled eggs – Adds protein and richness
• Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo – For a lighter version
• Include shredded carrots or bell peppers – Adds color and natural sweetness
• Stir in cheddar cubes or crumbled feta – For a cheesy twist
• Top with crispy bacon bits – Adds crunch and smoky flavor
• Swap elbow pasta with shells or penne – For a slightly different texture

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten’s Macaroni Salad

• Store in an airtight container – Keeps fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days
• Keep chilled at all times – Especially when serving outdoors
• Stir before serving – Dressing may settle at the bottom
• Avoid freezing – The mayo-based dressing can separate
• Label and date leftovers – Helps track freshness

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten’s Macaroni Salad

• This dish is served cold – No reheating is needed
• Let sit at room temp for 10 minutes – Softens the texture before serving
• Add a bit of mayo or milk – If it feels too dry after refrigeration
• Stir gently – To restore creaminess without breaking the pasta
• Avoid microwaving – Changes the flavor and texture of the salad

Nutritional Value (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 340
• Protein: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 340mg

This macaroni salad offers a satisfying combination of carbs, creaminess, and crunch—perfect for warm-weather meals and picnics.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Macaroni Salad is a beautiful example of how simple ingredients, when prepared thoughtfully, can create a flavorful and elegant dish. With its creamy texture, fresh crunch, and tangy dressing, it’s a must-have recipe for your summer rotation.

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