This classic pasta salad is always a crowd favorite! Made with elbow macaroni, carrots, pimento, celery, hard-boiled eggs, and a classic creamy sauce to coat over the top. This recipe is one that has been in my family for years, and everyone who tries it loves it! It’s a simple recipe that comes together in a matter of minutes, but I have found it is best served after a few hours in the fridge or even the next day. Make it with me!
Simple Pasta Salad Recipe
Nothing says summertime eating like a serving of the best, classic, old-fashioned, creamy macaroni salad with eggs and crisp vegetables dressed in a simple and creamy but still light mayonnaise dressing for any picnic, potluck, or barbecue.
Sometimes you just don’t mess around with the classics. While some might look at this macaroni salad recipe and think it’s too simple.
Where’s the twist?
What makes it special?
Shouldn’t it be harder than this?
That’s exactly why it’s a time-proven favorite.
I do have one secret ingredient that I think makes this recipe over the top delicious and that is Onera seasoning. My aunt Colleen ALWAYS cooked with Onera, and I think it makes everything better!
One of these days, just in case Onera goes away, I’ll write up my own recipe for this seasoning blend but for now, see where you can purchase it near you or order it online. It’s the best!
I find mine locally at Lee’s Marketplace and Orson Gygi.
What You’ll Need
Making classic pasta salad is easy! There are only a few ingredients required to make this recipe and the flavor is fantastic!
- Elbow Macaroni Noodles
- Shredded Carrots
- Celery
- Hard Boiled Eggs
- Pimento
- Best Foods Mayo
- Miracle Whip
- White Vinegar
- Dry Mustard
- Evaporated Milk
- Onera Seasoning
- Salt & Pepper
How to Make Classic Pasta Salad
- Prepare elbow noodles as directed on the package. When finished, rinse and cool completely and place in a mixing bowl.
- Mix in the carrots, celery, pimento, and hard-boiled eggs with the noodles.
- In a separate bowl, combine the mayo, Miracle Whip, vinegar, dry mustard, evaporated milk, Onera seasoning, and salt & pepper. Pour over pasta and other ingredients. Gently fold in dressing until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Cover with plastic wrap or lid and store in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This is a great make-ahead recipe and can be served the next day too.
If you give this recipe a try, let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, or snap a photo and tag it with @TheAlexDaynes on Instagram! I love to see what you’ve been cooking. It always makes my day!
LIKE THIS RECIPE AND WANT TO SAVE IT FOR LATER? PIN IT TO PINTEREST HERE!
Classic Pasta Salad
his classic pasta salad is always a crowd favorite! Made with elbow macaroni, carrots, pimento, celery, hard-boiled eggs, and a creamy sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Elbow Macaroni Noodles
- 1 cup Shredded Carrots
- 1 cup diced Celery
- 6 diced Hard-Boiled Eggs
- 1 6 ounces jar Pimento, drained
- 1 cup Best Foods Mayo
- 1 cup Miracle Whip
- 1 teaspoon White Vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dry Mustard
- 1 5-ounce can Evaporated Milk
- 1 Tablespoon Onera Seasoning
- Salt & Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare elbow noodles as directed on the package. When finished, rinse and cool completely and place in a mixing bowl.
- Mix in the carrots, celery, pimento, and hard-boiled eggs with the noodles.
- In a separate bowl, combine the mayo, Miracle Whip, vinegar, dry mustard, evaporated milk, onera seasoning, and salt & pepper. Pour over pasta and other ingredients. Gently fold in dressing until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Cover with plastic wrap or lid and store in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This is a great make-ahead recipe and can be served the next day too.
[…] Classic Pasta Salad […]