Sweet Macaroni Salad

Sweet Macaroni Salad – seriously THE BEST macaroni salad EVER!! I took this to a potluck and it was the first thing gone. Everyone asked for the recipe! Can make this ahead of time and refrigerate overnight. Elbow macaroni, red onion, green bell pepper, carrots, sweetened condensed milk, mayonnaise, cider vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper. This is our new favorite side dish!!! #sidedish #pastasalad #potluck 

bowl of Sweet Macaroni Salad

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Pasta salads are a favorite in our house, and this Sweet Macaroni Salad is no exception! This has actually quickly become our go-to pasta salad. I like to make a big batch on Sunday for an easy side at lunch during the week.


bowl of Sweet Macaroni Salad

Now, the ingredients sound really crazy, but they taste amazing! A can of sweetened condensed milk gives the macaroni salad the sweetness. I know it sounds super weird, but don’t worry. The other ingredients really mellow out the sweetened condensed milk and there is really only a good hint of sweetness.


bowl of Sweet Macaroni Salad

This recipe makes a lot of pasta salad. It is perfect for potlucks and cookouts. You might be tempted to cut down on the sweetened condensed milk/mayonnaise mixture. DON’T. Once this sits in the fridge for a while the consistency is perfect. This is a great make-ahead side dish. We think it tastes better the day after it is made.

bowl of macaroni salad

Sweet Macaroni Salad

Yield: 12 people
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Sweet Macaroni Salad – seriously THE BEST macaroni salad EVER!! I took this to a potluck and it was the first thing gone. Everyone asked for the recipe! Can make this ahead of time and refrigerate overnight. Elbow macaroni, red onion, green bell pepper, carrots, sweetened condensed milk, mayonnaise, cider vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper. This is our new favorite side dish!!! #sidedish #pastasalad #potluck

Ingredients:

  • 1 (16-oz) box elbow macaroni
  • 4 medium carrots, grated
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 red onion, chopped
  • 2 cups mayonnaise
  • 1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup cider vinegar
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain.
  • Combine cooked macaroni, carrots, bell pepper and onion in a large bowl.
  • Whisk together mayonnaise, sweetened condensed milk, cider vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper. Pour over macaroni mixture and stir well.
  • Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Video:

Steph

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bowl of Macaroni Salad
bowl of Sweet Macaroni Salad
bowl of Sweet Macaroni Salad
bowl of Sweet Macaroni Salad

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Comments

  1. I made this exactly how the recipe states with the only exception being I used yellow bell pepper vs green, because I like it better. I was really scared that this was going to be way too sweet with the ingredients, but was pleasantly surprised that it was so good. Definitely tastes better after being in the fridge overnight. This is for sure a keeper!

  2. I found this exact recipe in the newspaper about 20 years ago and am ask to bring to fish and barbecue cookouts all the time. I have always leave the sugar out as the condensed milk make it sweet enough..My late grandmother, who was an excellent cook, always requested it too.

  3. I followed exactly BUT! I cooked the noodles one minute longer, drained and poured the vinegar over the warm noodles. I didn’t mix the vinegar in with Mayo. It’s really good. Gives a little extra tang before the sweet.

  4. Best pasta salad I’ve ever eaten! I was a little concerned that it seemed so soupy when I first made it, but it was perfect the next day!

  5. This was amazing. I made it the day before. I did it exactly as written. After I finished mixing I thought I had made a mistake putting in the full cup of vinegar. I thought it smelled and tasted a bit too much of vinegar for my taste. After setting over 12 hours when I tried it again, it was perfect. It just needed to settle. Awesome recipe! Thank you.

  6. Any idea how much I would need to make to feed 125 people? There will be other salads available le too.

      1. It’s a keeper.! The only thing I’ve ever done was maybe add some frozen peas. but it definitely doesn’t need it. Awesome recipe. Thanks.

  7. I have tried this and really like it. I never made it and plan to do so for Thanksgiving. Can I put the peppers carrots and red onion In a food processor or should I chop then by hand?

  8. Too sweet for our family. I will make this again this time and leave out the added sugar. Otherwise, this is good.

  9. I have been looking for a good summer Mac salad…I just found it. This salad is so very, very good! Served at a family gathering and all raved on how good this salad is! Thank you!!

  10. Hello! I’ve been reading your blog for a long time now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give you a shout out from Porter Tx! Just wanted to say keep up the great work!|

  11. I made this to go with your Whiskey Pineapple Chicken. Both were absolutely delicious! I will definitely be making the macaroni salad multiple times this summer.

  12. I loved it but I think the cider vinegar (esp one cup was too much) I would leave it out completely or make it 1/4 cup, the smell of the cider vinegar turn me down later on.

  13. This sounds great.I wouldn't think it would need additional sugar unless its because of the cup of vinegar. I wonger if you could sub with celery and then add cooked chicken and maybe some cashews. I will try it just as the recipe says the first time. I never change a thing the first time I make a recipe. Only fair to the recipe's contributor.I once had a neighbor who made a recipe I gave her and changed 4 out of the 7 ingredients and then said,her family didn't really care for it.Thanks for the recipe. I love,love,love pasta salads.

    1. This is a really great macaroni salad. I would definitely recommend making it as written the first time, although your adjustments sound great!

    2. Great recipe!
      I do not add the sugar.
      I use white vinegar.
      I add a couple dashes of cayenne pepper.
      Perfect.
      I also purchase a bag of carrots & grate the whole bag; just more veggies😊👍

  14. This was so good and a huge hit at our family gathering. Absolutely, make the night before as recommended. I used a large sweet red pepper instead. So much better than box or store bought pasta salad and takes so little time to put together. You could add more veggies or cheese though it’s so delicious as is.

  15. Wow!delicious! Just made for family reunion tomorrow but think I'll leave a small container for home! Love it, thank you! I did use celery instead of pepper and that works too.

  16. Isn't a whole cup of vinegar a lot??? Any substitute for the carrots? We usually put hardboiled eggs in ours. Curious to try it.

  17. I have this recipe in my box, it's the way I like macaroni salad. It will feed an army!!! It's a great summer salad.

  18. Where I come from this is affectionately known as Amish Macaroni Salad! I ADORE it, but can't do the green pepper; so I substitute celery!!!

    1. Yes! Same ???? also I dice very small the onion and celery. Want a neat twist? Make with farro instead of pasta.

    2. Crazy in love with this salad. Bringing it to a Fourth of July party tomorrow, it’s testing in the fridge now. I could eat it every day!!!

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