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Close-up of Dolly Parton's Macaroni Salad with uniform diced celery and red bell peppers in a creamy dressing.

Dolly Parton's Macaroni Salad: The Ultimate Southern Potluck Classic

A classic Southern Dolly Parton's Macaroni Salad featuring tender elbow macaroni, a thick pale-ivory mayonnaise dressing, and crisp diced vegetables. Perfectly seasoned with paprika and black pepper for the ultimate creamy potluck side dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 cups
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 310
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dolly's Classic Ingredients
  • 1 pound (450g) elbow macaroni dry
  • 1 cup (240ml) celery finely diced
  • 0.5 cup (120ml) red bell pepper diced small
  • 3 whole green onions minced
  • 1.5 cups (350ml) mayonnaise full fat preferred
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon (12g) granulated sugar
  • 0.5 teaspoon red paprika for dusting
  • 1 pinch black pepper freshly cracked

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot For boiling macaroni
  • 1 Mixing Bowl Large enough to fold ingredients
  • 1 Whisk

Method
 

Prepare the Pasta
  1. Cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse thoroughly with cold water.
  2. Ensure the pasta is completely cool to the touch before mixing with the dressing.
Mix and Assemble
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar until pale-ivory and smooth.
  2. Fold in the cooled macaroni, diced celery, red bell pepper, and minced green onions until thoroughly coated.
  3. Transfer to a white bowl. Dust with red paprika and cracked black pepper.

Notes

Always rinse your pasta in cold water to stop the cooking and prevent a mushy salad.
Let the salad chill for at least 2 hours to let the flavors develop fully.