Sweet Macaroni Salad

This unique Sweet Macaroni Salad will be a hit at your next barbecue. Simple ingredients combine to make a sweet and zingy macaroni salad that everyone will adore.

This unique Sweet Macaroni Salad will be a hit at your next barbecue. Simple ingredients combine to make a sweet and zingy macaroni salad that everyone will adore.

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Summer is coming and that means we get to eat ALL the summer food. One of my favorite summer dishes is pasta or macaroni salad. I’ll take any variety, they are just so good.

Close up of sweet macaroni salad in a bowl with spoon in it.

Ingredients for Sweet Macaroni Salad

  • Pasta: I like to use penne or elbow pasta for this macaroni salad. You can use any short cut pasta you have on hand.
  • Mayo: Use full-fat mayo for the best flavor and texture.
  • Sweetened condensed milk: The first of two ingredients that bring the sweetness to this macaroni salad. It adds a delicious tanginess to the pasta as well.
  • Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is my favorite variety to use. You can also use white or red wine vinegar. The vinegar balances out the sweetness and adds another layer of tang.
  • Granulated sugar: The second sweet ingredient. Make sure to whisk the sauce well to ensure the granulated sugar fully dissolves.
  • Green bell pepper: These are a little more bitter than other bell peppers. It helps balance out the sweetness of the pasta.
  • Onion: Adds crunch and bite.
  • Shredded carrot: Adds sweetness and more texture.
All required ingredients laid out for sweet macaroni salad.

How to Make Sweet Macaroni Salad

Start by cooking the pasta. I like to cook it a minute less than the package directions. It will soak up the dressing and soften up as it sits in the refrigerator so this keeps it from getting soggy.

While the pasta is cooking, mix up the dressing. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the mayo, sweetened condensed milk, vinegar and sugar. Mix in the diced bell pepper, onion and shredded carrot.

Once the pasta is cooked, rinse under cold water and drain well. Add the pasta to the dressing and mix well. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Spoonful of sweet macaroni salad lifted from bowl.

For Best Results

This pasta is great right after making it but it’s incredible if you make it the night before.

The flavors mingle and soak into the pasta. If you can plan ahead, I definitely recommend making it at least 4 hours before serving to get the best flavor and allow the dressing to thicken.

Pink bowl filled with sweet macaroni salad with large serving spoon and gray check cloth napkin on the right side.

More Macaroni Salad Recipes to Try

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5 from 1 vote

Sweet Macaroni Salad

This deliciously easy Sweet Macaroni Salad is a summertime favorite. Perfect for all your barbecues and potlucks.
Prep Time10 minutes
Active Time10 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: sweet macaroni salad
Yield: 12 servings
Author: Meghan Payne-Hensley

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. penne, rotini or elbow pasta
  • 2 cups mayo, full fat
  • 1 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 3/4 cup shredded carrot

Instructions

  • Cook pasta 1 minute less than package directions. While pasta is cooking, whisk together mayo, sweetened condensed milk, vinegar and sugar. Mix in diced bell pepper, onion and carrots.
  • Drain pasta and add to the bowl. Toss until well coated. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. It's even better if it's refrigerated overnight.

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One comment

  1. […] menu consisted of burgers, brats, pasta salad, potato salad, layered salad, fruit and veggie trays with yummy dips, baked beans, mac-n-cheese, […]

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