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Creamy Classic Southern Pasta Salad Recipe with Sweet Pickle Relish

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A creamy, tangy Southern pasta salad featuring sweet pickle relish, perfect for summer gatherings and easy to prepare in about 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
  • 3 large hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely diced
  • ½ small red onion, finely chopped
  • ½ medium green bell pepper, diced (optional)
  • ¾ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup sweet pickle relish
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions, about 8–10 minutes, until al dente. Drain well and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Let it drain completely.
  2. Place 3 large eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water by an inch. Bring to a boil, then turn off heat, cover, and let sit for 10-12 minutes. Transfer eggs to ice water immediately. Once cool, peel and chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Dice 2 celery stalks, ½ small red onion, and ½ medium green bell pepper (if using). Keep sizes uniform for even texture.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine ¾ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup sweet pickle relish, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Stir well until smooth and creamy.
  5. Add the cooked pasta, chopped eggs, and diced vegetables to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold together with a spatula or wooden spoon until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 2-3 hours, to let flavors meld. Overnight chilling is even better if possible.
  7. Taste the salad before serving and adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed. Give it one last gentle stir and serve cold.

Notes

Ensure pasta is fully cooled and drained to avoid watery salad. Fold ingredients gently to keep eggs intact. Chilling overnight improves flavor. For dairy-free, use vegan mayo and omit eggs or substitute with tofu cubes. Variations include adding smoked ham or bacon, or swapping pasta for low-carb alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: Southern pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, sweet pickle relish, summer salad, easy pasta salad, potluck recipe

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/creamy-classic-southern-pasta-salad-recipe-with-sweet-pickle-relish-easy-and-perfect-for-summer/