Cook the Macaroni Boil the macaroni until tender, usually around 7-8 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down quickly.
Prepare the Dressing In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, salt, and black pepper. This creamy dressing is what gives the salad its rich and tangy flavor.
Chop the Vegetables Dice the celery, bell pepper, and red onion into small pieces. These ingredients add crunch and freshness to the salad.
Mix Everything Together Add the cooled macaroni, chopped vegetables, and sweet pickle relish to the bowl with the dressing. Stir well until everything is evenly coated.
Adjust the Seasoning Taste your salad and add more salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed. You can also add a bit of sugar for a hint of sweetness.
Chill Before Serving For the best flavor, refrigerate the macaroni salad for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend perfectly.
Serve and Enjoy Macaroni salad pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or can be enjoyed on its own as a light meal.
Store Leftovers Properly Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before serving again.