Go Back
–+ servings
Smartphone photo of Dolly Parton Macaroni Salad showing pale yellow noodles and thick glossy dressing. (Dolly Parton Macaroni Salad)
FL Recipes

Dolly Parton Macaroni Salad: The Ultimate Creamy Southern Comfort Recipe

A nostalgic Southern classic featuring tender elbow macaroni in a thick, glossy ivory mayonnaise dressing. Packed with crisp celery, vibrant red peppers, and hard-boiled eggs, this Dolly-inspired salad is the ultimate potluck showstopper.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe WhatsApp
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 cups
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 340
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 16 oz elbow macaroni approx. 450g
  • 3 large hard-boiled eggs finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper 75g, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup celery 60g, crisp and diced
  • 3 stalks green scallions thinly sliced
  • 1.5 cups mayonnaise 350ml, full-fat for ivory gloss
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar 30ml
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar 12g
  • 1 tsp cracked black pepper plus more for dusting
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt to taste

Equipment

  • 1 Large white ceramic bowl Used for mixing and serving
  • 1 Wooden serving spoon Classic rustic aesthetic
  • 1 Chef's Knife For fine dicing of vegetables

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Boil elbow macaroni in salted water for 8-9 minutes until tender and pale yellow. Drain and rinse with cold water immediately.
  2. In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar. Whisk until the dressing is thick, glossy, and ivory-colored.
  3. Finely dice the red pepper and celery. Chop the hard-boiled eggs into small bits.
  4. In a large ceramic bowl, fold the macaroni, vegetables, and eggs into the dressing until heavily coated.
  5. Top with thinly sliced green scallions and a generous dusting of cracked black pepper. Serve with a wooden spoon.

Nutrition

Calories: 340kcalProtein: 7gFat: 22gFiber: 2g

Notes

Chill for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Ensure pasta is completely cold before adding mayo to maintain the ivory texture.
Keyword Creamy Pasta Salad,Dolly Parton Macaroni Salad,Southern Macaroni Salad

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!
Pin Recipe