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A close-up of Dolly Parton's Macaroni Salad showing the glossy white dressing and crunchy celery pieces. (Dolly Parton's Macaroni Salad)
FL Recipes

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

A nostalgic Southern staple, Dolly Parton's Macaroni Salad features tender elbow macaroni in a glossy white mayonnaise dressing, packed with crunchy celery, sweet red peppers, and a hint of Appalachian sweetness. Perfect for potlucks and BBQs.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 cups
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 310
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Salad Components
  • 8 oz Elbow Macaroni 225g, cooked al dente and cooled
  • 1/2 cup Red Bell Pepper 60g, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup Green Celery 60g, chopped
  • 1/4 cup White Onion 40g, minced translucent
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley 10g, chopped for garnish
Creamy Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise 240ml, full fat for glossiness
  • 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar 15ml
  • 2 tsp Granulated Sugar 10g
  • 1/2 tsp Fine Black Pepper 3g
  • 1/2 tsp Sea Salt 3g

Equipment

  • 1 Large Glass Mixing Bowl Used for folding and serving
  • 1 Silicone spatula For gentle mixing without breaking pasta
  • 1 Chef's Knife For fine dicing of vegetables

Method
 

Prepare the Pasta
  1. Boil elbow macaroni in salted water for 8-9 minutes until al dente. Pasta should be pale yellow and firm.
  2. Drain and rinse under cold water immediately. Let dry thoroughly in the strainer.
Mix and Assemble
  1. In a small bowl, whisk mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until thick and glossy white.
  2. Place pasta, red peppers, celery, and onions in a glass bowl. Fold in the dressing gently with a spatula.
  3. Top with fresh parsley and an extra dusting of black pepper. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 310kcalProtein: 4gFat: 22gFiber: 2g

Notes

Use real mayonnaise rather than Miracle Whip for the authentic Dolly taste.
Ensure the pasta is completely cold before mixing to prevent the sauce from breaking.
Keyword Creamy Pasta Salad,Dolly Parton's Macaroni Salad,Southern Macaroni Salad

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