Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad Recipe

If you could bottle up summer and serve it in a bowl, Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad would come pretty close. This crowd-pleasing, creamy salad sparkles with crunchy cucumbers, bright peppers, and the nostalgic tang of sweet pickle relish. It’s the sort of recipe that disappears first at a potluck, thanks to its heavenly dressing and heartwarming simplicity. Whether you’re channeling a Southern picnic or just craving a comforting bite, Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad transforms humble ingredients into something truly, cheerfully irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad lies in its down-home, straightforward ingredients—each one playing an important role to create a balance of creaminess, freshness, and that nostalgic “just like grandma made” flavor.

• Macaroni: Elbow macaroni is classic here, giving the salad its signature shape and chewy-tender texture.
• Cucumber: Adds a cool crunch and refreshing bite that lightens up every spoonful.
• Green Pepper: Brings a sweet, crisp zing and pop of color.
• Grated Onion: For subtle sharpness—grating the onion distributes flavor without overpowering.
• Sweet Pickle Relish: Offers tangy sweetness that ties everything together with a Southern wink.
• Hard-Boiled Eggs: Give the salad a touch of extra richness and lovely texture.
• Mayonnaise: The creamy backbone of the dressing (use good quality for best results).
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and silkiness, lifting the flavors in the dressing.
• Milk: Loosens up the dressing for that perfectly smooth, spoonable consistency.
• Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Simple but absolutely key in rounding out and enhancing all the flavors.

How to Make Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a lively boil. Drop in your macaroni and cook until al dente—you want it tender, but still with a tiny bit of bite. Drain the noodles and immediately rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking and cool them off. This step helps ensure your pasta doesn’t end up mushy in the final salad.

Step 2: Combine the Veggies and Pasta

Toss the cooled macaroni in a big mixing bowl, then add diced cucumber, green pepper, the sweet pickle relish, and freshly grated onion. Give it a good but gentle mix so every bowlful is bursting with a rainbow of flavors and textures.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and milk until it’s smooth and velvety. Season the mixture generously with kosher salt and black pepper—taste and adjust to your liking. This creamy dressing is what makes Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad sing!

Step 4: Combine Everything

Pour the dressing over your pasta and veggie mixture. Stir until every noodle is luxuriously coated. At this point, gently fold in the chopped hard-boiled eggs, making sure you don’t break them up too much—you want delicious chunks in each bite.

Step 5: Chill and Let Flavors Mingle

Cover your bowl with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid and pop it in the fridge. A few hours will do, but overnight is best for maximum flavor. As it chills, all those vibrant, creamy, crunchy, and tangy notes meld together beautifully.

How to Serve Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad

Garnishes

Before serving, sprinkle a little extra black pepper or fresh herbs—think chopped parsley or chives—on top for a pop of color and a finishing flourish. You could also add a few thin rings of sweet or green pepper for extra crunch and eye appeal.

Side Dishes

Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad plays perfectly with all your cookout classics. Serve it up alongside grilled chicken, barbecue ribs, burgers, or fresh corn on the cob. It’s also a hit with fried chicken or as a hearty companion to a crisp green salad for a lighter meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For picnics, scoop the salad into individual mason jars so everyone gets their own portable serving. If you’re hosting a party, serve it in a big rustic bowl with pretty serving spoons, or pile it onto a platter lined with leafy greens for a farm-fresh touch. Leftovers also make a fantastic lunchbox surprise!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to three days. If the salad seems a little dry after sitting, just stir in a spoonful of mayo or a splash of milk to refresh it before serving.

Freezing

While freezable macaroni salad sounds tempting, it’s best avoided here. The creaminess of the mayo and sour cream dressing just doesn’t hold up to freezing and thawing—it can separate and lead to a less appetizing texture once defrosted.

Reheating

No reheating required! This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or cool from the fridge. If you want to bring it up in temperature slightly, just let it sit out on the counter for 20 minutes before serving, but keep it chilled for food safety.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Of course! While elbow macaroni gives that classic look, small pasta shapes like shells, ditalini, or rotini also work well and hold on to the creamy dressing just as beautifully.

What can I substitute for sweet pickle relish?

If you’re out of sweet pickle relish, try finely chopped bread and butter pickles or even some diced dill pickles if you prefer a sharper tang. Just add a pinch of sugar if you want a hint of sweetness.

Can Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad be made dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap in your favorite dairy-free mayo and a plant-based sour cream. Use a non-dairy milk to thin the dressing, and the salad will still be creamy and delicious.

How far in advance can I make this salad?

This dish actually improves overnight, giving the flavors time to meld. You can safely make Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad up to a day before you plan to serve it—just wait to add garnishes until right before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

By default, this recipe uses wheat-based macaroni. If you need a gluten-free version, simply use your favorite gluten-free elbow macaroni and check that other ingredients (like relish and mayo) are gluten-free too.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to bring a little bit of Southern charm and a whole lot of flavor to your table, Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad is a loving, delicious choice. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and make it a star of your next picnic or family dinner—the smiles around the table will be all the proof you need that you’ve found a new favorite!

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