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Close-up of creamy elbow macaroni with bright red bell peppers and green celery. (Dolly Parton Macaroni Salad)

Dolly Parton Macaroni Salad: The Ultimate Creamy Southern Classic

A nostalgic, Southern-style Dolly Parton Macaroni Salad featuring tender elbow noodles in a thick, glossy mayonnaise dressing with crunchy red peppers, celery, and a signature paprika dust.
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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 Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb (450g) Elbow Macaroni Cooked until tender pale yellow
  • 1.5 cups (350ml) Mayonnaise Full fat for a glossy finish
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 tbsp (15g) Granulated Sugar
  • 1 cup (120g) Green Celery Finely diced
  • 1 large Red Bell Pepper Finely diced for bright red color
  • 2 large Hard-Boiled Eggs Finely chopped into flecks
  • 3 stalks Green Onions Chopped for garnish
  • 1 tsp (5g) Ground Paprika For dusting on top

Equipment

  • 1 Chef's Knife For precision dicing of vegetables.
  • 1 Large pot For boiling the macaroni.
  • 1 White Ceramic Bowl For the perfect visual presentation.

Method
 

Prepare the Pasta
  1. Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water for 8-9 minutes until tender and pale yellow.
  2. Drain and rinse immediately with cold water to stop the cooking and remove excess starch.
Build the Dressing and Salad
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar until a glossy, off-white emulsion forms.
  2. In a large bowl, fold together the macaroni, diced celery, diced red bell peppers, and egg flecks.
  3. Pour the dressing over the salad and fold gently until every noodle is heavily coated and thick.
Final Garnish
  1. Transfer to a white ceramic bowl and dust with paprika.
  2. Top with chopped green onions for a fresh finish.

Notes

Always cool your pasta completely before adding mayonnaise to prevent melting.
Reserve a little dressing for day-two leftovers to maintain the glossy sheen.