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Detailed shot of creamy macaroni salad showing glossy dressing and flecks of red onion and relish. (Dolly Parton Macaroni Salad)

Dolly Parton Macaroni Salad: The Ultimate Southern Comfort Recipe

This classic Dolly Parton Macaroni Salad features tender elbow pasta in a glossy mayo-sour cream dressing. Packed with crunchy celery, red onion, and dill relish, it's topped with hard-boiled eggs for a perfect Southern side.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 cups
Course: Lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 385
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Recipe
  • 16 oz (450g) elbow macaroni cooked just past al dente
  • 1 cup (240ml) mayonnaise high-quality
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream full-fat for gloss
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup (120g) celery finely diced
  • 1/2 cup (60g) red onion minced
  • 1/4 cup (60g) green dill relish
  • 3 hard-boiled eggs sliced into rounds
  • 1 tsp (2g) ground paprika for dusting
  • 2 tbsp (8g) fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot For boiling macaroni
  • 1 Clear Glass Serving Bowl For traditional presentation
  • 1 Chef's Knife For fine dicing and mincing

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water for 8-9 minutes until tender. Rinse with cold water to remove starch and stop cooking.
  2. Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, and apple cider vinegar in a large bowl until a thick, glossy sheen forms.
  3. Fold in the diced celery, minced red onion, and dill relish. Gently stir in the cooled macaroni until fully coated.
  4. Top with sliced hard-boiled eggs, a dusting of paprika, and chopped parsley. Serve in a clear glass bowl.

Notes

Shock eggs in an ice bath to ensure bright yellow yolks and easy peeling.
Let the salad chill for 2 hours before serving for the best flavor development.