Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad

Name: Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb macaroni; 2 cup diced cucumber; 1 cup diced green pepper; 2 tablespoons grated onion; 1/2 cup sweet pickle relish; 2 hard boiled eggs, chopped; 1 cup mayonnaise; 1 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup milk; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

BY azeddine massafi February 13, 2026

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Dolly Parton is a global icon for her music, but in the heart of the South, she is equally revered for her skills in the kitchen. This Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad is a testament to her philosophy of comfort food: it is simple, approachable, and possesses a unique flair that sets it apart from the standard deli counter fare. Whether you are hosting a summer backyard barbecue or looking for the perfect side dish for a weeknight family dinner, this recipe delivers a creamy, crunchy, and refreshing experience that only a true Southern legend could conceive.

Table of Contents

Ingredients

1 pound elbow macaroni
2 cups diced cucumber
1 cup diced green bell pepper
2 tablespoons grated onion
1/2 cup sweet pickle relish
2 hard boiled eggs, chopped
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup sour cream
1/4 cup milk
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Generously season the water with salt. Add the one pound of elbow macaroni and cook according to the package directions until it reaches an al dente texture.
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it into a colander and immediately rinse it under cold running water. Rinsing is essential here to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch. Ensure the macaroni is well-drained before transferring it to a large mixing bowl.
To the bowl of chilled macaroni, add the two cups of diced cucumber, one cup of diced green bell pepper, half cup of sweet pickle relish, and two tablespoons of grated onion. Toss these ingredients together so the vegetables are evenly distributed through the pasta.
In a separate small mixing bowl, prepare the dressing. Whisk together one cup of mayonnaise, one cup of sour cream, and one quarter cup of milk. Season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference. Stir until the dressing is completely smooth.
Pour the creamy dressing over the macaroni and vegetable mixture. Use a large spoon or spatula to fold the dressing in until every piece of pasta is thoroughly coated.
Add the two chopped hard-boiled eggs to the bowl. Gently fold them into the salad, being careful not to over-mix so the egg yolks remain somewhat intact and do not dissolve into the dressing.
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Place the salad in the refrigerator to chill. For the best results and deepest flavor development, allow the salad to rest overnight before serving.

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Navigating the Step-by-Step Details

The beauty of Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad lies in the precision of its preparation. To achieve the same results as the Smoky Mountain Songbird herself, one must pay close attention to the texture of the components. Starting with the macaroni, the goal is al dente. Because the pasta will sit in a creamy dressing for several hours—or even overnight—it will continue to absorb moisture. If you overcook the pasta initially, it will turn mushy by the time you serve it. The cold water rinse is a non-negotiable step; it flashes the pasta cold, locking in that firm “bite” and preventing the noodles from sticking together in a clump.

The vegetable preparation is where the “crunch factor” is established. Dicing the cucumbers and green peppers into uniform, small pieces ensures that you get a bit of garden-fresh snap in every single forkful. The cucumber is a particularly inspired addition. While many traditional macaroni salads rely solely on celery for crunch, the cucumber provides a high water content and a cool, mellow flavor that lightens the entire dish. Grating the onion rather than dicing it is another brilliant touch. Grating releases the onion juices and creates a fine pulp that disperses throughout the entire dressing, providing a consistent savory undertone without the harshness of biting into a large chunk of raw onion.

When it comes to the dressing, the ratio of mayonnaise to sour cream to milk is the secret to its success. Most recipes rely heavily on mayonnaise, which can sometimes feel heavy or oily. By cutting the mayo with an equal part of sour cream, Dolly introduces a tangy, lactic acidity that cuts through the richness. The milk acts as a thinning agent, ensuring the dressing is fluid enough to seep into the hollow centers of the elbow macaroni. This ensures the salad is seasoned from the inside out. When you first mix it, the dressing might appear slightly loose, but do not be tempted to add more pasta. During the chilling phase, the starch in the macaroni will pull in that liquid, resulting in a perfectly creamy consistency that isn’t dry or clumpy.

Finally, the addition of the hard-boiled eggs provides a boost of protein and a rich, velvety mouthfeel. Folding them in last is a culinary technique used to maintain the integrity of the dish. You want the yellow of the yolk to be visible as distinct flecks rather than turning the entire salad a muddy yellow color. This visual contrast makes the dish look as good as it tastes.

Unique Culinary Insights for the Perfect Salad

To truly master this recipe, think about the science of temperature. Mixing warm pasta with a mayonnaise-based dressing is a recipe for a greasy salad. By ensuring the macaroni is completely cold before it touches the dairy elements, you maintain the emulsion of the dressing. This results in a silky coating that clings to the pasta rather than sliding off.

Another insight involves the choice of cucumber. While standard garden cucumbers work well, you might consider using English or Persian cucumbers if you prefer a thinner skin and smaller seeds. If you use a traditional thick-skinned cucumber, it is often best to peel it and perhaps even scrape out the watery seeds in the center to prevent the salad from becoming too watery as it sits overnight.

Don’t overlook the importance of the “overnight soak.” Time is an ingredient in this recipe. As the salad rests in the refrigerator, the flavors of the sweet relish, the grated onion, and the black pepper marry together. The pasta also undergoes a slight structural change, becoming more cohesive with the dressing. If you are in a rush, a minimum of four hours is required, but the twelve-hour mark is where the magic truly happens.

Enhancing the Experience: Accompaniments and Serving

Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad is a versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses. Because of its creamy and cooling nature, it is the ideal partner for spicy or smoky flavors. Serve it alongside slow-smoked pulled pork or racks of baby back ribs slathered in tangy barbecue sauce. The tang of the sour cream in the salad acts as a palate cleanser against the richness of the meat.

For a classic Southern lunch, serve a generous scoop of this macaroni salad on a bed of crisp butter lettuce, accompanied by a side of fried chicken and a tall glass of sweetened iced tea. It also travels remarkably well, making it a staple for potlucks or picnic baskets. When serving at an outdoor event, keep the bowl nestled in a larger bowl filled with ice to maintain the temperature and ensure the mayonnaise-based dressing stays fresh and safe for all guests.

To add a bit of visual flair when serving, save a few slices of the hard-boiled egg to place on top of the finished dish, and finish with a light dusting of paprika or a sprinkle of fresh parsley. This gives the salad a “finished” look that is sure to impress your guests.

Modifications and Substitutions

While we recommend sticking to Dolly’s original vision for the most authentic experience, there are a few ways to tweak the recipe to suit your dietary needs or pantry availability. If you do not have elbow macaroni on hand, other short pasta shapes like ditalini, rotini, or shells work well because they have nooks and crannies to trap the dressing.

For those looking to adjust the flavor profile, you can swap the sweet pickle relish for dill pickle relish if you prefer a more savory, less sugary taste. If you find the dressing too tangy, you can reduce the sour cream slightly and increase the mayonnaise. For a gluten-free version, simply substitute the traditional pasta with your favorite gluten-free elbow macaroni; just be sure to cook it carefully as gluten-free pasta can be more prone to breaking. If you need a dairy-free option, there are many high-quality plant-based sour creams and milks available today that can mimic the texture and tang of the original ingredients.

Deep-Dive Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this macaroni salad ahead of time?

Yes, in fact, making this dish ahead of time is highly encouraged. Dolly Parton’s recipe specifically suggests chilling the salad, preferably overnight, to allow the various flavors of the onion, relish, and seasonings to fully permeate the pasta. This resting period also allows the dressing to thicken to its ideal creamy consistency.

Why does this recipe use milk in the dressing?

The addition of milk might seem unusual for a pasta salad, but it serves a vital purpose. Macaroni is very absorbent, and if the dressing is too thick, the salad will become dry and clumpy after a few hours in the fridge. The milk thins the mayo and sour cream just enough so that the dressing can coat every surface and survive the absorption process, leaving the final product moist and delicious.

How long will this macaroni salad stay fresh in the refrigerator?

When stored in an airtight container, Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad will remain fresh and tasty for three to four days. It is important to keep it refrigerated whenever it is not being served. If the salad seems a bit dry after a few days, you can stir in an extra tablespoon of milk or mayonnaise to revive the creaminess before serving.

Is there a specific type of onion that works best for grating?

A standard yellow onion or a white onion is usually the best choice for this recipe. Yellow onions provide a nice balance of astringency and sweetness that complements the mayo and relish. When grating the onion, be sure to use the small holes of a box grater to create a fine paste, which allows the flavor to melt into the dressing without adding a crunchy texture.

What makes this “Dolly style” compared to other recipes?

The inclusion of diced cucumbers and the 50-50 split between mayonnaise and sour cream are the hallmarks of Dolly’s specific style. Most traditional recipes rely on celery for crunch and 100 percent mayonnaise for the base. Dolly’s version is lighter, punchier, and has a refreshing quality that borders on a Mediterranean vibe while staying firmly rooted in Southern comfort.

Bringing a Taste of the South to Your Table

This recipe is more than just a side dish; it is a piece of culinary nostalgia from one of the most beloved figures in American culture. Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad manages to be both familiar and surprising, offering a depth of flavor that rewards the patient cook who lets it chill overnight. It is a reminder that sometimes the best recipes aren’t the most complicated ones, but the ones made with simple ingredients and a little bit of heart. We hope this dish brings a bit of Dolly’s signature sunshine to your next gathering.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving
Calories	410
Total Fat	28 grams
Saturated Fat	8 grams
Cholesterol	75 milligrams
Sodium	480 milligrams
Total Carbohydrates	32 grams
Dietary Fiber	2 grams
Sugars	5 grams
Protein	8 grams

Disclaimer

The nutritional values provided are estimates based on standard ingredient measurements. Actual nutritional content may vary depending on specific brands used and individual preparation methods.