This macaroni salad recipe is a classic side dish for good reason.
Tender elbow macaroni is mixed with a handful of add-ins and tossed in a super easy 2-minute dressing.
Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or BBQs – it’s fast to make and best made ahead of time.
An Easy Make-Ahead Side Dish
Macaroni noodles hold a special place in my heart from mac and cheese or topped with rouladen gravy, and of course in a macaroni salad.
- You can (and should) prepare macaroni salad ahead of time for the best flavor.
- It’s budget-friendly and you likely have the ingredients on hand.
- It’s super fast to put together and versatile (see notes below).
- It’s so versatile; use any short pasta and change up the add-ins.
Macaroni Salad Ingredients
The best macaroni salad recipes are simple, tasty, and budget-friendly!
Pasta – I use elbow macaroni but any small pasta will work.
Add-ins – I keep this relatively simple but feel free to try any of the variations below to create your own macaroni salad recipe! I like to add celery, shredded carrot, red bell peppers, and red onion.
Variations
- Fresh – fresh parsley or fresh dill
- Bold – cheese, bacon bits, diced ham, dill pickles,
- Savory – garlic powder, boiled eggs
- Sweet – baby peas, sweet bell peppers, sweet pickles, or extra pickle relish
Quick Macaroni Salad Dressing
This macaroni salad dressing really fast to make. You can also swap it for your favorite creamy dressing or coleslaw dressing.
- mayonnaise as the base
- vinegar (white or cider vinegar) for tang
- sweet pickle relish and a pinch of sugar or sweet pickle juice
- prepared or Dijon mustard, salt & pepper for flavor
- To lighten up the dressing, you can substitute half of the mayo for Greek yogurt.
How to Make Macaroni Salad
- Cook Pasta: Boil, drain, and cool the macaroni per the recipe below.
- Prepare Add-Ins: While the macaroni is boiling, chop the veggies or add-ins.
- Mix & Chill: Mix the dressing ingredients and toss with the macaroni and add-ins.
Tips for The Best Macaroni Salad
- Elbows can be swapped for ditalini, small shells, or wagon wheels.
- Dice the add-ins about the size of the macaroni.
- Rinse the pasta after draining to stop it from cooking.
- Mix the dressing directly in the salad bowl and then add the other ingredients, one less dish to wash!
- Store leftovers in the fridge in a covered container for up to 4 days.
More Easy Sides
Did your family love this macaroni salad? Leave a comment and rating below!
Classic Creamy Macaroni Salad
This classic macaroni salad is creamy & flavorful! Elbow macaroni and a handful of add-ins in a simple homemade dressing.
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In a large pot, cook the elbow macaroni according to the instructions on the package. Do not overcook. Drain well and rinse it under cold water to stop cooking.
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While the pasta is cooking, combine the dressing ingredients in a small bowl. Mix well.
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In a large bowl, add the cooled macaroni, the dressing, celery, carrots, red pepper, and onion. Mix well. Taste and add additional salt and pepper if desired.
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Refrigerate the macaroni salad for at least 1 to 2 hours before serving.
- Elbows can be swapped for ditalini, small shells, or wagon wheels.
- Dice the add-ins about the size of the macaroni.
- Rinse the pasta after draining to stop it from cooking.
- Mix the dressing directly in the salad bowl and then add the other ingredients, one less dish to wash!
- Store leftovers in the fridge in a covered container for up to 4 days.
Calories: 432 | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 17g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 408mg | Potassium: 214mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 2332IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Pasta, Salad, Side Dish
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Sadly, it does not freeze well.
Macaroni salad is best made ahead of time, which makes it party perfect. Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
We love to serve macaroni salad as a side for anything off the grill! Bbq chicken, hot dogs, or hamburgers are great options. It’s also is a great dish to serve with pulled pork.
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