Best Macaroni Salad Recipe
You’re in for a treat with this classic Macaroni Salad Recipe. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or just a simple weeknight meal. The combination of tender pasta, crunchy veggies, and a creamy dressing will have you coming back for more. Straightforward ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions make this recipe a breeze to whip up, ensuring a delicious outcome every time.
Why You’ll Love This Macaroni Salad Recipe
- Blank Canvas for Creativity: This isn’t your grandma’s (or kid’s cafeteria) macaroni salad. This recipe is a springboard for your personal touch. Love veggies? Pile them in! Craving protein? Toss in veggie chicken!
- Leftover Magic: Made a big batch of pasta for dinner? Leftovers get a delicious second life transformed into a creamy macaroni salad.
- Make-Ahead Masterpiece: Need a dish you can prepare ahead of time? Whip up your macaroni salad early and let the flavors meld for an even tastier result.
- Potluck Hero: Guaranteed to disappear at any gathering, this crowd-pleasing side dish is a potluck MVP.
- Perfect for All Seasons: This versatile dish works year-round. Enjoy it chilled on a hot summer day, or serve it at room temperature for a comforting side dish any time of year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.
How to Make Macaroni Salad with Step-By-Step Instructions
A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Make the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, shredded cheese, sugar, dried onion, dried dill, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
Assemble the Salad
Add the cooked pasta, diced bell peppers, red onion, celery, and green onions to the dressing mixture. Toss gently to combine.
Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
- Cheese Symphony: Swap the classic cheddar for a flavor explosion. Try crumbled feta for a tangy twist, shredded mozzarella for a creamy melt, or a vegan parmesan alternative to keep it plant-based.
- Herb Haven: Fresh herbs lift any dish. Chives add a delicate oniony flavor, chopped basil brings a summery touch, and a sprinkle of fresh thyme adds a touch of sophistication, experiment with herbs until you get your perfect taste.
- Cook Smart: Always cook your pasta “al dente” (with a slight bite) to prevent mushiness in the salad. Reserve some pasta water before draining. A splash can thin out a too-thick dressing.
- Chill Out: Let your finished salad rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the pasta to absorb the dressing for a more cohesive dish.
- Portion Patrol: Leftovers are great, but storing a large amount of dressed pasta salad can lead to soggy noodles. Consider making a smaller batch or assembling individual portions right before serving.
How to Store Macaroni Salad
- Portion Patrol: The enemy of leftover macaroni salad is sogginess. To prevent this, consider storing leftover dressing separately from the pasta and vegetables. This allows you to combine them only when serving, maintaining that perfect al dente texture.
- Container Choice: Airtight containers are your best friend. Transfer leftover macaroni salad to an airtight container or resealable bag to prevent air exposure and fridge odors from affecting the taste.
- Fridge First: Always store leftover macaroni salad in the refrigerator. The cold temperature slows down bacterial growth, ensuring your salad stays safe to eat. Aim to consume leftovers within 3-5 days.
- Freezing Option: For long-term storage, macaroni salad can be frozen! However, freezing can alter the texture slightly. Portion leftovers into single-serve containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Bonus Tip: Planning a future potluck? Make your macaroni salad a day or two in advance. The flavors actually develop and meld better over time, resulting in an even tastier salad for your next gathering!
What to Serve With Macaroni Salad
Macaroni salad is a versatile side dish, but finding the right companions can lift your entire meal.
Black Bean Burgers: These hearty burgers offer a contrasting texture and a protein punch, making your meal more balanced. The flavors won’t clash with your macaroni salad, allowing both dishes to shine.
Summer Corn Salad: Light and refreshing, this salad cuts through the richness of the macaroni salad. The sweetness of the corn and the tangy vinaigrette complements the creamy dressing perfectly.
Creamy Coleslaw: A classic pairing for a reason! Opt for a coleslaw with a light dressing to avoid overwhelming the flavors of your macaroni salad. The similar creamy textures create a cohesive feel on the plate.
Summer Fruit Salad: A refreshing and light way to end the meal. The natural sweetness of the fruit salad cleanses the palate after the richness of the macaroni salad, providing a satisfying conclusion.
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Best Macaroni Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ pound elbow macaroni pasta
- 1 cup mayo or Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup shredded cheese
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoon dried onion
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper
- ½ red bell pepper diced
- ½ green bell pepper diced
- ½ red onion diced
- 2 celery sticks diced
- 2 green onions sliced
- Fresh parsley to serve
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni according to the package directions. Drain and reserve.½ pound elbow macaroni pasta
- In a big bowl, combine the mayo, shredded cheese, sugar, dried onion, dried dill, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper and mix well.1 cup mayo, ¼ cup shredded cheese, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 ½ teaspoon dried onion, 1 teaspoon dried dill, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, Salt and pepper
- Add the pasta, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, red onion, celery sticks, and green onions.½ red bell pepper, ½ green bell pepper, ½ red onion, 2 celery sticks, 2 green onions
- Mix well and serve with fresh herbs.Fresh parsley
Notes
- Cheese Symphony: Swap the classic cheddar for a flavor explosion. Try crumbled feta for a tangy twist, shredded mozzarella for a creamy melt, or a vegan parmesan alternative to keep it plant-based.
- Herb Haven: Fresh herbs lift any dish. Chives add a delicate oniony flavor, chopped basil brings a summery touch, and a sprinkle of fresh thyme adds a touch of sophistication, experiment with herbs until you get your perfect taste.
- Cook Smart: Always cook your pasta “al dente” (with a slight bite) to prevent mushiness in the salad. Reserve some pasta water before draining. A splash can thin out a too-thick dressing.
- Chill Out: Let your finished salad rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the pasta to absorb the dressing for a more cohesive dish.
- Portion Patrol: Leftovers are great, but storing a large amount of dressed pasta salad can lead to soggy noodles. Consider making a smaller batch or assembling individual portions right before serving.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.
