Macaroni Salad brings together a delightful combination of crispy, creamy, and refreshing flavors—a true taste of summer. This salad typically features macaroni pasta, crispy vegetables, boiled eggs, and a creamy mayonnaise dressing. It's one of the standouts under 30-minute choices for summer cookouts and potlucks, fitting in perfectly alongside fried chicken dishes, seafood, and a variety of sides for lunch or dinner.
The recipe I'm sharing here offers a straightforward step-by-step guide on crafting this Macaroni Salad. To make the cooking process even clearer, I've included a detailed visual breakdown.
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What is Macaroni Salad?
Macaroni Salad is a cool, crispy, and creamy summer dish. Made with macaroni, crunchy veggies, and boiled eggs all tossed in smooth mayo dressing. This salad is one of the perfect sidekicks for hot-weather hangouts, like cookouts and potlucks. This Macaroni Salad is usually served with fried chicken dishes, roasted or baked vegetables, or simple fritters for a satisfying meal.
What's so special about Macaroni Salad in the summer? It's like a cooling hug on a super hot day. The creamy goodness and crunchy veggies team up to give your taste buds a little vacation. It's no wonder that people absolutely love it at BBQs and parties. It's like the universal favorite that brings everyone together, whether it's with juicy grilled meats or as a buddy to grilled fish.
Want to make the most of summer flavors? Macaroni Salad's got your back. Whether you're throwing a relaxed backyard BBQ or joining a lively potluck, this dish brings summer vibes to your plate. Creamy pasta, snappy veggies, and that inviting mayo blend create a mouthful of summer happiness. So go ahead, and add a dash of summer to your gatherings with this classic treat that'll have everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients & Substitutions
The essential elements for crafting this Macaroni Salad encompass basic ingredients, fresh produce, and a selection of seasonings. Let's now delve into the specifics in the sections below.
For Salad
Below are the ingredients you will need for making the Macaroni Salad.
- Macaroni Pasta: Provides a neutral, and starchy base
- Celery: Adds a crisp, and slightly peppery texture to your salad
- Red Onion: Offers a mildly pungent, and slightly sweet flavor. You can also substitute with spring onions (scallions) if you don't prefer red onions
- Bell Pepper: Contributes a sweet, tangy, and juicy taste. Feel free to use any color of bell pepper that works for you
- Boiled Eggs: Usually boiled eggs give a creamy, and savory richness to your salad
For Dressing
Below are the ingredients you will need for making the dressing.
- Mayonnaise: Lends a rich, creamy, subtly tangy texture. You can also substitute it with Greek yogurt if mayo is not your choice
- Sour Cream: Provides creaminess with a tangy touch. The perfect substitute can be plain yogurt if that's handy for you
- Dijon Mustard: Offers a sharp, tangy, slightly spicy flavor. You can also substitute it with regular mustard for a similar flavor
- Pickle Juice: Imparts tanginess with a hint of brininess
- Red Wine Vinegar: Delivers a bold, tangy, fruity flavor. You can also substitute with white or apple cider vinegar for slightly a different flavor
- Sweet Gherkins: Provides a sweet, slightly tangy crunch to the salad
- Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the tanginess in the dressing
- Garlic Powder: Infuses a savory, aromatic essence. Substitute with minced fresh garlic or dried garlic flakes
- Chives: Offers a mild onion-like flavor. You can also substitute with green onions (scallions)
- Dill Leaves: Imparts a fresh, and herbal aroma. However, you can substitute it with fresh parsley or tarragon
- Chili Flakes and Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and spice. Adjust based on preference and your heat level
For a detailed ingredients list, please check out the recipe card below.
How to Make Macaroni Salad at Home?
The recipe shared here is for Macaroni Salad, a creamy, refreshing, and crisp summer dish. Crafted with al dente macaroni pasta, crisp vegetables, and a creamy dressing, it's one of the best and easiest meal options for both lunch and dinner.
Below are the high-level instructions for this recipe, but for detailed step-by-step instructions with photos and a video, please see the recipe card below.
Prep Macaroni Salad Dressing
- Add the ingredients: Start by gathering a mixing bowl and adding all the ingredients listed under "Salad Dressing"
- Mix to combine: Mix them together thoroughly until they're completely blended. After that, set the creamy dressing aside for later use
Prep Macaroni Salad
- Simmer water: Now, take a wide-bottomed pan and pour in a good amount of water, enough for cooking the pasta. Remember to add some salt to the water to give the pasta a nice flavor. Heat the pan over medium heat until the water begins to simmer gently
- Cook Pasta: Once the water is simmering, add the macaroni pasta to it. Let the pasta cook in the simmering water until it reaches the al dente stage, which means it's cooked but still a little firm when you bite into it
- Cool pasta: When the pasta reaches that perfect al dente texture, carefully take it out of the water and allow it to cool down to room temperature. This step is important because it prevents the pasta from getting too soft and mushy
- Assemble the salad: After the pasta has cooled, it's time to proceed. In a separate bowl, combine the cooled macaroni pasta, along with the bell pepper, onion, and celery. To add even more flavor, drizzle the prepared salad dressing over this mixture. Now, gently toss all the ingredients together until they're nicely mixed
- Refrigerate the salad: Now, it's time to let the flavors come together. Put the Macaroni Salad in the refrigerator and give it at least an hour to chill. During this time, the different tastes will blend and create a more delicious outcome
- Serve: When you're ready to serve, bring out the Macaroni Salad and serve it with your favorite foods
Tips
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure the macaroni is cooked al dente—firm to the bite—since it will continue to soften slightly when mixed with the dressing. Overcooked pasta can result in a mushy salad
- Rinse and Cool Pasta: After cooking, rinse the pasta with cold water to halt the cooking process and cool it quickly. This helps prevent overcooking and sticking
- Balanced Dressing: While preparing the dressing, taste and adjust the flavors as needed—the balance between tangy, creamy, and seasonings is key to a satisfying Macaroni Salad
- Dressing Absorption: The pasta tends to absorb the dressing over time, so consider reserving a small portion of the dressing to toss with the salad just before serving, ensuring it stays creamy
- Chill Thoroughly: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for the recommended time, preferably at least an hour, to let the flavors meld and the salad to fully chill
- Customize Ingredients: Feel free to customize the vegetables and add-ins based on your preferences. Olives, peas, diced ham, or grated cheese can be great additions
- Salt the Cooking Water: Season the pasta cooking water generously with salt to enhance the pasta's flavor right from the start
- Avoid Over-Mixing: Gently toss the ingredients to prevent the salad from becoming overly mushy or the vegetables from losing their crispness
- Serve Smartly: Present the Macaroni Salad with a range of dishes as suggested in the serving suggestions. However, also consider the event—lighter fare for casual gatherings and heartier options for more substantial meals
- Prevent Drying: If the salad seems a bit dry after chilling, you can gently stir in a small amount of additional dressing. Or you can also add a splash of milk to restore creaminess
- Fresh Herbs: Incorporate chopped fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives to add a burst of fresh flavor to the salad
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad again just before serving and adjust seasoning, if necessary, to account for any flavor changes during chilling
Storage Suggestions
Store the Macaroni Salad in a sealed container in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days, keeping in mind the possibility of slight water separation. If you're dealing with leftovers, gently stir the salad to redistribute any separated water before serving. This ensures its flavors are still delightful.
Serving Suggestions
Macaroni Salad is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses and sides. Here are some options for what you can serve with it:
- Grilled Meats: Grilled or roasted chicken, steak, pork chops, or sausages are excellent choices to complement the creamy and flavorful salad
- BBQ Ribs: The smoky flavors of BBQ ribs go hand in hand with the cool and refreshing Macaroni Salad
- Burgers: Whether it's classic beef burgers or veggie burgers, the combination of a juicy burger and Macaroni Salad is a crowd-pleaser
- Hot Dogs: Hot dogs or sausages in buns are a casual and enjoyable match for Macaroni Salad
- Fried Chicken Dishes: Crispy fried chicken, in the form of wings, tenders, or popcorn chicken, pairs well with this salad
- Sandwiches: Deli sandwiches, paninis, or wraps filled with your favorite meats, cheeses, and veggies are lighter options
- Seafood: Grilled or baked tilapia, fried shrimp, fish fry, or other seafood dishes offer a lighter pairing with Macaroni Salad
- Barbecue: If you're having a barbecue or picnic, this salad fits right in with classics like coleslaw, baked beans, and cornbread
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts, provide a colorful and nutritious side to balance the meal
- Chilled Soups: Gazpacho or cold cucumber soup can be refreshing choices to serve alongside macaroni salad, especially on a hot day
- Fruit Salad: You can also serve a bowl of fresh fruit salad that complements the creaminess of this salad
- Green Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can contrast the flavors and textures of the salad
Related Recipes
You can also find similar recipes below and more at salad recipes and summer recipes.
- Pasta Salad
- Potato Salad
- Salmon Salad
- Chicken Salad
- Broccoli Salad
- Greek Salad
- Chickpea Salad
- Caesar Salad
- Cobb Salad
- Cucumber Salad
- Coleslaw
Macaroni Salad Recipe Video
I have also shared a detailed video of this Macaroni Salad recipe below that I hope will help you make a delicious meal at home. You can also find this recipe in a story format.
📖 Recipe
Macaroni Salad
Ingredients
For Macaroni Salad
- 1½ cup Macaroni Pasta
- 5 cups Water, to cook pasta
- 2 tsp Salt, or adjust to taste
- ¼ cup Red Bell Pepper, chopped, or your favorite color bell pepper
- ¼ cup Red Onion, chopped, (approx ½ medium size)
- 2 rib Celery, chopped
- 2 Boiled Egg, chopped
For Salad Dressing
- 1 cup Mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Sour Cream
- 4 Sweet Gherkins, chopped
- 2 tbsp Pickle Juice, from sweet Gherkins
- 1 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar, or white or apple cider vinegar
- ½ tsp Chili Flakes
- 1 tsp Sugar
- ½ tsp Black Pepper, powder
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Chives, chopped
- ½ tsp Dill Leaves, chopped
Instructions
To make Dressing
- In a mixing bowl, add all the ingredients listed under "Salad Dressing"
- Mix well until thoroughly combined. Set aside the creamy dressing for later use
To Cook Macaroni
- In a wide-bottomed pan, pour an ample amount of water for cooking the pasta. Season the water with salt and bring it to a simmer over medium heat
- Add the macaroni pasta to the simmering water and cook it until it reaches the al dente stage—cooked but still firm to the bite
- Once the pasta is al dente, carefully remove it from the water and allow it to cool down to room temperature
To make Macaroni Salad
- In a separate bowl, combine the cooked macaroni pasta, bell pepper, onion, boiled eggs, and celery
- Drizzle the prepared salad dressing over the mixture. Gently toss all the ingredients until they are well incorporated
- Place the Macaroni Salad in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least an hour. This time allows the flavors to meld together
To Serve
- When ready to serve, present the Macaroni Salad alongside dishes such as fried chicken, fried chicken wings, fried chicken tenders, fried fish, or roasted vegetables for a satisfying and well-rounded meal
Video
Notes
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure the macaroni is cooked al dente—firm to the bite—since it will continue to soften slightly when mixed with the dressing. Overcooked pasta can result in a mushy salad
- Rinse and Cool Pasta: After cooking, rinse the pasta with cold water to halt the cooking process and cool it quickly. This helps prevent overcooking and sticking
- Balanced Dressing: While preparing the dressing, taste and adjust the flavors as needed—the balance between tangy, creamy, and seasonings is key to a satisfying Macaroni Salad
- Dressing Absorption: The pasta tends to absorb the dressing over time, so consider reserving a small portion of the dressing to toss with the salad just before serving, ensuring it stays creamy
- Chill Thoroughly: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for the recommended time, preferably at least an hour, to let the flavors meld and the salad to fully chill
- Customize Ingredients: Feel free to customize the vegetables and add-ins based on your preferences. Olives, peas, diced ham, or grated cheese can be great additions
- Salt the Cooking Water: Season the pasta cooking water generously with salt to enhance the pasta's flavor right from the start
- Avoid Over-Mixing: Gently toss the ingredients to prevent the salad from becoming overly mushy or the vegetables from losing their crispness
- Serve Smartly: Present the Macaroni Salad with a range of dishes as suggested in the serving suggestions. However, also consider the event—lighter fare for casual gatherings and heartier options for more substantial meals
- Prevent Drying: If the salad seems a bit dry after chilling, you can gently stir in a small amount of additional dressing. Or you can also add a splash of milk to restore creaminess
- Fresh Herbs: Incorporate chopped fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives to add a burst of fresh flavor to the salad
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad again just before serving and adjust seasoning, if necessary, to account for any flavor changes during chilling
Nutrition
FAQ
Certainly! Yes, you can skip mayo and use Greek yogurt or a mix of Greek yogurt and sour cream for a creamy dressing alternative.
You can consider adding ingredients like diced ham, grated cheese, sliced olives, or even chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or basil for extra flavor and texture. These additions can elevate the salad's taste and appeal.
You can try using Greek yogurt with lemon juice, olive oil, and vinegar, or a creamy avocado-based dressing as a flavorful alternative to mayo dressing. These options offer a tangy and creamy twist to your salad.
I hope you found the recipe enjoyable and I would appreciate hearing about your experience with it.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to leave a comment and I will do my best to respond promptly. Thank you for reading and happy cooking!
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