Name: Macaroni Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: For the Salad:; 1 pound elbow macaroni pasta; 3 large hard-boiled eggs (chopped); 1 cup diced celery; ½ cup finely diced red onion (soak in cold water if you want to mellow the bite); ½ cup diced bell pepper (red or green); ¼ cup diced dill pickles (optional for extra tang); For the Creamy Dressing:; 1½ cups mayonnaise (use real mayo for best flavor); 2 tablespoons yellow mustard (adds that classic tang); 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or pickle juice; 1 tablespoon sugar (adjust to taste); ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon celery seed (optional); Salt & black pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

You know that dish you can count on to disappear at every potluck or backyard BBQ? For me, it’s this macaroni salad recipe. I still remember summers at my grandma’s house — a huge bowl of cool, creamy macaroni salad sat next to the smoky grilled burgers and hot dogs. It was one of those side dishes everyone piled high on their plate — kids and adults alike.

If you’re craving a nostalgic, foolproof pasta salad that’s creamy but not cloying, tangy but balanced, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I’ll walk you through exactly how to make the best macaroni salad at home. You’ll learn the secret to the dressing, how to get the perfect texture, tasty variations, and how to store leftovers like a pro.

So grab your mixing bowl — let’s make a big batch together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This is my absolute favorite macaroni salad recipe, and here’s why you’ll love it too:

So quick & easy: It comes together in about 30 minutes.
Crowd-pleasing classic: Creamy, tangy, and satisfying — perfect for picnics.
Customizable: Add extra veggies, spices, or protein to make it your own.
Make-ahead friendly: The flavors only get better after chilling.
Uses pantry staples: No fancy ingredients needed!

And yes — it pairs perfectly with burgers, fried chicken, or grilled fish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need for this macaroni salad recipe — simple, affordable, and easy to find!

For the Salad:

1 pound elbow macaroni pasta
3 large hard-boiled eggs, chopped
1 cup diced celery
½ cup finely diced red onion (soak in cold water if you want to mellow the bite)
½ cup diced bell pepper (red or green)
¼ cup diced dill pickles (optional for extra tang)

For the Creamy Dressing:

1½ cups mayonnaise (use real mayo for best flavor)
2 tablespoons yellow mustard (adds that classic tang)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or pickle juice
1 tablespoon sugar (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon celery seed (optional)
Salt & black pepper to taste

Mini Tips:

Use elbow macaroni for the classic look, but shells or ditalini work too.
Let boiled pasta cool completely to prevent soggy salad.
Use high-quality mayo for the creamiest texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Want to mix things up? Here are a few smart swaps you can try:

Greek yogurt: Swap half the mayo for plain Greek yogurt for a lighter twist.
Dijon mustard: For a sharper tang, use Dijon instead of yellow mustard.
Add protein: Toss in diced ham or cooked chicken for a heartier salad.
No celery? Try chopped cucumber or grated carrots for crunch.
Low-sugar: Omit the sugar if you prefer a more savory bite.

How to Make Macaroni Salad Recipe

This really couldn’t be easier. Here’s exactly how I do it — step by step!

1. Cook the pasta (10 minutes):
Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni according to package directions until just al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Shake off excess water well.

2. Prep the add-ins (5 minutes):
While the pasta cooks, chop the celery, onions, bell peppers, pickles, and eggs.

3. Make the dressing (2 minutes):
In a large bowl, whisk together the mayo, mustard, vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, celery seed, salt, and pepper until smooth.

4. Combine it all (3 minutes):
Add the cooled pasta, veggies, and eggs to the bowl. Toss until everything is well coated with the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning.

5. Chill & serve:
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours before serving. Trust me, the flavors meld together beautifully!

Time estimate:
About 30 minutes total, plus chill time.

Expert Tips for Success

Here’s how to make sure your macaroni salad turns out perfectly every single time:

Don’t overcook the pasta! Slightly underdone pasta holds up best once it soaks up the dressing.
Rinse pasta well: This stops cooking and removes excess starch.
Chill for flavor: A few hours in the fridge really brings the flavors together.
Season to taste: Taste before serving — sometimes you’ll want more salt or tang.
Soften the onion: Soaking raw onion in cold water for 10 minutes cuts the harsh bite.

Variations & Add-Ons

Make this macaroni salad truly yours! Here are a few fun ways to change it up:

Southern twist: Add sweet relish for that iconic picnic flavor.
Spicy kick: Stir in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
Veggie loaded: Mix in peas, shredded carrots, or sweet corn.
Bacon lover’s: Top with crispy bacon bits for extra savoriness.
Cheesy version: Add shredded cheddar or cubed cheese for richness.

Serving Suggestions

Wondering what goes well with a classic macaroni salad recipe? You can’t go wrong with:

Fried chicken, BBQ ribs, or pulled pork sandwiches
Burgers fresh off the grill
Grilled fish or shrimp skewers
Coleslaw or baked beans for the ultimate cookout spread
Serve in a big bowl with extra chopped parsley for a pop of color

Presentation tip: Sprinkle with paprika or chopped herbs for an extra splash of color!

Storage & Reheating

Here’s how to keep your macaroni salad fresh and tasty:

Store:

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

Macaroni salad is best served cold.
If it dries out, stir in a tablespoon of mayo before serving.

Freezing:

I don’t recommend freezing this salad — the mayo dressing doesn’t thaw well.

Nutrition Information

Approximate per-serving values (based on 8 servings):

Calories: 320
Protein: 7g
Carbs: 32g
Fat: 19g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 380mg

Prep, Cook, and Total Time

Time	Duration
Prep Time:	10 minutes
Cook Time:	10–12 minutes
Total Time:	30 minutes + chilling

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does macaroni salad last in the fridge?

Properly stored in an airtight container, macaroni salad stays fresh for up to 4 days in the fridge.

Can I make macaroni salad ahead of time?

Yes! It’s actually better when made a few hours in advance so the flavors meld together.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! Shells, ditalini, or rotini all work well in macaroni salad.

Why is my macaroni salad dry?

Pasta absorbs dressing as it chills. If needed, stir in extra mayo before serving to bring back creaminess.

Is macaroni salad gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can easily use gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free!

Conclusion

When you need a dish that’s comforting, creamy, and guaranteed to disappear, this macaroni salad recipe always delivers. It’s nostalgic, budget-friendly, and honestly just hits the spot every single time.

Give it a try for your next cookout or weeknight dinner. Don’t forget to leave a comment below, rate the recipe, and share it with someone who needs a good old-fashioned side dish they can rely on. Enjoy!