Welcome to our blog, where we dive into the world of delectable macaroni salad recipes! Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ, packing a picnic, or simply craving a creamy side dish, macaroni salad is a classic favorite that never disappoints.
In this post, we'll explore some of the best macaroni salad recipes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. From traditional versions to unique twists, get ready to discover the perfect combination of flavors, textures, and ingredients that will make your macaroni salad shine. So grab a fork and let's dig in!
1. Classic Macaroni Salad
Creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet, Classic Macaroni Salad is the perfect side dish for summer cookouts and potlucks. The pasta is cooked to perfection, and the dressing is a delightful combination of mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sweet pickle juice, and dijon mustard.
With the addition of diced red bell pepper, celery, sweet pickles, hard-boiled eggs, and red onion, this salad offers a satisfying crunch and texture. Make it ahead of time for the best flavor and serve it chilled. Perfect for any gathering!
2. Macaroni Salad
This classic Macaroni Salad recipe is a perfect summer side dish for BBQ's and Potlucks. The dressing is creamy and flavorful, with a tangy kick from the sweet relish and apple cider vinegar.
The addition of celery, bell peppers, carrots, and red onions adds a nice crunch and pop of color. Overall, it's a delicious and easy-to-make macaroni salad recipe that is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
3. New York Deli Style Macaroni Salad
The New York Deli Style Macaroni Salad is a classic and creamy recipe that captures the essence of a traditional deli salad. Made with elbow macaroni, finely diced celery, and red bell pepper, this salad is simple yet flavorful.
The sauce, consisting of mayo, sour cream, whole milk, apple cider vinegar, mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper, adds a tangy and balanced taste. Perfect as a side dish for lunch or dinner, this macaroni salad is a must-try for those looking for an authentic deli-style experience.
4. Old Fashioned Southern Macaroni Salad
Old Fashioned Southern Macaroni Salad is a classic soul food side dish that is perfect for BBQs and cookouts. This recipe features elbow macaroni pasta tossed with mayo, mustard, onions, celery, shredded cheddar cheese, and seasonings.
It can be customized with additional toppings like pickles, bacon, or jalapenos. The salad should be chilled for at least an hour before serving. Overall, this macaroni salad is a flavorful and creamy addition to any summer spread.
5. Easy Macaroni Salad
Easy Macaroni Salad is a simple and flavorful recipe that is perfect for summer entertaining. It uses basic ingredients like red onion, celery, parsley, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper to create a creamy and delicious pasta salad.
The pasta is cooked to perfection and seasoned with salt to enhance the flavor. This versatile recipe can be customized by adding peas, ham, hard-boiled eggs, or cheddar cheese. It is a guaranteed hit at any cookout or potluck.
6. Classic Creamy Macaroni Salad
Classic Creamy Macaroni Salad is a timeless side dish that is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or barbecues. Made with elbow macaroni and a tangy, creamy dressing, this salad is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time.
The dressing is simple yet flavorful, and the add-ins, such as celery, carrots, red pepper, and onion, add texture and taste. This macaroni salad is versatile and budget-friendly, making it a great accompaniment to a variety of main dishes. Overall, Classic Creamy Macaroni Salad is a delicious and satisfying side that is sure to please.
7. Southern Macaroni Salad
Southern Macaroni Salad is a deliciously creamy and tangy macaroni salad recipe. It features elbow macaroni, hard-boiled eggs, celery, and onion for a satisfying crunch.
The dressing is a blend of regular mayo and Miracle Whip, adding richness and a hint of sweetness. With simple seasonings like salt, pepper, and optional paprika, this macaroni salad is a classic favorite for BBQs and summer gatherings.
8. Best Ever Macaroni Salad
The Best Ever Macaroni Salad is a potluck favorite that combines tender pasta with fresh vegetables, eggs, and a tangy dressing. It stands out from other recipes with its unique blend of dressing ingredients, the use of ditalini pasta, and the method of chopping eggs.
The choice of Miracle Whip over mayonnaise adds a distinct flavor. This versatile recipe allows for personal preferences and creative additions such as cucumbers, peas, and bacon. Chilling the salad enhances the flavors. Overall, the Best Ever Macaroni Salad is a creamy and delicious option for any gathering.
9. Old Fashioned Macaroni Salad
Old Fashioned Macaroni Salad is a classic and simple recipe that is perfect for barbecues and potlucks. Made with ditalini noodles, mayo, mustard, onion powder, celery, green onions, and chopped hard-boiled eggs, this macaroni salad is a crowd-pleaser. It's not overly dressed like store-bought versions, allowing you to control the amount of dressing.
The addition of celery and green onions adds a nice crunch. It pairs well with burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, and steak. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. Overall, Old Fashioned Macaroni Salad is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish for any summer gathering.
10. Creamy Macaroni Salad
Creamy Macaroni Salad is a delicious and nutritious side dish that belongs at every BBQ and summer cookout. Made with tender pasta, crunchy vegetables, hard boiled eggs, and a creamy dressing, this macaroni salad is a crowd-pleaser.
The dressing, made with a combination of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt, adds a creamy and tangy flavor. The addition of red bell pepper, celery, and red onion provides a satisfying crunch. Overall, Creamy Macaroni Salad is a classic recipe with a twist that is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
11. Southern Style Macaroni Salad
Southern Style Macaroni Salad is a crowd-pleasing side dish that combines creamy mayonnaise sauce with crunchy veggies, crispy bacon, and boiled eggs. The addition of diced sweet apple adds a delightful twist to this classic recipe.
It is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a side dish for meat, seafood, or chicken dishes. The salad can be made ahead of time and keeps well for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. Overall, this macaroni salad is a delicious and easy-to-make option for any occasion.
12. Deli-Style Macaroni Salad
Deli-Style Macaroni Salad is a classic recipe that captures the flavors of a traditional deli. The macaroni is brined in a mixture of vinegar and sugar, giving it a unique tangy taste.
The addition of diced green pepper and celery seed adds crunch and freshness to the salad. Overall, this recipe is easy to make and perfect for a summer picnic or barbecue.
13. Macaroni Salad with Tomatoes
Macaroni Salad with Tomatoes is a delicious and refreshing summer side dish. Made with ripe tomatoes, black olives, and a creamy mayo-based dressing, it's perfect for BBQs and parties.
The combination of flavors, including garlic powder and dried oregano, adds a tasty twist. This macaroni salad can be made ahead of time, making it convenient for busy gatherings. Overall, it's a must-try recipe for macaroni salad lovers.
14. Vegan Macaroni Salad
The Vegan Macaroni Salad is a crowd-pleasing dish loaded with colorful veggies and tossed in a creamy sauce. It's a perfect pasta salad for summer potlucks and parties. The dressing is silky, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned.
This customizable recipe uses fresh ingredients and can be easily adjusted to suit personal preferences. Overall, it's a delicious and satisfying vegan version of a classic macaroni salad.
15. Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is a creamy pasta salad loaded with grated carrots, yellow onion, and chopped green onion. It has a mayo dressing with a hint of sweetness. This easy-to-make side dish is perfect for parties and potlucks.
The macaroni is cooked and then mixed with apple cider vinegar, grated vegetables, and the creamy dressing. After chilling in the refrigerator for a few hours, the salad is ready to be served. It's a crowd-pleaser that is sure to satisfy.
16. Amish Macaroni Salad
Amish Macaroni Salad is a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors. The tender macaroni pasta pairs perfectly with crunchy bell peppers and hard-boiled eggs.
The creamy dressing, made with mayonnaise and sour cream, adds a rich and satisfying texture. This salad is easy to make and can be prepared in advance. It's a summer staple that will be a hit at any gathering.
17. Filipino Macaroni Salad
Filipino Macaroni Salad is a creamy and slightly tangy salad that is perfect for parties, BBQs, and potluck gatherings. Made with condensed milk, mayonnaise, vinegar, and pickle relish, the dressing strikes a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess.
The salad is loaded with grated carrots, bell peppers, celery, red onion, and diced cheese, adding crunch and flavor. It's a delicious twist on traditional macaroni salad, and the addition of condensed milk gives it a unique creaminess.
18. Macaroni Salad with Greek Yogurt Dressing
Macaroni Salad with Greek Yogurt Dressing is a refreshing and creamy twist on a classic potluck favorite. Made with cooked macaroni, bell peppers, celery, dill pickles, sweet peas, and optional cheddar cheese, this salad is packed with flavor and texture.
The tangy and creamy Greek yogurt dressing, with a hint of mayo, adds a delightful zing. It's a great make-ahead side dish that will surely impress at any gathering.
19. Small Macaroni Salad
Small Macaroni Salad is a delicious and simple side dish that is perfect for small gatherings. Made with just four ounces of pasta, it is the ideal portion size for a few servings.
The dressing is light and tangy, with just the right amount of mayo, and it is loaded with crunchy vegetables like bell pepper and celery. This macaroni salad is a crowd-pleaser and even those who don't typically enjoy pasta salad will fall in love with it.
20. Texas Style Barbecue Macaroni Salad
Texas Style Barbecue Macaroni Salad is a standout dish that combines the creamy goodness of traditional macaroni salad with a delicious barbecue twist. It's packed with spicy barbecue flavor and features crunchy vegetables, corn, and black beans.
The dressing is tangy and can be adjusted to your taste preferences. This salad is perfect for summer parties and potlucks, and it's even won a contest! Overall, it's a must-try recipe for barbecue lovers.
21. Chicken Macaroni Salad
Chicken Macaroni Salad is a creamy and flavorful pasta salad recipe that combines macaroni noodles, mayo, mustard, seasoned salt, pepper, celery, onion, and diced chicken. It is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a side dish or a light main course. The recipe is easy to make and requires simple pantry staples.
The use of rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken makes it convenient and budget-friendly. The salad can be served cold and stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Overall, Chicken Macaroni Salad is a delicious and satisfying option for summer BBQs or any occasion.
22. Aunt Gert's Sweet Macaroni Salad
Aunt Gert's Sweet Macaroni Salad is a rich and creamy pasta salad with a surprisingly sweet and yummy sauce. It features radiatore-shaped pasta (or rotini) chilled overnight in an easy mayonnaise-based sauce.
The sweet side of the salad makes it positively addictive, especially for those with a sweet tooth. It is a family favorite and a crowd-pleaser, perfect for picnics or barbecues.
23. Creamy Cheddar Macaroni Salad
Creamy Cheddar Macaroni Salad is a delicious and simple summer pasta salad. Loaded with peppers, celery, onions, and chunks of cheddar cheese, it is covered in a tangy sour cream dressing.
Perfect for a last-minute side dish, this recipe can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Letting it rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to come together. Overall, Creamy Cheddar Macaroni Salad is a tasty and versatile option for any gathering.
24. Macaroni Salad with Ham and Cheese
Macaroni Salad with Ham and Cheese is a delightful and easy-to-make recipe that is perfect for any occasion. This classic macaroni salad combines tender pasta with zesty ham, cheese, and vegetables, creating a symphony of flavors and textures. The mayonnaise dressing adds a creamy touch without being clumpy.
The recipe can be customized by adding diced bell peppers or using Miracle Whip instead of mayonnaise. It is important to note that the salad requires at least 4 hours in the fridge for the flavors to meld together. Overall, Macaroni Salad with Ham and Cheese is a crowd-pleasing dish that is a great way to use up leftover ham.
25. Macaroni Salad with Shrimp
Macaroni Salad with Shrimp is a delightful combination of tender pasta, crunchy vegetables, and flavorful shrimp, all tossed in a delicious mayonnaise dressing.
The addition of hard boiled eggs adds a special touch to this classic recipe. The secret ingredient, dill pickle relish, adds a tangy and refreshing flavor. If you're a fan of shrimp, this salad is a must-try.
