Simple Macaroni Salad Recipe

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This Simple Macaroni Salad Recipe is filled with all the classic ingredients, tossed in a creamy sauce and perfect for summer potlucks and parties!

Proper cooking, storage key to summer food safety

I love making this macaroni salad to go along with my Crispy Fried Chicken for a delish summer dinner.

If there’s one thing I love about going to potlucks and parties, it’s all the different types of salads available. I could pretty much eat only side dishes and be totally happy.

This classic Macaroni Salad is always the first thing to go, and people are always asking for the simple recipe, so here it is!

Macaroni Salad Ingredients

Macaroni salad is comprised of three main components: macaroni noodles, add-ins and the dressing.

The best part about macaroni salad, in my opinion, is that you can add in whatever you like to make it completely unique to your taste. Here are some of my favorite add-ins…

Chopped Celery
Diced Red Onion
Finely Chopped Red Bell Pepper
Frozen Peas (they defrost when added)
Cubed Sharp Cheddar Cheese (you can also use shredded cheese)
Hard Boiled Eggs
Diced Ham
Cooked Bacon
Shredded Carrots
Pickles

As you can see, there are several options available for sprucing up your macaroni salad. Feel free to toss in whatever you like!

This is how to make Macaroni Salad with all the add-ins that you love!

How To Make Macaroni Salad

BOIL MACARONI Start by boiling your elbow macaroni noodles until they are tender to the bite. Quickly drain the noodles then run cool water over them to stop them from cooking any further.

COMBINE ADD-INS Gather all your macaroni salad add-ins and toss them in a large bowl with the cooled and drained noodles.

MAKE THE DRESSING Whisk together the creamy sauce and stir everything together. Keep the salad chilled until ready to serve.

How to make the BEST Macaroni Salad Dressing Recipe

Creamy Macaroni Salad Dressing Recipe

Now that you have your noodles and all your add-ins in the bowl, it’s time to whisk up that super easy, finger-licking good dressing!

Whisk together mayo, white vinegar (you can also use apple cider vinegar for a little added sweetness), sugar, dijon mustard (I like one with a little more kick to it), salt, pepper and just a little bit of sweet pickle relish.
Pour the dressing into the salad bowl and stir to coat the ingredients evenly.
Chill the mixture until ready to serve, make sure to stir again before serving.

Watch Video How To Make Macaroni Salad

So easy!!

Easy Macaroni Salad Recipe with the BEST creamy dressing!

What Can I Use As A Mayo Substitute?

Instead of using all mayo, you can use half plain greek yogurt and half mayo. Or you can try using half sour cream and half mayo. I wouldn’t recommend omitting all of the mayo because that is what helps keep this macaroni salad nice and creamy.

Can Macaroni Salad Be Made Ahead?

YES! In fact, I think this salad tastes even better the second day, once the flavors have had a chance to blend together. Store the salad in an air-tight container in the fridge and make sure to stir again before serving.

More Simple Pasta Salad Recipes to Make

Looking for more pasta salad recipes for your next bbq or potluck? I’ve got you covered with these delicious recipes…

YUM! This Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe is super easy and the perfect side dish for all those summer potlucks!

I’m confident you’re going to get RAVE reviews with this simple and easy Macaroni Salad Recipe at all your potlucks!

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YUM! This Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe is super easy and the perfect side dish for all those summer potlucks!

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