Indulge in a classic American side dish with our macaroni salad recipes, a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will be the star of any gathering. From the traditional Allrecipes Classic Macaroni Salad, bursting with the goodness of mayonnaise-based dressing, to the tangy Mustard-Based Macaroni Salad, these recipes offer a range of options to suit every taste. If you're looking for something creamy and rich, try our Creamy Ranch Macaroni Salad, while the Italian-inspired Mediterranean Macaroni Salad brings a burst of fresh flavors to your table. For those who prefer a lighter option, our Lemon-Herb Macaroni Salad offers a zesty twist, and the Greek Yogurt Macaroni Salad provides a healthier alternative without compromising on taste. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these delectable macaroni salad recipes, perfect for potlucks, picnics, or backyard barbecues.
Here are our top 9 tried and tested recipes!
CHEF JOHN'S CLASSIC MACARONI SALAD
Whether it's sitting next to some smoky ribs or just a humble hot dog, this deli-style macaroni salad will always be a crowd favorite, as long as you pay attention to a few key details.
Provided by Chef John
Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Macaroni Salad Recipes
Time 4h33m
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Whisk 1 cup mayonnaise, vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper together in a bowl until well blended; whisk in sugar. Stir in celery, red bell pepper, carrot, onions, and jalapeno and poblano peppers. Refrigerate until macaroni is ready to dress.
- Bring a large pot of well salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain but do not rinse. Allow macaroni to drain in a colander about 5 minutes, shaking out moisture from time to time. Pour macaroni into large bowl; toss to separate and cool to room temperature. Macaroni should be sticky.
- Pour dressing over macaroni and stir until dressing is evenly distributed. Cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or, ideally, overnight to allow dressing to absorb into the macaroni.
- Stir salad before serving. Mix 1 tablespoon mayonnaise and 1 tablespoon water into salad for fresher look.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 294.5 calories, Carbohydrate 32 g, Cholesterol 7.4 mg, Fat 16.1 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 5.4 g, SaturatedFat 2.4 g, Sodium 508.1 mg, Sugar 3.2 g
OLD FASHIONED MACARONI SALAD
My family has been making this for years, and it is my absolute favorite dish!
Provided by Jennie Minor
Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Seafood Pasta Salad Recipes
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Cook noodles in a large pot of boiling water until al dente. Rinse under cold water, and drain.
- Mix tuna, onion, bell pepper, celery, garlic powder, mayonnaise, salt and pepper, and mustard together in a large bowl. Add pasta, and mix well.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 359.7 calories, Carbohydrate 19.9 g, Cholesterol 20.1 mg, Fat 26.9 g, Fiber 1.4 g, Protein 10.2 g, SaturatedFat 4.1 g, Sodium 243.9 mg, Sugar 2.2 g
HEALTHIER CLASSIC MACARONI SALAD
Making this salad with less sugar and whole wheat noodles makes it a healthy treat for the entire family.
Provided by MakeItHealthy
Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Macaroni Salad Recipes
Time 4h30m
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Rinse under cold water and drain.
- Mix mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper together in a large bowl. Stir in onion, celery, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, carrot, pimentos, and macaroni. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 281.3 calories, Carbohydrate 28.1 g, Cholesterol 8.4 mg, Fat 18 g, Fiber 3 g, Protein 4.2 g, SaturatedFat 2.7 g, Sodium 529.9 mg, Sugar 8.7 g
BEST MACARONI SALAD
Very easy and delicious! I am constantly asked to bring this salad to parties and picnics. The cheese and ham are key additions to an old favorite.
Provided by JEANDERSON72
Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Macaroni Salad Recipes
Time 4h30m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta until al dente, rinse under cold water and drain.
- In a large bowl, combine the pasta, mayonnaise and mix well. Stir in cucumber, onion, ham and cheese. Mix well. Drizzle oil and vinegar over top and toss. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 437.3 calories, Carbohydrate 43.8 g, Cholesterol 28.4 mg, Fat 23 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 13.4 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, Sodium 358.8 mg, Sugar 1.9 g
MAGNIFICENT MACARONI SALAD
Slightly sweet, classic macaroni salad recipe!
Provided by Christine Anne Limon
Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Macaroni Salad Recipes
Time 50m
Yield 5
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until cooked through but firm to the bite, 8 minutes; drain.
- Rinse macaroni in cold water until cool; drain.
- Stir mayonnaise, onion, parsley, mustard, rice vinegar, sugar, celery seed, and salt together in a bowl; add macaroni and eggs and stir to coat.
- Chill in refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 782.8 calories, Carbohydrate 53.4 g, Cholesterol 152.3 mg, Fat 57.4 g, Fiber 3.3 g, Protein 14 g, SaturatedFat 9.1 g, Sodium 718.8 mg, Sugar 3.3 g
CLASSIC MACARONI SALAD
This classic macaroni salad recipe is a refreshingly light take on an all-time favorite. It's perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or festive weekend barbecue. -Dorothy Bayes, Sardis, Ohio
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch Side Dishes
Time 30m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water. Cool completely. , For dressing, in a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, pickle relish, sugar substitute, mustard, salt and pepper. In a large bowl, combine the macaroni, celery, carrot and onion. Add dressing and toss gently to coat. , Refrigerate until serving. Garnish with egg and paprika.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 115 calories, Fat 2g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 27mg cholesterol, Sodium 362mg sodium, Carbohydrate 21g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges
SIMPLE MACARONI SALAD
An easy mac salad that is excellent for parties, picnics and those summer day barbeques.
Provided by Samantha
Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Macaroni Salad Recipes
Time 2h30m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain, and rinse with cold water until no longer hot. Transfer noodles to a large bowl.
- Stir in red bell peppers, green bell peppers, green onions, celery and olive oil. Mix in mayonnaise and soup mix. Refrigerate for a few hours before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 435.7 calories, Carbohydrate 45.8 g, Cholesterol 10.4 mg, Fat 24.5 g, Fiber 2.9 g, Protein 8.1 g, SaturatedFat 3.7 g, Sodium 179.7 mg, Sugar 4.3 g
CLASSIC MACARONI SALAD
This is a salad that everyone seems to love. I always get lots of compliments on this recipe and it is just a pleasing taste that seems to suit everyone.
Provided by Graden
Categories Salad Pasta Salad Vegetarian Pasta Salad Recipes
Time 4h30m
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni, and cook until tender, about 8 minutes. Rinse under cold water and drain.
- In a large bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt and pepper. Stir in the onion, celery, green pepper, carrot, pimentos and macaroni. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving, but preferably overnight.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 390 calories, Carbohydrate 49.3 g, Cholesterol 8.4 mg, Fat 18.7 g, Fiber 2.8 g, Protein 6.8 g, SaturatedFat 2.8 g, Sodium 528.6 mg, Sugar 15.5 g
CLASSIC MACARONI SALAD
Creamy dishes like Alex's macaroni salad are a perfect match for fresh dill. "I love dill with mayonnaise," she says. "It's grassy and light."
Provided by Alex Guarnaschelli
Categories side-dish
Time 45m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Make the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, soy sauce and hot sauce until smooth. Drain and dry the red onion and stir it into the dressing along with the bell pepper, scallions and a generous pinch of salt.
- Make the pasta: In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil. Add a generous amount of salt. Add the pasta and cook, stirring from time to time, until al dente (chewy but not hard or raw tasting), 6 to 10 minutes. Drain; do not rinse the pasta. Spread it out on a large baking sheet to cool slightly, 5 to 10 minutes.
- While the pasta is still warm, add it to the bowl with the dressing and let sit at room temperature, 10 to 15 minutes. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Stir in the dill and basil just before serving and taste for seasoning.
Tips:
- Use high-quality macaroni. The type of macaroni you use will make a big difference in the final dish. Look for a brand that is made with durum wheat and has a firm texture.
- Cook the macaroni al dente. This means that the macaroni should be cooked until it is just tender, but still has a slight bite to it. Overcooked macaroni will be mushy and will not hold up well in the salad.
- Use a variety of vegetables. The more vegetables you add to your macaroni salad, the more flavorful it will be. Some good options include celery, carrots, red onion, bell pepper, and cucumber.
- Use a creamy dressing. A creamy dressing will help to bind all of the ingredients together and make the salad more flavorful. You can use a store-bought dressing or make your own. If you are making your own dressing, be sure to use mayonnaise, sour cream, or yogurt as the base.
- Add some herbs and spices. Herbs and spices will help to add flavor and depth to your macaroni salad. Some good options include basil, oregano, thyme, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Chill the salad before serving. This will help to allow the flavors to meld together and will make the salad more refreshing.
Conclusion:
Macaroni salad is a classic side dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make, delicious, and can be customized to your liking. With so many different variations to choose from, you are sure to find a macaroni salad recipe that you will love.
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