Indulge in the classic American comfort food – chicken macaroni salad – with our carefully curated collection of recipes. From the traditional mayonnaise-based salad to variations with Greek yogurt, avocado, or bacon, we offer a delightful range of flavors to suit every palate. Explore our zesty lemon-herb dressing recipe for a refreshing twist or try the creamy Dijon mustard dressing for a tangy kick. Each recipe is meticulously explained with step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, and beautiful images to guide you through the process effortlessly. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue, planning a potluck, or simply craving a satisfying lunch, our chicken macaroni salad recipes are guaranteed to be a hit. Dive in and discover the perfect recipe to satisfy your cravings!
Here are our top 18 tried and tested recipes!
COLD CHICKEN MACARONI SALAD
Cold macaroni salad meets chicken salad... good recipe for leftovers. If you want more flavor add in your favorite fruit, veggie, or whatnot--such as celery, grapes, or frozen green peas. Happy eating.
Provided by Lori Roper
Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Macaroni Salad Recipes
Time 1h35m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add chicken; continue to boil until no longer pink in the middle, 15 to 20 minutes. Let sit until cool enough to handle, then dice into small bite-sized pieces.
- While chicken cooks, bring a second large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain and rinse under cool water.
- At the same time, place eggs in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil, remove from heat, and let eggs stand in hot water for 15 minutes. Remove eggs from hot water, cool under cold running water, and peel.
- Mix mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, onion salt, salt, mustard, and pepper together in a large bowl. Mix in eggs, pasta, and chicken, adding a little more mayonnaise if too dry. Chill for 1 hour, to overnight.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 468.5 calories, Carbohydrate 42.5 g, Cholesterol 119.6 mg, Fat 25.8 g, Fiber 1.7 g, Protein 16.2 g, SaturatedFat 4.4 g, Sodium 733 mg, Sugar 4 g
OLD-FASHIONED CHICKEN MACARONI SALAD
"My sister gave me the recipe for this creamy pasta salad about 25 years ago," Nola Erbe jots from Lodi, Wisconsin. "It's great to make for watching football games on TV. I serve it with potato chips, celery and pickles.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 25m
Yield 2 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. Cook corn according to package directions; drain and cool. , In a serving bowl, combine the macaroni, corn, chicken, celery, egg, green pepper and onion. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, vinegar, salt and pepper. Pour over salad and stir to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 337 calories, Fat 10g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 175mg cholesterol, Sodium 882mg sodium, Carbohydrate 34g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 28g protein.
CHICKEN CAESAR MACARONI SALAD
Give me a Caesar salad anytime, no matter what form it's in. I like to add some chicken and artichokes to make this Caesar macaroni salad a little more hearty. -Shawn Barto, Palmetto, Florida
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch Side Dishes
Time 20m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water. Cool completely., For dressing, in a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, dressing mix, sugar, salt and pepper. In a large bowl, combine chicken, artichokes, Parmesan, capers and macaroni. Add dressing and toss gently to coat. , Refrigerate until serving. Top with croutons and additional capers if desired.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 318 calories, Fat 22g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 20mg cholesterol, Sodium 692mg sodium, Carbohydrate 19g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 10g protein.
CHICKEN AND PINEAPPLE MACARONI SALAD (FILIPINO STYLE)
I serve this salad along with my other party entrees, always turns out to be a crowd pleaser.. enjoy! =)
Provided by Sharonda
Categories Low Cholesterol
Time 25m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Boil Macaroni till cooked, set aside in fridge as you are preparing the following ingredients.
- dice chicken breast into cubes.
- dice pineapple (tidbit size).
- peel and dice apple.
- dice cheddar cheese.
- mix raisins along with the cooked macaroni and all diced ingredients in a large bowl, stir in enough mayonnaise to bind all ingredients together as you don't want your salad too fattening and too creamy.
- Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper, you may serve this delicious salad at room temp or cold from your fridge. enjoy!
SUMMER CHICKEN MACARONI SALAD
For sunny, lazy days, I make a loaded macaroni salad that's like three salads in one. The mix of fresh veggies, sweet peaches and crunchy pistachios is a surprisingly delicious combo. -Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 25m
Yield 16 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, mix chicken, peas, onions, celery, basil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, salt and pepper. Drain macaroni; rinse with cold water, then drain again. Add to chicken mixture., Mix yogurt, mayonnaise and remaining lemon juice. Add to salad and mix well. Add peaches and cheeses; toss gently. Refrigerate at least 2 hours. Sprinkle with pistachios before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 312 calories, Fat 16g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 85mg cholesterol, Sodium 379mg sodium, Carbohydrate 13g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 29g protein.
CHICKEN MACARONI SALAD
A macaroni salad with a twist- chicken! You may need to adjust the amount of mayonnaise once it spends some time in the refrigerator.
Provided by purple
Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Macaroni Salad Recipes
Time 4h
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook chicken until no longer pink and juices run clear. Let rest until cool enough to handle, then shred with two forks. Set aside 4 cups of shredded meat.
- In a medium pot with boiling salted water cook elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Meanwhile, in a large bowl mix together the cooked chicken, drained vegetables, shredded lettuce, and mayonnaise. Add basil, pepper, salt, and garlic powder to taste.
- Add drained elbow macaroni to chicken mixture. Toss to coat.
- Refrigerate for several hours before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 699.1 calories, Carbohydrate 21.7 g, Cholesterol 91 mg, Fat 54.4 g, Fiber 2.7 g, Protein 30.6 g, SaturatedFat 8.3 g, Sodium 544.5 mg, Sugar 1.2 g
CHICKEN AND BACON MACARONI SALAD
This hearty pasta salad can double as a side or main dish. The addition of bacon and chicken make the macaroni salad. It may have simple ingredients, but the combination of flavors is perfect. Definitely prepare this ahead of time so there is time to chill. Once the flavors mingle together for a bit, the salad is even better.
Provided by Sue Faccone
Categories Other Salads
Time 1h
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- 1. Fry bacon until crispy and put on a plate with paper towels to drain off the grease. Put aside.
- 2. Hard boil 6 eggs, about 7 minutes. Then peel under cold water and slice into pieces. Put aside.
- 3. Boil macaroni until soft. Add some oil and salt to the water prior to boiling. Removed and put in a colander to drain. Rinse with cold water until cool. Drain again and put in a large bowl.
- 4. Open can of chicken breast and flake (leftover chicken is also good for this recipe). Add the eggs and chicken to the macaroni mixture.
- 5. Crumble the bacon and add to the mix.
- 6. Cut the tomatoes into cubes and add to the macaroni.
- 7. Cut the onion into tiny diced pieces and add to the mix.
- 8. Season with garlic powder, parsley flakes, kosher salt and seasoned pepper (salt and pepper to taste).
- 9. Mix well until everything is combined evenly. Fold in the chopped hard boiled eggs.
- 10. Add mayonnaise. I start with a cup and mix to coat the entire mixture.
- 11. Then add around a half a cup as needed from there on until it is the consistency I like.
- 12. Once everything is mixed sprinkle paprika on top for color.
- 13. Refrigerate. It is best when it is allowed to get really cold. Enjoy!
CHICKEN TACO MACARONI SALAD
I like to give macaroni salad a taco twist. Rotisserie chicken makes it quick. I'll often serve this dish as a main course since it's so hearty. -Lisa Allen, Joppa, Alabama
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch Side Dishes
Time 20m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water. Cool completely., For dressing, in a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, taco seasoning, sugar, mustard, salt and pepper. In a large bowl, combine chicken, peppers and macaroni. Add dressing; gently toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving. Top with cilantro if desired.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 328 calories, Fat 23g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 33mg cholesterol, Sodium 369mg sodium, Carbohydrate 17g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 13g protein.
HAWAIIAN CHICKEN MACARONI SALAD
I usually make this Hawaiian macaroni salad out of leftover chicken. The sweet pineapple complements the crisp celery, green beans and almonds in this flavorful, well-dressed salad. -Margie Dearth, Fremont, Wisconsin
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 20m
Yield 2 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Drain pineapple, reserving 1-1/2 teaspoons juice; set juice aside. In a small bowl, combine the pineapple, macaroni, chicken, celery, green beans and almonds., Combine the yogurt, mayonnaise, salt and reserved pineapple juice. Pour over salad; toss to coat. Chill until serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 432 calories, Fat 23g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 38mg cholesterol, Sodium 470mg sodium, Carbohydrate 38g carbohydrate (17g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 18g protein.
GRILLED BUTTERFLIED BBQ CHICKEN WITH MACARONI SALAD
Provided by Katie Lee Biegel
Categories main-dish
Time 1h20m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 21
Steps:
- For the macaroni salad: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni in the boiling water until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and let cool.
- Toss the macaroni with the tomatoes, radishes, bell peppers, scallions and cucumbers in a large bowl. In a small bowl, whisk the mayonnaise with the vinegar, mustard, sugar and garlic salt. Add the dressing to the macaroni and vegetables and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate until serving.
- For the chicken: Heat a grill to medium-high heat.
- To butterfly the chicken, first remove the giblets and discard. Put the chicken on a cutting board breast-side down. Use kitchen shears to cut along each side of the backbone to remove. Trim any excess fat and discard. Flip the chicken breast-side up and firmly press each breast to break the bone and flatten.
- In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, salt, garlic powder and black pepper. Season both sides of the chicken with the spice mixture. Use a pastry brush to brush the chicken with the canola oil.
- Place the chicken skin-side down on the grill. Cover and let cook 10 minutes. Flip the chicken and reduce the heat to medium low. Cover and cook another 10 minutes. Flip the chicken again for 10 more minutes, then flip again and cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, an additional 10 minutes.
- Use a pastry brush to coat each side of the chicken with the barbecue sauce and cook just to let the sauce caramelize, about 2 minutes per side. Tent with foil and let stand 5 minutes. Cut the chicken into pieces--it will be falling apart by this time! Serve with more barbecue sauce on the side and the lime wedges.
CREAMY CHICKEN MACARONI SALAD
Lisa, who lives next door, gave me this recipe several years ago. This is really a delicious chicken salad. The red grapes and the brown in the sliced almonds will help to give it color and make it look more appealing, so do resist the temptation to used green grapes and/or blanched almonds. This is great as a potluck dish or as a meal on a hot day. As with any dish containing mayonnaise, please use caution and keep cool until serving. Keep any extras refrigerated for safety's sake. This is a meal for four very hungry people or as a side dish for over a dozen adults. Cooking time includes cooking the chicken and macaroni (at the same time) while cutting the grapes.
Provided by dogsandwoods
Categories < 4 Hours
Time 1h20m
Yield 9 cups, 12-15 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions. Drain.
- In a small bowl, whip mayonnaise and 2 T sugar together. Taste for your preference on sweetness before adding the third tablespoon.
- In a large bowl place chicken breasts, cut grapes, diced celery, sliced almonds and the macaroni. Toss ingredients together.
- Add mayonnaise to the large bowl and stir to coat all ingredients.
- Garnish with mandarin oranges.
- Chill until time to serve.
- May serve on individual plates that have been prepped with romaine leaves.
STIR FRIED CHICKEN & MACARONI SALAD
This has been in my recipe collection for many years, on a piece of paper that was torn in half long ago. I think it's time to save it here. It's a very healthy and tasty meal that I've always enjoyed.
Provided by windhorse23
Categories Chicken
Time 35m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Cook the pasta, and drain well.
- Heat one tablespoon of oil in a large skillet on medium high heat. Add green beans and 1/4 teaspoons salt. Cook and stir until beans are coated and hot. Add water. Stir-fry until beans are crisp-tender. Remove from skillet.
- Heat remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in the skillet. Add chicken, ginger, remaining salt and cook/stir until chicken is no longer pink. Remove from heat.
- Combine pasta, kidney beans, green beans, chicken, soy sauce and lime juice.
- Serve hot or cold. It's great both ways.
BUFFALO CHICKEN MACARONI SALAD (WEIGHT WATCHER FRIENDLY)
From another email group I belong to, I thought it sounded interesting. 8 -1/2 cup servings, 3 points each. (Cook time includes chill time)
Provided by Elaine
Categories < 4 Hours
Time 2h20m
Yield 1/2 cup, 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Cook macaroni according to package directions.
- Rinse under cold water and drain.
- Refrigerate until cold.
- In a large bowl, combine dressing, mayonnaise, blue cheese, hot sauce and paprika.
- Add chicken, celery, onion and macaroni. Mix well to combine.
- Stir in tomatoes.
- Cover and refrigerate at least 30 mins.Gently stir again before serving.
EASY CHICKEN MACARONI SALAD
Delicious and easy to make. What more could you ask for? Great for potlucks and dinners that you need quickly. This is the first thing to go at any potluck I take it to. Enjoy!
Provided by Miss Diggy
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 15m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Prepare macaroni according to package instructions.
- While cooking, dice onion, bell pepper, tomatoes, and chicken.
- Put in bowl and add mayo and dressing mix.
- When macaroni is done, drain and rinse with cold water, and mix with other ingredients.
- Put in fridge until use, or use immediately.
SIMPLE RANCH CHICKEN AND MACARONI SALAD
Another recipe from my MIL. I believe she got this one from allrecipes.com also. This is really really good! Cook time listed is time in the fridge
Provided by 911spatcher
Categories Potluck
Time P1DT10m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Boil macaroni until tender, drain and pat dry.
- In a med bowl, mix together the celery, olives,mayo, sour cream, milk, chicken and ranch dressing mix. Stir in the macaroni until well blended. Refrigerate for 24 hours. Stir and sprinkle paprika over the top before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 367.6, Fat 21.7, SaturatedFat 6, Cholesterol 65.5, Sodium 427.8, Carbohydrate 25.4, Fiber 1.9, Sugar 2.5, Protein 17.7
CINDI'S CHICKEN MACARONI SALAD
A really good macaroni salad made with either cooked chicken, turkey, (or) smoked turkey, red bell peppers, celery, onions, peas, colby cheese, salad dressing, and Kraft's Creamy Cucumber Ranch Salad Dressing. Note: DO NOT SUBSTITUTE mayonnaise for the salad dressing in this recipe. The salad dressing gives this salad a bit of a kick, as my daughter would say. This salad is a favorite of my mother-in-law's, and I consider that to be a compliment!
Provided by Cindi M Bauer
Categories < 30 Mins
Time 30m
Yield 4 1/2 lbs. of salad, 10-12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In a very large bowl, add all the ingredients.
- Chill several hours before serving.
- Note: When preparing this salad, I added 3 cups of chicken or turkey, since I like more meat in mine. You can also substitute a mild cheddar cheese for the colby. I think Kraft's Creamy Cucumber Salad Dressing, makes this macaroni salad taste best, but you can use a regular ranch salad dressing.
SIMPLE RANCH CHICKEN MACARONI SALAD
This is a simple to make recipe with Ranch dressing mix which gives it an extra kick.
Provided by Pamela Batovsky
Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Macaroni Salad Recipes
Time 30m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the macaroni, and cook until tender, about 8 minutes. Drain, and pat dry.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the celery, olives, mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, chicken and Ranch dressing mix. Stir in macaroni until well blended. Refrigerate for 24 hours. Stir, and sprinkle paprika over the top before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 393.2 calories, Carbohydrate 26.3 g, Cholesterol 55.6 mg, Fat 22.4 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 20.3 g, SaturatedFat 5.5 g, Sodium 1318 mg, Sugar 1.2 g
CHICKEN MACARONI SALAD
I purchased a store brand macaroni salad from Kroger and was a little deflated to say the least. So I did a little doctoring and the end result was very good. Use your own magic or mine's, either way enjoy! !
Provided by iris mccall
Categories Pasta Sides
Time 10m
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- 1. Combine all ingredients in large container. Do the day before so all the flavors meld. My family loved it, I hope yours does too.
Tips:
- Cook the macaroni al dente. This means cooking it just until it is tender, but still has a slight bite to it. Overcooked macaroni will become mushy and ruin the salad.
- Use a variety of vegetables. This will add color, flavor, and texture to the salad. Some good options include celery, carrots, onion, bell pepper, and cucumber.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different cheeses. Cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan are all classic choices, but you can also try using Swiss, Gruyère, or fontina. Choose a cheese that you think will complement the other ingredients in the salad.
- Make sure the dressing is well-seasoned. The dressing is what brings all of the flavors in the salad together. Taste it and adjust the seasonings as needed.
- Chill the salad before serving. This will help the flavors to meld and will make the salad more refreshing.
Conclusion:
Chicken macaroni salad is a classic summer dish that is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. With its creamy dressing, tender macaroni, and flavorful chicken, it's the perfect dish for a potluck, picnic, or backyard barbecue. So next time you're looking for a simple and delicious summer salad, give chicken macaroni salad a try. You won't be disappointed!
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