Best 12 Macaroni Salad I Recipes

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Macaroni salad is a classic side dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue or a casual potluck, this easy-to-make salad is sure to be a hit. With its creamy dressing, crunchy vegetables, and flavorful macaroni, macaroni salad is a dish that everyone will enjoy. In this article, we'll share some of our favorite macaroni salad recipes, so you can find the perfect one to suit your taste. From classic macaroni salad to more unique and creative variations, we have something for everyone. So get ready to explore the world of macaroni salad and find your new favorite side dish!

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

SIMPLE MACARONI SALAD



Simple Macaroni Salad image

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

1 (16 ounce) package macaroni
2 red bell peppers, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
½ cup chopped green onions
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup mayonnaise
1 packet dry vegetable soup mix

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

OLD-FASHIONED MACARONI SALAD



Old-Fashioned Macaroni Salad image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 2h35m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

4 eggs
1 pound large elbow macaroni
4 ounces ham steak, finely chopped
2 stalks chopped celery, including leaves
1 large shallot, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2/3 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 (4-ounce) jar chopped pimentos, drained
3 tablespoons sweet pickled relish
Kosher salt and pepper

Steps:

  • To make the hard-boiled eggs: Add the eggs to a medium-sized saucepan. Cover with cold water and bring up to a boil over medium heat. Cover with a lid and turn off the heat. Let the eggs sit in the hot water for 14 minutes. Drain and cool under cold running water. Peel the eggs and chop. Reserve.
  • While the eggs are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat and add the macaroni. Cook until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  • In a large serving bowl, combine the eggs, ham steak, celery, shallots and lemon juice Add the macaroni and stir to combine.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, pickled relish, and salt and pepper, to taste. Add the dressing to the macaroni and toss to coat. Season with more salt and pepper, if needed. Cover and chill for 2 hours for the flavors to meld.

AMERICAN MACARONI SALAD



American Macaroni Salad image

Bring this classic American Macaroni Salad recipe from Food Network Kitchen to your next picnic � it's perfect for an outdoor barbecue spread.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     side-dish

Time 30m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 cups dry elbow macaroni, cooked, rinsed, and drained
1/3 cup diced celery
1/4 cup minced red onion, soaked in cold water for 5 minutes, drained
1 tablespoon minced flat-leaf parsley
1/2 cup diced vine-ripened tomato (optional)
1/2 cup prepared mayonnaise
3/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons cider vinegar
3 tablespoons sour cream
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
Freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the macaroni, celery, onion, parsley and tomato, if using. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, sugar, vinegar, sour cream and salt. Pour the dressing over the salad and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve. Store covered in the refrigerator, for up to 3 days.

MACARONI SALAD



Macaroni Salad image

I was hesitant about posting this recipe - it's the macaroni salad I grew up with, and pretty basic. But it is so darned good that I decided to go ahead.

Provided by evelynathens

Categories     Kid Friendly

Time 27m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons vinegar
1 tablespoon mustard
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 lb macaroni, cooked and drained
1 cup sliced celery
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1/2 cup chopped red pepper
1/2 cup chopped green onion

Steps:

  • Combine dressing ingredients.
  • Stir into remaining ingredients.
  • Cover and chill.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 237.3, Fat 1.2, SaturatedFat 0.2, Sodium 651, Carbohydrate 47.6, Fiber 3.4, Sugar 4.6, Protein 8.4

HELLMANN'S CLASSIC MACARONI SALAD



Hellmann's Classic Macaroni Salad image

A longtime favorite of my family. We don't have an outdoor summer gathering without this and Hellmann's Original Potato Salad. Can't go wrong with these delicious recipes. FYI: because of the mayo content, we put the bowl of salad into a slightly larger-sized bowl filled halfway with ice to keep the salads cold and fresh.

Provided by aHardDaysNight

Categories     Summer

Time 25m

Yield 5 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

8 ounces elbow macaroni
1 cup Hellmann's mayonnaise
2 tablespoons vinegar
1 tablespoon hellmann's Dijonnaise mustard
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup thinly sliced celery
1 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/4 cup chopped onion

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water until completely cool.
  • In large bowl, combine Hellmann's® or Best Foods® Real Mayonnaise, vinegar, Mustard, sugar, salt and pepper.
  • Stir in macaroni, celery, green pepper and onion.
  • Serve chilled or at room temperature.

MOM'S BEST MACARONI SALAD



Mom's Best Macaroni Salad image

This is, by far, the best macaroni salad I've ever put into my mouth. It has a perfect blend of sweetness and tartness, and it is so pretty with all of the multi-colored veggies. Be ready for this to disappear before you put it on the table! I have six children, and it is all I can do to keep them from nibbling on it while I'm mixing it up!

Provided by Renee Chase

Categories     Salad     Pasta Salad     Macaroni Salad Recipes

Time 30m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 11

16 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni
4 carrots, shredded
1 large red onion, chopped
½ green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
½ red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 cup chopped celery
2 cups mayonnaise
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
½ cup white sugar
½ cup white vinegar
salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add macaroni, and cook until tender, about 8 minutes. Rinse under cold water, and drain.
  • In a large bowl, stir together the carrots, red onion, green pepper, red pepper and celery. Mix in the mayonnaise, condensed milk, sugar, vinegar, salt and pepper. Add the macaroni, toss gently, cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours. I usually make this a day ahead of time, and stir it occasionally to blend the flavors. The macaroni will absorb some of the liquid.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 424.2 calories, Carbohydrate 45 g, Cholesterol 18.8 mg, Fat 24.7 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 6.6 g, SaturatedFat 4.8 g, Sodium 205.4 mg, Sugar 21.7 g

EASY MACARONI SALAD



Easy Macaroni Salad image

This hearty pasta salad is sure to please appetites of all ages-and it serves a lot of folks! -LaVerna Mjones, Moorhead, Minnesota

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch     Side Dishes

Time 15m

Yield 34 (1-cup) servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 pounds uncooked elbow macaroni
12 hard-boiled large eggs, chopped
2-1/2 pounds fully cooked ham, cubed
1 package (16 ounces) frozen peas, thawed
3 cups sliced celery
1 large green pepper, chopped
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 jar (4 ounces) diced pimientos, drained
4 cups mayonnaise

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions. Rinse in cold water; drain and cool completely. , Place in a large bowl; stir in remaining ingredients. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 380 calories, Fat 26g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 102mg cholesterol, Sodium 615mg sodium, Carbohydrate 23g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 13g protein.

QUICK MACARONI SALAD



Quick Macaroni Salad image

You can't go wrong with this time-tested winner. Here it is pared down for two.-Carma Blosser, Livermore, Colorado

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 20m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

3/4 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
1/3 cup frozen peas
1/3 cup cubed cheddar cheese
1/4 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons chopped celery
1 teaspoon finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon diced pimientos
1 teaspoon finely chopped green pepper
1/8 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions, adding peas during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and rinse in cold water. , In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Stir in macaroni and peas. Chill until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 276 calories, Fat 15g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 24mg cholesterol, Sodium 544mg sodium, Carbohydrate 28g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 10g protein.

CLASSIC MACARONI SALAD



Classic Macaroni Salad image

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

4 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 cup mayonnaise
¼ cup distilled white vinegar
⅔ cup white sugar
2 ½ tablespoons prepared yellow mustard
1 ½ teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 large onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
¼ cup grated carrot
2 tablespoons chopped pimento peppers

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



Classic Macaroni Salad image

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

3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
1 small red onion, diced, soaked in ice water at least 1 hour and up to 12 hours
1 large red bell pepper, diced
3 scallions (green parts only), thinly sliced
Kosher salt
12 ounces elbow macaroni
1 sprig dill, leaves finely chopped
4 sprigs basil, leaves torn

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.

CLASSIC MACARONI SALAD



Classic Macaroni Salad image

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

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 cup fat-free mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
2 teaspoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/3 cup chopped carrot
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 hard-boiled large egg, chopped
Dash paprika

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

MACARONI SALAD



Macaroni Salad image

Macaroni salad, a cookout favorite, doesn't take much to be great - just the right amount of moisture and seasoning. This version draws its inspiration from the macaroni salad at the Kennedy Fried Chicken restaurants. For the perfect balance, use a more savory brand of mayonnaise here, since the recipe gets its sweetness from a bit of sugar and shredded carrots. Make sure the macaroni salad is cold when you serve it; the only time macaroni has to be served hot is when it's covered in mounds of cheese, like this Southern Macaroni and Cheese.

Provided by Millie Peartree

Categories     noodles, salads and dressings, side dish

Time 30m

Yield 8 to 10 servings (3 quarts)

Number Of Ingredients 13

Kosher salt
1 pound elbow noodles
2 celery ribs, finely diced
1 red bell pepper, finely diced
1/2 cup shredded carrots (from 1 medium carrot)
1/2 cup finely diced red onion
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 tablespoon Dijon or yellow mustard
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, plus more as needed

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook noodles until a little past al dente, then rinse under cold water and drain. Once the noodles are cool enough to handle with your hands, transfer them to a large bowl.
  • Add the celery, bell pepper, carrots and onion to the cooled noodles; toss to combine.
  • Prepare the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt and pepper.
  • Pour dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is well coated. Taste and season with more salt and pepper, if desired. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

Tips:

  • Use a variety of pasta shapes and sizes. This will give your macaroni salad a more interesting texture and appearance.
  • Cook the pasta al dente. This means that it should be cooked until it is just tender, but still has a slight bite to it.
  • Rinse the pasta with cold water after cooking. This will help to stop the cooking process and prevent the pasta from becoming sticky.
  • Use a variety of vegetables in your macaroni salad. This will add flavor, color, and nutrients to the dish.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment with different dressings. There are many different types of dressings that can be used for macaroni salad, so find one that you like and go with it.
  • Chill the macaroni salad before serving. This will help to meld the flavors and make the salad more refreshing.

Conclusion:

Macaroni salad is a versatile dish that can be served as a side dish, a main course, or even a dessert. It's a great way to use up leftover pasta and vegetables, and it's a dish that everyone will enjoy. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give macaroni salad a try.

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