Macaroni Salad is a potluck classic for a reason. It’s fresh, creamy, and packed with texture in every bite.
For a protein-rich salad, give our Tuna Macaroni Salad a try.
The Best Macaroni Salad Recipe!
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is a tasty, easy-to-make side with pasta, carrots, onions, celery, and green onions, all mixed with a sweet-tangy-creamy dressing.
It’s a go-to in Hawaiian cuisine for its amazing mix of flavors. What makes this one stand out? Loads of dressing for every bite AND a special spice blend in the dressing that kicks it up a notch.
Perfect for impressing at BBQs or enjoying for a simple lunch, this Macaroni Salad is a must-try!
Next, try some of our other favorite summer pasta salads like this Greek Pasta Salad, Italian Pasta Salad, or Taco Pasta Salad.
Macaroni Salad Tips
- Cook pasta al dente: Soft pasta turns mushy in salad, so cook it until just firm.
- Chill before serving: Let the salad sit in the fridge for 30 minutes or more to blend flavors and keep the pasta firm.
- Salt the water: Use 1 tablespoon salt per 4 quarts of boiling water.
- Use good mayo: A quality mayo makes all the difference.
How To Make Macaroni Salad
A quick overview of making this salad:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook according to package directions.
- Drain pasta and let it cool.
- While pasta is cooling, mix dressing ingredients together.
- Combine the cooled pasta, veggies, and dressing.
- Toss everything together and enjoy!
What To Serve With Macaroni Salad
Macaroni Salad is a versatile side dish that complements a variety of main dishes. Some popular options include:
- Grilled meats: Macaroni salad is a classic side dish for grilled meats like burgers, hot dogs, ribs, steak and chicken.
- Seafood: It’s also a great pairing for seafood dishes such as grilled fish, shrimp, or crab cakes.
- Sandwiches: This salad can be served alongside sandwiches like a pulled BBQ pork sandwich or a BBQ Chicken Sandwich.
- Salads: It makes a great component in a larger salad when mixed with greens, other veggies, and protein.
- As a standalone: Macaroni salad can be served as a standalone dish for a quick and easy lunch or dinner. Toss in some chicken for some added protein!
- With other side dishes: If you’re serving a whole BBQ spread, consider serving this salad with a Potato Salad, Creamy Fruit Salad, grilled corn on the cob (or Elote), Baked Beans, and a good chip dip (this Cowboy Caviar).
Quick Tip
You can serve Macaroni Salad cold or at room temperature, making it perfect for picnics, potlucks, and other outdoor gatherings. You can prepare it in advance and chill it till serving time.
Variations
Different Macaroni Salad Recipes
Macaroni Salad is a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients to suit different tastes and preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:
- Ranch-style: Use a creamy ranch dressing to give your salad a milder flavor and a creamy texture. You could also include some chopped herbs, diced tomatoes, cucumbers or bacon.
- Mediterranean-style: Add some Mediterranean flavors to your Macaroni Salad by tossing with this Greek Salad Dressing. Replace the veggies with kalamata olives, feta cheese, and diced cherry tomatoes.
- Mexican-style: Give a bit of a kick to Macaroni Salad by using the dressing on this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad. Replace the veggies with diced sweet peppers, jalapeños, black beans, and cilantro.
- Tuna or chicken: Add some protein by adding canned tuna or chicken.
- Cheese-based: Add in some cheese like blue cheese, or feta for extra creaminess and flavor.
- Fruit-based: Add some sweetness and color by incorporating fresh fruit like grapes, apple, pineapple, or strawberries.
These are just a few ideas, and you can always get creative and experiment with different ingredients to create your own unique Macaroni Salad.
Storage
Storage Tips for Macaroni Salad
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap. For best freshness, press the wrap directly on the salad’s surface.
- Serving: Let it warm slightly at room temperature for a few minutes and toss before serving.
- Best Within: Ideally, eat within 3-4 days for the best texture and taste, especially good on the first two days.
Freezing Macaroni Salad?
- Not recommended due to texture and taste changes; freezing can make pasta mushy and dressing may separate.
- If necessary, freeze in airtight containers, label with the date, and consume within 3-4 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and check before eating.
More Delicious Salad Recipes:
- Teriyaki Chicken Salad with bowtie pasta
- Grapefruit Salad with a balsamic vinaigrette
- Pasta Salad with a zesty Italian vinaigrette
- Orzo Pasta Salad with a lemon vinaigrette
- Chicken Pasta Salad with a citrus vinaigrette
Macaroni Salad
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 cups elbow pasta or similar pasta variety, 13 ounces, see note 1
- Salt and pepper
- 1-1/2 cups finely diced celery 3 large stalks
- 1 large red bell pepper finely diced
- 3/4 cup thinly sliced green onions 1 bunch
- 1-1/2 cups grated carrot 3 carrots
- 3/4 cup mayo like Best Foods/Hellman’s
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 1-1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1-1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon celery seed optional
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to boil. Once water is boiling, add salt—about 1 tablespoon for every 4 quarts of water. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions (for the lowest time indicated). Once pasta is cooked, drain and let it cool. Toss a few times as it cools to keep it from sticking together. While pasta is cooking and cooling, prep veggies: finely dice celery, pepper, and green onions. Peel and grate the carrots (on the large holes of a grater).
- Meanwhile, combine the dressing ingredients. Season to taste. (I add 1 tsp salt and 3/4 tsp pepper.)
- Once pasta is cooled, put it in a large bowl. Add the prepared veggies (carrots, celery, onion, and pepper). Pour the dressing over all the ingredients and toss everything together.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, sugar, vinegar, or mayo as needed until flavors sing.
- Let the salad chill for at least 20–30 minutes before serving. Serve at room temperature, tossing again before serving. Salad is still delicious for the next couple of days; just toss well before serving.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Great summer recipe!
I’m thrilled this macaroni salad was a hit! Thanks Vanessa!
Love this salad! My husband “hates” carrots, but he really liked this salad, lol. Served with BBQ chicken and it was wonderful!
So thrilled to hear this! Thanks so much Teresa! 🙂