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This Easy Macaroni Salad is my go to dish to bring to potlucks, BBQ’s, parties and more. It is loaded with lots of delicious veggies, cheese and more!

A large spoonful of macaroni salad being scooped out of a large bowl of macaroni salad.
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The mayonnaise is the secret to making the salad creamy. You can certainly try reduced fat or light versions but I don’t recommend it. You want this easy salad recipe to be really creamy and sometimes the light version make it taste watered down.

This Shrimp Macaroni Salad is another family favorite that is a must try.

Why I Love this Recipe

I love to make this Easy Macaroni Salad. It’s super easy and everyone always loves this easy summer salad. This Easy Macaroni Salad is budget friendly and makes feeding a crowd a breeze!

This Best Macaroni Salad Recipe is creamy and delicious. The veggies combined with the cheese really make this simple side dish hearty and tasty. We have even sprinkle in tsp of sweet paprika.

It is the perfect compliment to hot dogs with the Best Coleslaw, BBQ Ranch Grilled Chicken, and more! We even like it with Jalapeno Poppers Burger Sliders Recipe.

Ingredients

Ingredients to make this Macaroni Salad - elbow macaroni, cheese, red onion, celery, red bell pepper, frozen peas, mayo, apple cider vinegar, fresh dill, sugar, dijon mustard, salt, pepper
  • Elbow Macaroni Noodles – You can use other types of small noodles
  • Cheddar Cheese – You can use cube cheese but shredded cheese works great too
  • Red Onion, Celery Stalks, Red Bell Pepper – Chop veggies with a vegetable chopper to ensure that it is about the same size.
  • Mayo – Use full fat mayonnaise
  • Apple Cider Vinegar – If you are out, see The Best Apple Cider Vinegar Substitutes. White vinegar is a great substitute
  • Fresh Dill – See The Best Fresh Dill Substitutes if you are out
  • Sugar – We used granulated sugar
  • Dijon Mustard – You can also use regular mustard

For the full list of ingredients and the recipe card, scroll down to the recipe card.

Simple Macaroni Salad Additions

  • Mayo Substitute – You can also substitute some of the mayo with sour cream. It will make it the sauce more tangy so just keep that in mind. You might want to try half mayo and half sour cream.
  • Add Vegetables – This macaroni salad is even better with added veggies. Add in sliced cherry tomatoes, carrots, pickles, sweet pickle relish, green bell pepper
  • Hard Boiled Eggs – Hard boiled eggs are also good in the salad and add protein. Diced ham is also a great addition.
  • Shredded Parmesan Cheese – When serving top the easy macaroni salad with parmesan cheese for added flavor.

How to Make Macaroni Salad Recipe

Cooked Macaroni in a colander, with small bowls of mayo, chopped red onion, cheese, and other veggies

Step 1 – Boil macaroni according to package instructions. You want the pasta to still be firm so cook until al dente in a large pot with salted water. Immediately rinse under cold water and drain so it isn’t sticky and prevents it from over cooking.  Drain well.

Adding the chopped veggies to the cooked pasta bowl

Step 2 – In a large bowl, toss together cooked pasta with the cubed cheese, onion, celery, bell pepper, and peas.

Combining the salad dressing ingredients together in a bowl

Step 3 – In a small mixing bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, dill, 2 tbsp sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.

Combined macaroni salad ingredients in a bowl

Step 4 – Pour the macaroni salad dressing over the pasta and stir until everything is well coated.

Macaroni Salad in a bowl covered with plastic wrap

Step 5 – Cover bowl with plastic wrap and chill at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before serving.

Macaroni Salad combined in a bowl topped with fresh dill

Step 6 – Top with fresh dill or fresh parsley, kosher salt and black pepper. Enjoy!

Expert Tips

  • Cooking Pasta – Make sure that you do not over cook the pasta. Over cooked pasta will make this macaroni salad mushy. Watch the pasta closely when cooking, cook to al dente and rinse with cold water immediately to stop the cooking process.
  • Chill Macaroni Salad – Ensure that you refrigerate this salad before. Chilling the salad gives it time for the flavors to meld together.
  • Ingredients – Make sure to use fresh ingredients when making this macaroni salad. This will help to keep the salad fresh.
Macaroni Salad in a navy bowl

What to Serve with Pasta Salad

This pasta salad recipe is perfect to serve with your favorite grilling recipes. I love serving this recipe at barbecues, picnics and any outdoor event.

Here are a few of my favorite recipes that I love serving with this easy macaroni salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Type of Mayonnaise is Best?

When making this macaroni salad, we think it is best to stick with full fat real mayo. It gives the salad the best texture and is so creamy.

What Ingredients are in Macaroni Salad?

Traditional Southern macaroni salad has mayonnaise, cheese, vinegar and a few veggies. You can easily add or omit the ingredients you do not like.
A very simple version is just tomato and cheese with the mayo or Italian dressing.  Cheddar cheese cubed is what is traditionally in this salad. You can mix it up with pepper jack or other cheeses though for something different. Classic Macaroni Salad uses elbow macaroni but you can use what you prefer or have on hand.

How to Store Leftover Macaroni Salad

You can store leftover pasta salad for up to five days. Simply, scoop it out of the bowl and transfer it into an airtight container. Add the lid, and keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to eat it.

Close-up of the macaroni salad.

More Cold Pasta Salad Recipes

We love to hear from you. If you make this Easy Macaroni Salad Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review.

Easy Macaroni Salad

4.93 from 676 votes
This Easy Macaroni Salad recipe is the perfect side dish to bring to Summer BBQ’s, parties and more! Easy macaroni salad is loaded with veggies, cheese and more. You will love the creamy dressing.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Chill 1 hour
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings 12
Cuisine American
Course Side Dish
Calories 291

Ingredients

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Instructions

  • Cook the elbow macaroni until al dente. You want them still firm. Immediately run the pasta under cold water so it isn’t sticky and prevents it from over cooking.  Drain well.
  • In a large mixing bowl, toss together cooked pasta with the cubed cheese, onion, celery, bell pepper, and peas.
  • In a small mixing bowl, mix together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, dill, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
  • Pour the mixture over the pasta and toss until everything is well coated. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and chill at least 1 hour before serving. Enjoy!

Recipe Video

Nutrition Facts

Calories 291kcal, Carbohydrates 34g, Protein 9g, Fat 12g, Saturated Fat 4g, Cholesterol 18mg, Sodium 422mg, Potassium 196mg, Fiber 2g, Sugar 4g, Vitamin A 910IU, Vitamin C 15.8mg, Calcium 124mg, Iron 1.1mg

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

4.93 from 676 votes (644 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. Ali says:

    Could you post the Nutrition Facts list with carbs, calories, etc. Thx.?

    1. Carrie Barnard says:

      The nutritional information is listed at the bottom of the recipe card after the video.

  2. Kerry says:

    This is truly now my favorite macaroni salad!! I added some sliced hard boiled eggs and it was perfect, otherwise donโ€™t change a thing. My family all loved it ??

    1. Carrie Barnard says:

      I love hearing this! Thank you so much for sharing!

  3. Kathy Bender says:

    5 stars
    Made this and it was awesome!!!!!

    1. Carrie Barnard says:

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it Kathy! Thank you for the positive review!

  4. Judy Hecker says:

    Wonderful Ymmmm

  5. Debbie Aldana says:

    I love this recipe so much thank you.

    1. Carrie Barnard says:

      Thank you so much Debbie!

  6. Shelia Melton says:

    Very good!!

  7. Jeanne M Hutchinson says:

    I have made this for years with variations depending on what is on hand and how much time I have. Typically I use rigatoni pasta, green onions, hard boiled eggs, cheese shredded, and canned sweet tender baby peas, they are more expensive but worth it. Also my husband like mayo and dill pickles I don’t. So I found a way to compromise; I used half and half mayo and miracle whip, half and half sweet pickle relish and dill relish and the final touch is crab meat. I also add regular mustard, not much just a small amount. I think no matter how you make this it will be a hit for your family and there really is no right or wrong.

    1. Carrie Barnard says:

      Thanks so much for your comment!

  8. Joanne Ferris says:

    5 stars
    Sounds delicious,I will try. adding 1 T sugar instead of 2.

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