Creamy & Tangy Macaroni Salad Recipe - Easy to Make Pasta Salad

The Ultimate Guide to Making Creamy Macaroni Salad

Macaroni salad is a classic summertime favorite that is creamy, tangy, sweet, and super satisfying. This pasta salad is easy to make and loaded with veggies, cheese, and dressing. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have the perfect potluck or barbecue side that everyone will love!

What is Macaroni Salad?

Macaroni salad is a type of pasta salad made with cooked elbow macaroni and an assortment of mix-ins like shredded cheese, diced vegetables, and a creamy dressing. Some popular mix-ins include:

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Diced celery
• Sweet onion
• Hard boiled eggs
• Dill pickles
• Pimentos
• Bell peppers
• Peas
• Carrots

The pasta and vegetables are tossed in a creamy mayo-based dressing flavored with mustard, vinegar, salt and pepper. The result is a crunchy, flavorful pasta salad that tastes like summer!

The Best Ingredients for Macaroni Salad

While you can toss just about any veggies you have on hand into a macaroni salad, using fresh, in-season produce really levels up the flavor. Here are some of my top choices:

• Elbow macaroni - The short, curly shape holds the creamy dressing in all those nooks and crannies.
• Celery - This classic adds welcome crunch and freshness.
• Sweet onion - For a mild oniony bite without overpowering other flavors.
• Shredded carrots - Bright, sweet and full of texture.
• Frozen peas - Sweet burst of color and freshness, even when not in season.
• Sharp cheddar cheese - An instant flavor boost and creaminess.

How to Make Easy Macaroni Salad

Part of the appeal of macaroni salad is how quick and easy it is to prepare. Here is a simple step-by-step method on how to make it:

1. Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
3. Add the drained pasta and toss to coat evenly with the dressing.
4. Stir in the shredded cheese, celery, onions, carrots and peas until combined.
5. For best flavor, refrigerate the macaroni salad for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows time for the flavors to meld together.
6. Garnish with extra shredded cheese, chopped parsley or paprika before serving if desired.

Make ahead tip: Macaroni salad can be made up to 1 day in advance. Store tightly covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

Twists on the Classic Macaroni Salad

Once you master the easy homemade macaroni salad recipe, you can start experimenting by adding your own spin. Here are some tasty ingredient swaps or additions to try:

• Change it up with different pasta shapes like rotini, farfalle or wagon wheel pasta.
• Substitute Greek yogurt for some or all of the mayonnaise to lighten it up.
• Stir in diced ham or salami for extra protein.
• Add diced tomatoes or pimentos for pops of color and flavor.
• Use red wine vinegar or lemon juice for the acid.
• Toss in sliced black olives or grated Parmesan for a savory, salty bite.
• Stir in hot sauce or Cajun seasoning to spice it up.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to ways to customize macaroni salad to suit your tastes!

Top Tips for Creamy Macaroni Salad

With just a few simple tips, you can take your easy macaroni salad from ho-hum to fabulous:

1. Don't overcook the pasta. You want it cooked but still quite firm, not mushy. Perfectly al dente macaroni will hold its shape best in the salad.
2. Chill it thoroughly. Make the salad at least 2 hours or up to a day ahead. This allows the flavors to meld together while the cold temperature firms up the pasta.
3. Save some of the shredded cheese to use as a garnish on top along with chopped parsley. The pop of color looks lovely against the creaminess.
4. Add the acid (vinegar or lemon juice) a little at a time. You can always add more to taste. Start with 1-2 tablespoons per 1 cup mayo.
5. Mix in soft add-ins like peas at the end to keep them from getting over-mashed.
6. Tweak any add-ins to suit your preferences. Love bacon? Add some! Hate bell peppers? Leave them out!

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best pasta shape to use?

Elbow macaroni is hands-down the best shape to use for classic, creamy macaroni salad. The short curved tubes hold the dressing and mix-in ingredients perfectly. Wagon wheel or rotini pasta works nicely too for different shapes that hold dressing well. Stay away from long noodles like spaghetti which don't mix or coat evenly.

How long will macaroni salad keep in the fridge?

Properly stored macaroni salad will last 4-5 days in the refrigerator. Keep the salad cold in an airtight container. Make sure cooked pasta and mayonnaise-based salads like macaroni salad are kept chilled at 40° F or below.

Can I prepare macaroni salad without mayonnaise?

Absolutely! If you want to lighten up the salad calories and fat, try using plain Greek yogurt instead. Plain yogurt has a nice creamy, tangy flavor that makes a good substitute. You can also make macaroni salad dressings with vinegar and oil or other dairy ingredients like sour cream. The veggies and seasonings mix nicely with the pasta even without mayo.

Should macaroni salad have onions in it?

Onions are a popular ingredient in many classic macaroni salad recipes. Sweet onions like Vidalia, Maui or Walla Walla are best since they add flavor without an overwhelming bite. Red or white onions also work well. Leaving the onions out is fine too if you or your guests don't care for them!

FAQs

Can I use miracle whip instead of mayonnaise?

Yes, you can substitute miracle whip or salad dressing for the mayonnaise in macaroni salad. Miracle whip will give the salad a sweeter, tangier flavor. Keep in mind miracle whip is thinner than mayonnaise, so you might want to add a bit more to get the creamy texture.

What's the best way to transport macaroni salad?

Macaroni salad travels very well and makes a great choice to tote to picnics, potlucks and barbecues. Prepare the salad in a disposable aluminum pan or storage container with a tight fitting lid. Keep the salad chilled on ice or refrigerated until ready to serve to ensure it stays cold and safe to eat.

Can I prepare macaroni salad with gluten-free pasta?

Certainly! Gluten-free pasta works wonderfully to create a tasty gluten-free macaroni salad. Good gluten-free pasta choices include rice pasta, quinoa pasta or pasta made from lentils or chickpeas. Prepare the salad as directed substituting the gluten-free pasta of your choice.

How long should macaroni salad sit out at room temp?

For food safety, macaroni and pasta salads with mayonnaise should not sit out at room temperature for longer than 2 hours. If the temperature is above 90°F, only leave it out for a maximum of 1 hour. Be sure to keep the salad chilled until ready to serve.

Can I freeze leftover macaroni salad?

Freezing extra macaroni salad is not recommended. The textures of the pasta and vegetables deteriorate during freezing and thawing. It's best to keep leftovers refrigerated for up to 5 days. You can prepare just the dressing in advance and store that in the freezer.