What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade macaroni salad is a crowd-pleaser, packed with creamy goodness and fresh flavors that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. It’s quick to make, customizable, and perfect for picnics, potlucks, or just a cozy meal at home.
- Creamy & Crunchy: The perfect mix of tender pasta, crisp veggies, and a rich, tangy dressing that’s irresistibly smooth.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip this up in no time—even on busy days.
- Totally Customizable: Swap in your favorite veggies, add bacon or cheese, or tweak the dressing to make it your own.
Recipe
Macaroni salad is a classic side dish that’s creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a quick lunch, this homemade version is simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup diced celery
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
- ¼ cup diced red bell pepper
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cooled macaroni, celery, red onion, red bell pepper, and chopped eggs to the bowl. Stir until well combined.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes:
- For extra creaminess, add an extra tablespoon of mayonnaise if needed.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Colander
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
Time:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
Cuisine: American
Serving: 4-6
Nutrition
1 serving of homemade macaroni salad provides essential nutrients. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 25mg |
| Sodium | 450mg |
| Total Carbs | 35g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 6g |
| Protein | 7g |
What To Serve With It
I love serving my homemade macaroni salad with grilled chicken—it’s a classic combo that always hits the spot. For something lighter, I’ll pair it with fresh veggie sides, like a crisp cucumber salad or roasted asparagus. The mix of textures and flavors keeps the meal interesting and satisfying.
Grilled Chicken Pairing
When you’re grilling chicken, it’s easy to feel like the main dish gets all the attention, but the sides can really make the meal shine. I love pairing my homemade macaroni salad with juicy grilled chicken—it’s a match made in summer heaven. The creamy, tangy salad balances the smoky, savory flavors of the chicken perfectly. Plus, it’s a no-fuss side that lets you focus on grilling without stress. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just craving comfort food, this combo never disappoints. Trust me, your guests will keep coming back for seconds (and thirds) of both!
Fresh Veggie Sides
While macaroni salad and grilled chicken make a winning combo, fresh veggie sides can add a crisp, colorful touch to your meal. I love serving sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and carrot sticks for a quick, invigorating bite. Steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus also pair nicely, adding a bit of warmth and depth to the plate. For something lighter, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette works wonders. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll toss together a Mediterranean-style salad with bell peppers, olives, and feta. Veggies not only balance the meal but also make it feel complete and vibrant.
