7 Delicious Macaroni Salad Recipes You'll Love

Macaroni salad is a timeless classic that can be as simple or as adventurous as you like. It's a fantastic addition to any picnic, BBQ, or family dinner, offering a versatile base that can be customized with an array of ingredients. From classic combinations to modern twists, here are seven macaroni salad recipes you'll love.

Classic Macaroni Salad

Let's start with the classic - a comforting and familiar choice:

• 2 cups of elbow macaroni, cooked and cooled
• 1 cup of mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup of finely chopped celery
• 1/4 cup of diced red bell pepper
• 2 tablespoons of finely chopped onion
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine the mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
2. Add the cooked macaroni, celery, bell pepper, onion, and eggs.
3. Mix gently until the ingredients are well coated.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.

🍳 Note: Ensure the eggs are fully cooled before adding them to the salad to prevent the mayonnaise from separating.

Mediterranean Macaroni Salad

Embrace the flavors of the Mediterranean with this vibrant salad:

• 2 cups of penne pasta, cooked and cooled
• 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup of chopped parsley
• 1/4 cup of Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• 1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons of capers
• 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir in the cooked pasta, then add the remaining ingredients.
3. Toss well to combine.
4. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Asian-Inspired Macaroni Salad

Travel to the East with this fusion dish:

• 2 cups of fusilli pasta, cooked and cooled
• 3 tablespoons of sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup
• 1/2 cup of thinly sliced red cabbage
• 1/2 cup of shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup of chopped green onions
• 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro
• 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, vinegar, and honey in a bowl.
2. Add the cooled pasta, vegetables, and seeds. Mix thoroughly.
3. Garnish with extra sesame seeds before serving.

Spicy Southwestern Macaroni Salad

This macaroni salad packs a spicy punch with South Western flair:

• 2 cups of shell pasta, cooked and cooled
• 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons of lime juice
• 1 teaspoon of chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of cumin
• 1/2 cup of corn kernels
• 1/2 cup of black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup of diced red onion
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced (optional for extra heat)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, and cumin in a large bowl.
2. Add pasta, corn, beans, onion, and jalapeño. Mix well.
3. Top with cilantro before serving.

Macaroni and Pesto Salad

A quick and easy option with the bold flavors of homemade pesto:

• 2 cups of fusilli or rotini pasta, cooked and cooled
• 1/2 cup of homemade or store-bought basil pesto
• 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup of halved cherry tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons of pine nuts, toasted
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Toss pasta with pesto and Parmesan cheese until well-coated.
2. Add cherry tomatoes and pine nuts, and mix gently.
3. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.

🌱 Note: For a nut-free version, substitute pine nuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.

Gourmet Spinach and Bacon Macaroni Salad

For those looking for something a bit more indulgent:

• 2 cups of bowtie pasta, cooked and cooled
• 1 cup of fresh baby spinach leaves
• 4-6 strips of crispy bacon, crumbled
• 1/4 cup of sliced red onion
• 1/3 cup of blue cheese crumbles
• 1/4 cup of mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons of sour cream
• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Add pasta, spinach, bacon, onion, and blue cheese, mixing gently.
3. Serve immediately or chill for enhanced flavors.

Vegan Macaroni Salad

A vegan version that doesn't compromise on taste:

• 2 cups of rotini pasta, cooked and cooled
• 1/2 cup of vegan mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup of diced cucumber
• 1/4 cup of chopped red bell pepper
• 2 tablespoons of finely chopped onion
• 1/2 cup of diced avocado
• 1/4 cup of chopped fresh dill

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix vegan mayo, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
2. Add pasta, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, and dill. Mix well.
3. Fold in avocado just before serving to avoid browning.

These diverse macaroni salad recipes offer a delightful array of flavors and textures, ensuring there's something for everyone's palate. From the comfort of the classic to the exotic twist of Mediterranean or Asian influences, each salad can stand alone or serve as a perfect side dish. Keep in mind that macaroni salad is best when it's not overly wet or heavy with dressing, allowing the ingredients to shine through. Also, allowing the salad to sit in the refrigerator for a while helps the flavors to marinate and meld together for a richer taste experience.

Can I prepare macaroni salad in advance?

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Yes, macaroni salad can be prepared up to a day in advance. Just keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Remember to stir it before serving as the pasta can soak up the dressing.

What’s the best type of pasta for macaroni salad?

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Elbow macaroni is traditional, but you can also use shell, rotini, or fusilli pasta. These shapes hold dressing well, enhancing the flavor distribution.

How can I keep the macaroni salad from getting mushy?

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To avoid mushiness, rinse the pasta under cold water after cooking to remove excess starch. Also, ensure the pasta is well-drained and cooled before adding dressing, and mix gently to avoid breaking the pasta pieces.