Creamy Macaroni Salad

This Creamy Macaroni Salad is a classic side dish that’s perfect for barbecues, picnics, and potlucks. This dish combines tender pasta with crunchy vegetables, and pimentos provide color and a mild, peppery flavor all coated in a creamy, tangy dressing. The balance of flavors and textures in this salad recipe makes it a crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to prepare, can be made ahead of time, and goes with just about everything.

Growing up, my Dad would make this incredible mayonnaise-based macaroni salad that came from the back of the elbow pasta box. That pasta company is no longer in business and I never did get the recipe, but this Creamy Macaroni Salad is pretty darn close to what he made. It’s one of our favorites, along with my deviled egg pasta salad and this macaroni coleslaw salad. The best part is that you can enjoy this dish with so many entrees!

Creamy Macaroni Salad

This macaroni salad has a little something for everyone. The elbow noodles, cheddar cheese, crisp celery, the refreshing crunch of celery, the subtle bite of red onion, and the tangy dill pickles all create a balanced flavor profile. The creamy mayonnaise-based dressing gets a little zip from the pickle juice and it all coats the salad perfectly.

This salad is a wonderful make-ahead option, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully in the refrigerator. It’s a popular side dish that goes well with many different main courses, and with the warmer weather ahead, we will be taking this to a few cookouts and potlucks.

Timesaving Tips and Variations

This recipe is already a quick and easy dish to prepare, but there are a few tips and variations that can save you even more time in the kitchen. By making a few small adjustments, you can speed up the process or switch up the flavors to suit different preferences.

• You can chop the vegetables the day or night before and store them in air tight container in the fridge.
• Boil the macaroni the day before and store it in the refrigerator.
• If you’re in a rush, use a prepared salad dressing, commonly found in the condiment aisle of the grocery store. I’ve used this Creamy Italian (affiliate link) in a pinch, and it’s great.
• Diced rotisserie chicken or bacon bits can quickly make this a more filling dish.
• Try adding chopped bell peppers, cucumbers, or carrots for extra color and crunch.
• Add a dash of hot sauce or a few chopped jalapeños for a spicy twist.

This dish is flexible and forgiving, making it easy to adjust based on your needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking to save time or try a new flavor combination, these tips and variations will make this macaroni salad your go-to side dish.

What to Serve with Macaroni Salad

This pasta salad pairs well with a range of dishes, adding balance and variety to any spread. It complements both hearty and light options, making it an adaptable side for various meals. Here are some great options to serve alongside:

• Ham and Cheese Sliders
• Homemade Mushroom Onion Burgers
• Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
• Fried Chicken Strips
• Grilled Ham Steak with Honey Mustard Glaze

These dishes provide a delicious mix of flavors and textures that complement the cool, creamy pasta salad. The richness of the sliders, burgers, and fried chicken contrasts nicely with the salad’s light, tangy profile. Whether you’re grilling or serving comfort food, these pairings bring out the best in each dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I store macaroni salad?

Macaroni salad should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep it fresh for up to three days. To maintain the best texture, stir the salad before serving as the dressing may settle over time.

Can I make this in advance?

Yes, this pasta salad can be made a few hours ahead, but it tastes even better when prepared the day before. Allowing it to chill in the refrigerator lets the flavors meld together. The salad’s texture also improves after a few hours in the fridge, making it a great make-ahead dish.

What can I substitute for pickle juice?

If you don’t have pickle juice, apple cider vinegar or white vinegar can be used as a substitute. While these alternatives will provide acidity, the flavor won’t be quite as tangy as pickle juice. Experimenting with a little lemon juice is another option to achieve a similar refreshing kick.

Can I add protein to this creamy macaroni salad recipe?

Yes, you can add protein to the salad to make it more filling. Diced ham, shredded chicken, or even hard-boiled eggs all work well in this recipe. These additions bring a new layer of flavor and texture while keeping the dish balanced and satisfying.

Recommended Tools Needed for Pasta Salads

Having the right tools on hand can make preparing salads much easier and more efficient. Here are the essential tools for making a perfect pasta salad:

• large pot
• colander
• mixing bowls
• sharp knife
• cutting board
• wooden spoon
• serving bowl

Investing in these basics makes the process smoother and faster, giving you more time to enjoy your meal. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, these tools are essential for making a great pasta salad every time.

Ingredients for Creamy Macaroni Salad

These ingredients are easy to find and come together quickly for a satisfying side dish. The creamy dressing, crunchy veggies, and tender elbows create a balanced and flavorful dish.

• elbow macaroni
• cheddar cheese
• celery
• red onion
• dill pickles
• pimentos
• mayonnaise
• pickle juice
• sugar
• black pepper

Easy Steps to Make Elbow Macaroni Salad

Cook the elbow pasta according to the package directions for 7 – 8 minutes or until al dente. Drain and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking process, let drain before adding them to a large mixing bowl. While the pasta is cooking, dice the celery and pimentos into small pieces, finely chop the red onion, and slice the dill pickles into small chunks.

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the mayonnaise, pickle juice, sugar, and black pepper. Stir the mixture until smooth and fully blended.

Pour the prepared dressing over the noodles, making sure the pasta is evenly coated. Gently toss the noodles in the dressing using a spoon or spatula to ensure all the pasta is covered. Carefully fold the chopped celery, onion, pickles, pimentos, and cheddar cheese into the pasta and dressing mixture. Use a spatula or large spoon to mix everything together.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let the salad chill for at least one hour, allowing the flavors to meld and the salad to fully cool. You can also make this salad a day ahead and refrigerate overnight for even more flavor development. When you’re ready to serve, give it a final stir and enjoy!

Enjoy!