Macaroni Salad: the ultimate recipe for the beloved summer side dish

Whether you're planning a picnic, barbecue, or potluck this summer, no gathering is complete without macaroni salad. Chock-full of tender macaroni and a medley of veggies like crunchy celery, bell pepper, and red onion, all tossed in a creamy mayo-based dressing, classic macaroni salad is always a popular main or side dish for feeding a crowd.

Customize macaroni salad however you like, or make it using this traditional recipe. Enjoy plenty of macaroni salad with your favorite cookout or picnic dishes – barbecue ribs, grilled chicken, hot dogs, brats, deli sandwiches, and fried chicken.

Tips for making the Best Macaroni Salad

Don't overcook the pasta – aim for al dente.

Macaroni is ideal for this tasty pasta salad, but you can use other pasta like farfalle, penne, or fusilli.

No red wine vinegar? Use apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, or champagne vinegar instead.

Full-fat mayo is best for this recipe, but you can use low-fat mayonnaise for your macaroni salad dressing.

For a healthier dressing, swap out the mayo for Greek yogurt.

Other tasty add-ins for your macaroni salad include crispy bacon, chicken, tomatoes, and cucumber. Add more spice with some jalapenos, or leave out the red chili flakes if you're not keen on heat.

Make macaroni salad up to one day in advance.

How to Store Macaroni Salad

Homemade macaroni salad will last three to 4 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge.

How to Make Macaroni Salad

Step 1

Step 1

Cook the pasta according to the directions on the package for al dente.

Cook the pasta according to the directions on the package for al dente.

Step 2

Step 2

Drain, then rinse the pasta under cold water.

Drain, then rinse the pasta under cold water.

Step 3

Step 3

Toss the pasta with a teaspoon of olive oil.

Toss the pasta with a teaspoon of olive oil.

Step 4

Step 4

Place the pasta in a large bowl, then add the celery and onion.

Place the pasta in a large bowl, then add the celery and onion.

Step 5

Step 5

Stir in bell pepper.

Stir in bell pepper.

Step 6

Step 6

Add the pickles.

Add the pickles.

Step 7

Step 7

Add in the hard-boiled eggs.

Add in the hard-boiled eggs.

Step 8

Step 8

Mix.

Mix.

Step 9

Step 9

In a large bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle juice, red wine vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes to combine.

In a large bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle juice, red wine vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes to combine.

Step 10

Step 10

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.

Step 11

Step 11

Cover in cling film and place in the fridge for at least one hour to allow the flavors to merge.

Cover in cling film and place in the fridge for at least one hour to allow the flavors to merge.

Step 12

Step 12

Serve and enjoy!

Serve and enjoy!