Why You’ll Love This Macaroni Salad
This recipe is:
- Super creamy and rich
- Perfectly tangy and balanced
- Quick (ready in 25 minutes)
- Cheap ingredients
- Great for meal prep
- Even better the next day
And honestly? It goes with EVERYTHING.
BBQ. Chicken. Sandwiches. Fried food. Or just straight from the fridge at midnight (no shame 😄).
Ingredients
Pasta
- 3 cups elbow macaroni (about 300g)
Creamy Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons mustard
- 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Mix-ins
- 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- ½ cup red onion, finely diced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- ½ cup celery or bell pepper, diced
- Optional: pickles or relish
Topping
- Extra paprika
- Fresh parsley
Step 1 – Cook the Pasta
Boil macaroni in salted water.
Cook just until al dente (slightly firm).
Important:
Do NOT overcook.
Soft pasta = mushy salad later.
Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
Let cool completely.
Cold pasta works best for creamy salads.
Step 2 – Make the Dressing
In a bowl, mix:
- Mayo
- Mustard
- Vinegar/lemon
- Sugar
- Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika
Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Taste and adjust.
Want tangier? Add vinegar.
Want sweeter? Add sugar.
Want richer? Add mayo.
Make it your vibe.
Step 3 – Prep the Add-Ins
While pasta cools:
Chop:
- Eggs
- Onion
- Green onion
- Celery/pepper
Small pieces = better texture in every bite.
Nobody wants giant onion chunks attacking their mouth 😂
Step 4 – Combine Everything
In a large bowl:
Add pasta
Add veggies
Add eggs
Pour dressing over.
Gently fold until everything is coated.
Don’t stir aggressively or pasta breaks.
Nice and gentle.
Step 5 – Chill (Very Important)
Cover and refrigerate for:
At least 1 hour
Cold macaroni salad tastes WAY better.
The flavors soak in and dressing thickens beautifully.
If you can wait longer… even better.
Step 6 – Final Touch
Before serving:
Sprinkle paprika on top
Add green onions or parsley
Boom. Picnic-ready masterpiece.
Texture & Flavor
Here’s what you get:
Soft pasta
Creamy dressing
Tangy mustard kick
Sweet hint
Crunchy veggies
Rich eggs
Cold + creamy + savory + fresh = addictive.
One spoon becomes five. Always.
Pro Tips
Salt Your Pasta Water
Adds flavor inside the pasta.
Cool Pasta First
Hot pasta melts mayo → watery salad
Chop Small
Better texture and balance
Chill Time Matters
Never skip chilling
Make Ahead
Tastes better next day
Fun Variations
Want to level it up?
Tuna Macaroni Salad
Add canned tuna
Chicken Mac Salad
Add shredded chicken
Spicy Version
Add hot sauce or jalapeños
Healthy Version
Half mayo + half Greek yogurt
BBQ Style
Add bacon bits + cheddar cubes
Mediterranean
Add olives + feta + cucumber
Endless options honestly.
What to Serve It With
Perfect with:
Grilled chicken
BBQ ribs
Burgers
Fried chicken
Sandwiches
Shawarma
Fish
Picnics
Or just straight from the bowl. Zero judgment.
Storage
Fridge: up to 4 days
Stir before serving. If dry, add a spoon of mayo or milk to refresh.
Do NOT freeze (mayo separates).
Final Thoughts
Macaroni salad is one of those simple foods that just hits differently.
Nothing fancy. Nothing complicated. Just creamy, comforting, delicious goodness.