Old-Fashioned Macaroni Salad
This Old-Fashioned Macaroni Salad is the kind of classic cold side dish that always belongs beside burgers, barbecue chicken, baked beans, and paper plates stacked high at summer cookouts. Tender elbow macaroni is tossed in a creamy dressing with crisp vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, and just enough sweetness to give it that nostalgic homemade flavor.
Simple, comforting, and made with everyday ingredients, this classic macaroni salad is perfect for Memorial Day weekend, picnics, potlucks, church gatherings, and backyard barbecues.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy old-fashioned flavor
- Perfect make-ahead side dish
- Budget-friendly and feeds a crowd
- Great for BBQs, picnics, and potlucks
- Simple pantry ingredients
- Cold and refreshing for summer gatherings
- Classic nostalgic recipe everyone recognizes
What to Serve with Macaroni Salad
This classic macaroni salad pairs perfectly with:
- BBQ chicken drumsticks
- Cheeseburgers
- Hot dogs
- Pulled pork sandwiches
- Baked beans
- Corn on the cob
- Watermelon slices
- Pasta salad
Optional Variations
Southern Macaroni Salad
Add diced pimentos and extra eggs.
Tuna Macaroni Salad
Add canned tuna for a simple lunch version.
Extra Crunchy Version
Add diced bell peppers and cucumbers.
Lighter Version
Replace part of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make macaroni salad ahead of time?
Yes. In fact, the flavor improves after chilling.
How long does macaroni salad last?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Should macaroni salad be served cold?
Yes. This salad is best served chilled.
Can I freeze macaroni salad?
Freezing is not recommended because the mayonnaise dressing can separate.
Old-Fashioned Macaroni Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions until tender.
- Drain and rinse under cold water until fully cooled.
- Allow pasta to drain well.
- In a large mixing bowl combine cooled macaroni, chopped eggs, celery, red onion, pickles or relish, and shredded carrots.
- In a separate bowl whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and milk until smooth and creamy.
- Pour dressing over macaroni mixture.
- Stir gently until evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Sprinkle lightly with paprika before serving if desired.
Notes
There is something timeless about a bowl of old-fashioned macaroni salad sitting on the picnic table beside grilled food and cold lemonade on a warm summer afternoon.
It is simple food made from simple ingredients, but somehow those are always the dishes people remember most.
Creamy, cold, comforting, and familiar — this is the kind of recipe that quietly becomes part of family gatherings year after year.
