Welcome to the ultimate guide for crafting the Best Macaroni Salad you’ve ever tasted! This classic side dish, beloved for its creamy texture and satisfying bite, truly shines with our signature recipe. We’re talking about tender macaroni noodles, crisp peppers, zesty onions, and a delightful hint of radishes, all enveloped in a rich, dreamy dressing that boasts a secret ingredient. Prepare to elevate your picnic, potluck, or backyard barbecue with a homemade macaroni salad that will have everyone asking for seconds – and the recipe!
A SOUTHERN-INSPIRED MACARONI SALAD: A FAMILY FAVORITE
For years, this particular macaroni salad recipe has been a crowning jewel on my website, captivating taste buds and becoming a cherished staple in countless homes. Its enduring popularity isn’t just a fluke; it’s a testament to its simple yet profoundly delicious nature. This isn’t just any recipe; it’s my Mom’s beloved macaroni salad, a dish that has brought joy to our family gatherings for generations. What sets this Southern Macaroni Salad apart are a couple of unique ingredients that create a depth of flavor and a creamy consistency you won’t find anywhere else. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a showstopper and why friends and family will be clamoring for your secret!
“I have tried so many recipes looking for the best and this is it!! The chicken stock seemed so odd but totally worth trying. It was what has been missing in every other recipe! Thanks for sharing, this is my go-to and so flexible.”
– Michelle
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MACARONI SALAD
It’s perfectly normal for pasta to absorb much of the dressing over time, which can lead to a less creamy consistency. If you prefer your macaroni salad extra creamy, simply prepare a small, fresh batch of dressing. Whisk together a tablespoon or two of mayonnaise with a splash of chicken stock or milk. Gradually stir this into your chilled macaroni salad until it reaches your desired creaminess. Remember to taste and adjust the salt and pepper for a perfect balance before serving.
For cold pasta salads, I always recommend rinsing the cooked macaroni with cold water. This crucial step removes excess starch, which can make the pasta sticky and prevent it from properly absorbing that delicious, creamy dressing. Rinsing also quickly cools the pasta, stopping the cooking process and keeping it al dente, which is ideal for salads.
A good rule of thumb is to estimate about one cup of macaroni salad per person. If you’re preparing this recipe for a large gathering, doubling or even tripling the batch, I suggest adding an additional eight servings to your total estimate to be on the safe side. This accounts for enthusiastic eaters or buffet settings where guests might take more than one portion. It’s always better to have a little extra than to run out!
Unfortunately, I do not recommend freezing macaroni salad. The mayonnaise-based dressing tends to separate and take on an unappetizing texture upon thawing, leading to a loss of its characteristic creaminess. For best results and optimal flavor, it’s always best to enjoy this salad fresh or within a few days of preparation.
Absolutely! Making this creamy macaroni salad a day in advance is an excellent way to prepare for parties or weeknight meals, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure to store it tightly covered in the refrigerator. As mentioned earlier, if you notice the macaroni has absorbed a lot of the dressing by serving time, simply follow my tip above to whip in a little extra mayo and chicken stock or milk to restore its perfect creamy consistency.
This is truly the secret ingredient that elevates our Best Macaroni Salad Recipe! While many pasta salad recipes rely solely on mayonnaise, a touch of chicken stock in the dressing works wonders. It helps to smooth out the mayonnaise, preventing the salad from becoming too thick or “goopy,” and adds a subtle yet significant layer of savory flavor. While milk can be used as a substitute, chicken stock offers a richer, more unexpected taste that really makes this macaroni salad stand out.
Macaroni salad is wonderfully versatile, and you can customize it with your favorite vegetables! Over the years, my readers have shared many fantastic additions. Here are some popular options to consider:
– Crisp celery for extra crunch
– Sweet peas for a pop of color and sweetness
– Refreshing cucumbers for a cool element
– Juicy diced tomatoes for a touch of acidity
Feel free to experiment and find your perfect combination!
The beauty of this classic macaroni salad is its adaptability. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking! For a little kick, a pinch of cayenne pepper can add a pleasant warmth. Garlic powder or onion powder can deepen the savory notes, while fresh dill or chives offer a bright, herbaceous touch. If you enjoy a textural contrast, consider adding poppy seeds or celery seeds for a subtle crunch. For an unexpected twist, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can introduce a delicious umami flavor that pairs surprisingly well.
If your dressing feels too thick or if you’ve accidentally added a bit too much mayonnaise, it’s easy to adjust the consistency. Simply whisk in a small amount of additional milk, chicken stock, or even a splash of peppercorn ranch dressing until you achieve your preferred texture. Add it gradually to avoid making the dressing too runny.
Leftover macaroni salad should be stored in an airtight container with a lid and kept refrigerated. It will remain fresh and delicious for up to 4 days. As mentioned, freezing is not recommended due to the mayonnaise base.
ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS FOR THE BEST MACARONI SALAD
- Elbow Macaroni: While classic elbow macaroni is our first choice for its ability to perfectly cradle the creamy dressing, feel free to use other small pasta shapes. Penne, rotini, bowties (farfalle), or even small shells would all make excellent alternatives, offering slight variations in texture.
- Mayonnaise: The quality of your mayonnaise truly matters here. I highly recommend using a full-fat, rich mayonnaise like Hellmann’s, Duke’s, or JFG (a fantastic Southern brand). While I’m not personally a fan of Miracle Whip dressing for this recipe, if it’s your preference, you can certainly use it. For those looking for alternatives, Kewpie mayo could offer a unique twist, or any other quality mayonnaise substitute you prefer.
- Chicken Stock: This is the “secret ingredient” that truly sets this creamy macaroni salad apart! It’s important to note that chicken stock and chicken broth are not the same; stock is typically richer and has a more profound flavor profile. Using chicken stock helps to thin the mayonnaise slightly, creating a smoother dressing without losing richness, and infuses a wonderful savory depth. If you don’t have stock, milk can be used as a substitute, but you’ll miss out on that special flavor boost that only chicken stock provides. Once you’ve experienced it, you’ll never make macaroni salad without it!
- Green Bell Pepper: Adds a fresh, crisp texture and a mild, slightly bitter counterpoint to the creamy dressing. You can easily substitute with red, orange, or yellow bell peppers for a sweeter flavor and vibrant color.
- Radishes: Often overlooked in pasta salads, radishes are a game-changer here! Their light, peppery bite provides a refreshing crunch and a subtle spice that wonderfully enhances the overall flavor profile of the salad. Don’t be quick to dismiss them; they bring an unexpected and delightful dimension.
- Sweet Onion: A finely diced sweet onion (like a Vidalia) adds a gentle pungency and sweetness that balances the richness of the dressing. Red or yellow onions can also be used, depending on your preference. Many Southern-style salads often feature red onion for its color and sharper flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple, yet essential. These basic seasonings allow the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine. While you could add other seasonings, sometimes simple really is best for a truly classic homemade macaroni salad. Adjust to taste, often a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper is perfect.
HOW TO MAKE THE BEST MACARONI SALAD: STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
Creating this irresistible macaroni salad is remarkably straightforward, ensuring a delicious outcome every time. Follow these steps for a perfectly creamy and flavorful dish:
- Cook the Macaroni: Begin by preparing your elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Cook until al dente – tender but still firm.
- Rinse and Cool: Once cooked, drain the macaroni thoroughly in a colander. Immediately rinse the pasta with cold water until it has completely cooled down. This stops the cooking process and removes excess starch, preventing sticky pasta and ensuring optimal dressing absorption.
- Prepare the Creamy Dressing: While the macaroni cools, grab a large mixing bowl. Combine the mayonnaise with the chicken stock. Whisk these two ingredients together vigorously until they are well blended and smooth. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. I personally love about a tablespoon of fresh cracked black pepper for an extra zing.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled, drained pasta to the large bowl with the creamy dressing. Then, incorporate your diced green pepper, radishes, and onion.
- Stir and Chill: Stir all the ingredients together until the macaroni and vegetables are evenly coated in the rich, creamy dressing. Give it a taste and adjust seasonings if needed – this is your chance to perfect the flavor! Once satisfied, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap.
- The Essential Chill Time: This next step is absolutely crucial for the best macaroni salad experience. Place the covered bowl in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 3 hours. This allows the flavors to fully meld and deepen, and gives the pasta ample time to soak up all that delicious mayonnaise mixture, resulting in an incredibly cohesive and flavorful salad. A longer chill time (even overnight) often yields even better results!
- Serve: Before serving, give the macaroni salad another good stir to redistribute the dressing. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh paprika or chopped parsley if desired, and enjoy this incredibly delicious Southern-style Macaroni Salad!
CRAVING MORE PASTA SALAD RECIPES?
If you love the versatility and deliciousness of pasta salads, be sure to check out some of our other fantastic recipes:
- BLT Macaroni Salad
- Amish Macaroni Salad
- Caesar Basil Pasta Salad
- Pasta Salad with Sweet Balsamic Dressing
- Taco Pasta Salad
- Orzo Pasta Salad
- Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad
- Black Eyed Pea Salad
- Caprese Pasta Salad
- Chicken Macaroni Salad
- Tuna Macaroni Salad
- Creamy Cucumber Salad
Originally published: June 2013
Updated photos & republished May 2024
The Best Macaroni Salad
This Best Macaroni Salad recipe features tender macaroni noodles, vibrant peppers, sweet onions, and crisp radishes, all blended with a rich, creamy dressing that has a unique secret ingredient!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 8
Author: Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 16 ounce box elbow macaroni
- 2 cups mayonnaise
- ¼ cup chicken stock
- Salt and pepper to taste (about a teaspoon of each to start)
- 1 green pepper, diced
- ½ cup radishes, diced
- ½ cup onion, diced (optional)
Instructions
Prepare 16 ounce box macaroni according to package directions. Drain macaroni well and rinse with cold water until pasta has cooled.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine 2 cups mayonnaise with 1/4 cup chicken stock and salt and pepper, to taste (about a teaspoon of each to start).
Add in drained pasta along with 1 green pepper, diced, 1/2 cup radishes, diced and 1/2 cup onion, diced.
Stir well until combined. Give it a taste to see if you would like more seasoning.
Cover with plastic wrap and store in refrigerator for at least 3 hours. Stir again before serving.
Video
Notes
- Please refer to my FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Nutrition
Calories: 601kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 42g | Sodium: 373mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
Did you make this recipe? Share it on Instagram @thecountrycook and mention us #thecountrycook!