23 Classic Macaroni Salad Recipes

When I need a side dish that I know everyone will enjoy, my first thought is often a classic macaroni salad. It’s a simple, comforting food that goes with almost anything off the grill or on a picnic table. I like that it can be made ahead of time, and that you can change up a few ingredients to make it taste new.

These are the recipes I rely on, from the basic version.

I make most often to some simple twists that keep it interesting.

1. The Essential Classic Macaroni Salad

Elbow macaroni with celery, red onion, and shredded carrot in a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing with a touch of mustard and sweet pickle relish. This is my standard, go-to recipe.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 320
2. Protein: 6g
3. Carbs: 38g
4. Fat: 16g
5. Fiber: 2g

Click here for the full recipe

2. Creamy Southern Macaroni Salad

Similar to the classic, but with added hard-boiled eggs and a bit of sweet paprika. It’s a little richer and is always on my table for summer barbecues.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 350
2. Protein: 9g
3. Carbs: 37g
4. Fat: 18g
5. Fiber: 2g

Click here for the full recipe

3. Tangy Vinegar-Based Macaroni Salad

A lighter, less creamy option. The dressing is a mix of apple cider vinegar, oil, and a little sugar, poured over warm pasta with onions and bell peppers. I prefer this on a really hot day.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 280
2. Protein: 6g
3. Carbs: 40g
4. Fat: 11g
5. Fiber: 2g

Click here for the full recipe

4. Italian Style Macaroni Salad

Pepperoni, mozzarella cubes, black olives, and cherry tomatoes mixed with the pasta. An Italian vinaigrette replaces the mayo. This one feels more like a main dish to me.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 370
2. Protein: 13g
3. Carbs: 35g
4. Fat: 20g
5. Fiber: 3g

Click here for the full recipe

5. Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad

Crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, and green onions tossed with macaroni and a dressing made from mayonnaise and ranch seasoning. It’s full of savory flavor.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 390
2. Protein: 10g
3. Carbs: 36g
4. Fat: 23g
5. Fiber: 2g

Click here for the full recipe

6. Simple Lemon Herb Macaroni Salad

A bright, fresh take. The dressing is mayonnaise with lots of lemon zest, dill, and parsley. I add peas and green onions for color. It tastes very clean.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 310
2. Protein: 7g
3. Carbs: 39g
4. Fat: 14g
5. Fiber: 3g

Click here for the full recipe

7. Sweet and Spicy Hawaiian Mac Salad

A taste of the islands. Elbow macaroni with grated carrot, a touch of pineapple juice in the dressing, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a gentle kick.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 300
2. Protein: 6g
3. Carbs: 42g
4. Fat: 12g
5. Fiber: 3g

Click here for the full recipe

8. Greek Yogurt Tuna Macaroni Salad

A protein-packed lunch salad. I mix canned tuna, peas, and red onion with the pasta. The creamy dressing is half mayonnaise, half Greek yogurt.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 340
2. Protein: 20g
3. Carbs: 39g
4. Fat: 12g
5. Fiber: 3g

Click here for the full recipe

9. Old-Fashioned Picnic Macaroni Salad

This one has a bit of everything: macaroni, tuna, peas, hard-boiled egg, and celery in a creamy dressing. It’s a hearty, all-in-one salad my family loves.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 360
2. Protein: 18g
3. Carbs: 40g
4. Fat: 14g
5. Fiber: 3g

Click here for the full recipe

10. Zesty Cajun Macaroni Salad

I toss the cooked pasta with Andouille sausage slices, bell pepper, and celery. The dressing gets its kick from Cajun seasoning and a dash of hot sauce.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 380
2. Protein: 12g
3. Carbs: 38g
4. Fat: 20g
5. Fiber: 3g

Click here for the full recipe

11. Creamy Dill Pickle Macaroni Salad

For pickle lovers. The dressing includes mayonnaise, mustard, and a generous amount of juice from the pickle jar. I also add plenty of chopped dill pickles.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 330
2. Protein: 6g
3. Carbs: 39g
4. Fat: 17g
5. Fiber: 2g

Click here for the full recipe

12. BLT Macaroni Salad

All the flavors of the sandwich. I stir in lots of crumbled cooked bacon, chopped romaine lettuce, andcherry tomatoes just before serving to keep it crisp.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 350
2. Protein: 11g
3. Carbs: 37g
4. Fat: 18g
5. Fiber: 3g

Click here for the full recipe

13. Garden Vegetable Macaroni Salad

Packed with veggies like broccoli florets, cauliflower, bell peppers, and carrots in a light but creamy dressing. It feels like a healthier, very crunchy option.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 290
2. Protein: 7g
3. Carbs: 42g
4. Fat: 11g
5. Fiber: 5g

Click here for the full recipe

14. Cheese Lover’s Macaroni Salad

A triple-cheese version. I use cubed cheddar, crumbled blue cheese, and grated parmesan in a simple, tangy sour cream and mayo dressing.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 410
2. Protein: 14g
3. Carbs: 36g
4. Fat: 23g
5. Fiber: 2g

Click here for the full recipe

15. Sweet Pea and Ham Macaroni Salad

Diced ham and sweet peas make this salad feel like a meal. The dressing is a standard creamy one, but with extra black pepper. It’s simple and satisfying.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 340
2. Protein: 15g
3. Carbs: 41g
4. Fat: 13g
5. Fiber: 4g

Click here for the full recipe

16. Mustardy German-Style Macaroni Salad

A vinegar-forward dressing with a strong hit of whole-grain mustard, tossed with pasta, crispy bacon, and fresh parsley. It’s tangy and not too creamy.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 320
2. Protein: 9g
3. Carbs: 40g
4. Fat: 14g
5. Fiber: 3g

Click here for the full recipe

17. Southwest Corn and Black Bean Mac Salad

Macaroni mixed with black beans, corn, red onion, and cilantro. A dressing with lime juice, cumin, and a little chili powder gives it a southwest twist.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 350
2. Protein: 11g
3. Carbs: 55g
4. Fat: 10g
5. Fiber: 8g

Click here for the full recipe

18. Creamy Garlic and Herb Macaroni Salad

The flavor comes from a dressing made with mayonnaise, minced garlic, chives, and parsley. I let it sit for an hour so the garlic flavor can spread through the pasta.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 340
2. Protein: 7g
3. Carbs: 39g
4. Fat: 18g
5. Fiber: 2g

Click here for the full recipe

19. Pizza Macaroni Salad

All the favorite toppings: mini pepperoni, diced mozzarella, green bell pepper, black olives, and a dressing flavored with tomato paste and oregano.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 370
2. Protein: 13g
3. Carbs: 38g
4. Fat: 19g
5. Fiber: 3g

Click here for the full recipe

20. Apple Walnut Chicken Macaroni Salad

A fall-inspired recipe. Diced chicken, apple chunks, celery, and toasted walnuts mixed with pasta in a creamy, slightly sweet dressing.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 380
2. Protein: 18g
3. Carbs: 42g
4. Fat: 16g
5. Fiber: 4g

Click here for the full recipe

21. Seafood Macaroni Salad

I use cooked, chopped shrimp and imitation crab meat with celery and Old Bay seasoning in the dressing. It’s a coastal take on the classic.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 310
2. Protein: 16g
3. Carbs: 40g
4. Fat: 9g
5. Fiber: 2g

Click here for the full recipe

22. Everything Bagel Macaroni Salad

The creamy dressing is mixed with everything bagel seasoning. I top the finished salad with extra seasoning and some finely minced red onion. It’s savory and good.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 330
2. Protein: 8g
3. Carbs: 40g
4. Fat: 16g
5. Fiber: 2g

Click here for the full recipe

23. Vegan Macaroni Salad

A plant-based version. The pasta is tossed with chickpeas, celery, and red onion. The creamy dressing is made from blended silken tofu, lemon juice, and mustard.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 300
2. Protein: 11g
3. Carbs: 48g
4. Fat: 7g
5. Fiber: 7g

Click here for the full recipe