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    Home » Recipes » Pasta

    Southern Macaroni Salad

    Published: Jul 30, 2019 · Modified: Apr 5, 2022 by Heather · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. · 581 words. · About 3 minutes to read this article.

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    Southern Macaroni Salad by The Toasty Kitchen
    Southern Macaroni Salad by The Toasty Kitchen
    Southern Macaroni Salad by The Toasty Kitchen

    Southern Macaroni Salad is a classic side dish that's perfect for your next picnic. This cold pasta salad is filled with macaroni, diced vegetables, and eggs, coated in a creamy and flavorful dressing.

    Glass bowl of macaroni salad.

    You're going to love my recipe for southern macaroni salad because it's flavorful, filled with fresh ingredients, and easy to make for parties and picnics.

    This macaroni salad is filled with red onion, celery, and red bell pepper. These vegetables add crunch and fresh flavor to an otherwise plain macaroni salad.

    Arguably the best part is the creamy dressing made with freshly squeezed lemon juice. The lemon juice adds a bright, fresh flavor to this macaroni salad that you'll love.

    Serve macaroni salad at your next picnic, barbecue, or really any family gathering where food is involved!

    Ingredients and substitutions

    Ingredients for macaroni salad. Cooked macaroni can be substituted with any other medium sized pasta. Farfalle or shells would be a great choice.

    Mayonnaise can be substituted with greek yogurt for a lower calorie salad.

    Red bell pepper can be substituted with green, yellow, or orange bell pepper. If you'd like to add an extra southern touch, substitute the red bell pepper with pimientos instead.

    Want to add a bit of heat? Add diced jalapenos to your macaroni salad.

    Mixing ingredients in a glass bowl.

    Serving macaroni salad

    Macaroni salad is served cold, and since it contains perishable ingredients, needs to be kept cold.

    Your macaroni salad can sit out at room temperature for a maximum of two hours before it should be discarded.

    Once you've served your food, I recommend covering any leftovers and storing in the refrigerator as soon as possible.

    Leftovers

    Leftover macaroni salad will keep for about 3 days in a sealed container in the refrigerator.

    A spoonful of southern macaroni salad.

    What to serve with macaroni salad

    Macaroni salad makes the perfect side dish for just about any meal! Here are a few of my favorites:

    • Burgers on the grill
    • Baked Chicken Drumsticks
    • Marmalade Glazed Ham
    • Ribs
    • Pulled pork
    • Deli meat sandwiches
    • Hot dogs
    • Oven Roasted Brats
    • Grilled chicken
    Glass bowl of macaroni salad.
    Print Recipe
    4.82 from 103 reviews

    Southern Macaroni Salad

    Southern Macaroni Salad is a classic side dish that's perfect for your next picnic. This cold side dish is filled with macaroni, diced vegetables, and eggs, coated in a creamy and flavorful dressing. 
    Prep Time30 minutes
    Total Time29 minutes
    Servings: 12 servings
    Calories: 222kcal
    Author: Heather

    Ingredients

    • 8 ounces macaroni, uncooked
    • 3 hard boiled eggs, peeled and diced
    • 2 celery stalks, diced
    • ½ red bell pepper, diced
    • ½ medium red onion, diced
    • 1 cup mayonnaise
    • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon pepper
    • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ¼ teaspoon paprika
    • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
    • 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped

    Instructions

    • In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Cook macaroni according to package directions for al dente pasta. Drain, rinse with cold water, and allow to cool to room temperature.
    • In a small bowl, add mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Whisk to combine.
    • In a large bowl, add macaroni, onion, celery, bell pepper, and eggs. Add dressing and toss to evenly coat all ingredients.
    • Pour macaroni salad into a serving dish and top with chopped parsley. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

    Equipment Recommendations

    • Stainless Steel 8-Quart Stock Pot
    • Lemon Juicer
    • Zwilling Pro Chef's Knife
    • Boos Maple Cutting Board

    Notes

    • Your macaroni salad can be made the same day, or the day prior to serving. I'd recommend at least an hour of chilling in the refrigerator to allow all of your ingredients to cool and flavors to meld, but it can be served immediately.
    • Red bell pepper can be substituted with green, yellow, or orange bell pepper, or pimientos instead.
    • Optionally, sprinkle extra paprika on top as a decoration.

    Nutrition Estimate

    Calories: 222kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 247mg | Potassium: 79mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 253IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 1mg
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American

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    1. Maynard

      January 17, 2023 at 2:01 am

      Very good, but added velveta cheese & sweet relish.

      Reply
    2. Arriane Tirado

      July 23, 2022 at 4:31 pm

      I added cubed pepper jack cheese with the diced jalapeños. Everyone loved it and it was gone by the end of the night. Thank you!

      Reply
    3. Heather

      May 03, 2022 at 7:11 pm

      I made this tonight, super yummy, easy and filling.

      I wonder about adding pickles….

      Thoughts?

      Reply
      • Heather

        May 03, 2022 at 7:17 pm

        Yes, pickles or relish would make a great addition to macaroni salad! I'd start with 1/2 cup of chopped pickles and add more as desired.

        Reply
    4. Lynne LaFrance

      December 23, 2021 at 1:52 pm

      The first time I made this my husband, granddaughter and myself devoured the entire bowl at dinner! Then I made this for a party and everybody raved about it. My daughter was there and she usually doesn't eat macaroni salad but she tried it and loved it. Now she requested it be served for Christmas dinner instead oif the mac and cheese.

      Reply
    5. Yvette

      August 21, 2021 at 7:39 pm

      Not a fan of mayo, can I use sour cream instead

      Reply
      • Heather

        August 21, 2021 at 8:49 pm

        I haven't tried this recipe with all sour cream before, I've done half and half with mayo/sour cream, and also used plain Greek yogurt. If you give it a try, let us know how it goes!

        Reply
    6. Laura

      July 11, 2020 at 10:21 am

      This salad got rave reviews from the whole family. Thanks!

      Reply
    7. BRANDI EVANS WALKER

      June 08, 2020 at 7:07 pm

      I added ham and broccoli, too! It was delish!

      Reply
    8. Trisha

      June 07, 2020 at 8:45 pm

      Great Salad. One of the best I have ever made. Thanks!!

      Reply
    9. Nancy L. Mihas

      June 07, 2020 at 1:30 pm

      Can a little honey be added to mixture for a little sweetness?

      Reply
      • Heather

        June 07, 2020 at 5:47 pm

        I haven't tried it myself, but I'm sure it could be whisked into the dressing! I'd start with a teaspoon and taste test to see if you'd like it sweeter.

        Reply
    10. Vicki Ubrig

      May 25, 2020 at 7:51 pm

      This is the best macaroni salad I’ve ever had. I added sliced Spanish olives and it was delicious! Thank you for this keeper.

      Reply
    11. Marc

      May 23, 2020 at 2:22 pm

      First timer making Mac salad. This is awesome! Added 6 oz of tuna and sweet relish.

      Reply
    12. Annie Massingill

      April 19, 2020 at 3:52 pm

      1st time making and was a hit

      Reply
      • Kim

        July 25, 2020 at 9:23 pm

        Yummy I used green onion instead and 1table spoon of lemom

        Reply
    13. Carolyn

      February 28, 2020 at 5:52 pm

      I used pimiento instead of bell pepper. Turned out fantastic!

      Reply
      • Heather

        February 28, 2020 at 6:02 pm

        Glad you enjoyed the macaroni salad, Carolyn!

        Reply

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    Heather of The Toasty Kitchen

    Hi, I'm Heather of The Toasty Kitchen. I love cooking with real, unfussy ingredients, and I want to help you make homemade meals with ease.

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