15 Delicious Macaroni Salad Recipes You Have to Try

Macaroni salad may not be the most exciting dish, but it certainly knows how to make an entrance at every gathering. Simple to prepare and infinitely adaptable, homemade macaroni salad complements nearly any meal. Whether it's for a casual picnic, a potluck, or a regular dinner, don't skip out on this classic side dish! Here are some of our top picks, including traditional macaroni salad, Amish-style, Hawaiian-inspired, and more.

Amish-Style Macaroni Salad

Dianne's Recipe

"A vibrant and tasty macaroni salad featuring hard-boiled eggs, bell peppers, and celery in a rich, creamy dressing," says recipe creator CONNIE0751. This sweet macaroni salad is one of the top-rated recipes on Dinogo.

Amelia's Tuna Pasta Salad

Photo Credit: KGora

This rich and creamy macaroni salad combines celery, sweet onion, peas, relish, and hard-boiled eggs. "I prepared this dish for a small cookout with friends," says Mamacheese2004. "I absolutely love it! The only tweak I would make is to use thawed frozen peas instead of canned peas."

Hawaiian Style Mac Salad

Photo Credit: Molly

You may be surprised to learn that this Hawaiian macaroni salad often includes potatoes, though they are an optional addition. The dish is rounded out with sweet Maui onions, hard-boiled eggs, and matchstick carrots, making it a classic side served with plate lunches all across Hawaii. For a more authentic version, skip the Italian-style dressing and instead drizzle 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar over the cooked macaroni, carrots, and onions, letting it sit for about 15 minutes. Then, fold in the remaining ingredients. Some purists might add a touch of sugar, but that's up to your taste.

Hawaiian Mac Salad Variation

Photo Credit: fabeverydayblog

This easy take on the classic Hawaiian mac salad features macaroni and shredded carrots, bound together with creamy mayonnaise. For an authentic twist, try tossing the warm macaroni with a splash of apple cider vinegar before mixing it with the mayo.

Mindy's Macaroni Salad Recipe

Photo Credit: SunnyDaysNora

Sweet pickles, pimentos, and a hint of mustard bring a delightful tang to this creamy macaroni salad. "I absolutely love this macaroni salad," says Amy Jo. "I didn’t change a thing. The sweetness from the pickles and the tang from the vinegar are perfect. This has been my go-to macaroni salad all summer. It’s an excellent recipe!"

Simple Ranch Chicken Mac Salad

Photo Credit: gapch1026

Here’s a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked chicken. "I used whole wheat elbow macaroni, added about half a cup of halved cherry tomatoes, tossed in some leftover ‘Mexican’ shredded chicken, and mixed in homemade dry ranch dressing mix," says Sarah Jo. "Between my two boys and I, we polished off this macaroni salad in no time—no leftovers!"

Chef John's Classic Mac Salad

Close-up of a spoonful of macaroni salad being scooped from a square yellow bowl

Photo Credit: France C

"Whether it's paired with smoky ribs or just a simple hot dog, this deli-style macaroni salad is sure to please the crowd, as long as you follow a few important steps," says Chef John. He shares those steps in the video below.

Herbed Macaroni Salad with Shrimp

Photo Credit: naples34102

Prepare this salad the night before and let it chill in the fridge. Stir in the shrimp just before serving. Many reviewers have opted to reduce the lemon juice and increase the herbs for a more flavorful kick.

Macaroni, Pineapple, and Ham Salad

Photo Credit: Sugarplum

This quick and easy macaroni salad with ham is perfect for those hot days when you need a satisfying meal without turning on the stove. If you're looking for a mayo-free macaroni salad, this one's a great option to try.

Creamy Mac Salad

Photo Credit: SunnyDaysNora

"I was looking for a quick and easy pasta salad recipe to prepare for my husband and two kids' lunches for the week," says McKenzie Kroes. "I doubled the recipe to make a big batch that will last all week. All four of us absolutely LOVE it!"

One - Two - Three - Mexican Mac Salad

Photo Credit: Happyschmoopies

The type of salsa you choose will control the spice level of this easy Mexican macaroni salad. Many reviewers appreciated how simple it was to add extra ingredients like corn, black beans, celery, cilantro, pimentos, cheese, and even chicken for extra flavor.

Macaroni and Cheese Salad

"I’ve made this recipe twice and both times it received rave reviews," says friday cat. "The vinegar adds a delightful 'tang' to the salad. Definitely give it a try!" Note: The recipe calls for Beau Monde seasoning. If you can’t find it, use this copycat recipe for Beau Monde Seasoning.

Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato Mac Salad

Photo Credit: Phoebe

Here’s a hearty BLT macaroni salad that’s filling enough to serve as a main dish. Pro tip: Be sure to serve it on a bed of lettuce to complete the 'L' in BLT.

Olive Pasta Salad

Photo Credit: lutzflcat

"This recipe tastes even better the next day, if there are any leftovers," says recipe creator Marsha Glick. "My family fights over the leftovers! Feel free to adjust the amount of olives, celery seed, and mayonnaise to your liking. It’s even more flavorful if made the night before and allowed to sit for a few hours."

Tangy Catalina Pasta Salad

Photo Credit: Molly

Try this seafood macaroni salad for a light and satisfying lunch. The Catalina dressing adds a sweet, tangy flavor that brightens up the entire dish.

Crab Macaroni Salad

Photo Credit: naples34102

Chili sauce, lemon juice, and dill come together to add a bit of spice to this simple macaroni salad. Tip: Be sure to taste the dressing before adding salt—depending on the chili sauce you use, you might not need as much salt as the recipe suggests.