Pasta salad that's perfect for summer cookout.

This creamy macaroni salad is a classic side dish that shows up at every cookout, summer BBQ and family gathering for a reason. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and packed full of flavor with a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet notes. Whether you’re serving it with BBQ chicken, burgers, or ribs, this is one recipe you’ll come back to all summer long.

Why You’ll Love This Macaroni Salad

  • Quick and easy to make with pantry staples
  • Perfect make-ahead side dish
  • Creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor
  • Great for BBQs, picnics, and potlucks
Creamy and easy Macaroni Salad

How to Make Macaroni Salad

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente.

Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it cool completely before mixing.

2. Prep the Vegetables

While the pasta cools, finely dice the red onion and shred the carrots. This adds crunch, color, and freshness to the salad.

3. Make the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, relish, sugar, vinegar, celery salt, and kosher salt. Whisk until smooth and creamy.

This dressing is the key to the perfect macaroni salad—creamy with a slight tang and just the right touch of sweetness.

4. Combine Everything

Add the cooled macaroni, diced onions, and shredded carrots to the bowl with the dressing.

Gently fold everything together until the pasta is fully coated and evenly mixed.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

5. Chill & Serve

Cover and refrigerate the macaroni salad for at least 1 hour before serving. This helps the flavors blend together and makes the salad even better.

Serve chilled and enjoy!

Macaroni salad

Tips for the Best Macaroni Salad

  • Always cool your pasta before mixing to keep it creamy
  • Let it chill for at least 3 hours for best flavor
  • Add a little extra mayo if it absorbs too much dressing
  • Dice vegetables small for better texture in every bite
Creamy macaroni salad

What to Serve With Macaroni Salad

This salad pairs perfectly with:

Creamy macaroni salad

Get the Recipe Macaroni Salad

This creamy macaroni salad is a classic summer side dish that’s perfect for BBQs, cookouts, potlucks, and family gatherings.
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Ingredients
 

  • 8 oz macaroni
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tsp yellow mustard
  • 2 tbsp relish (dill or sweet)
  • 1 tbsp vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp celery salt
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
  • 1/4 cup shredded carrots

Instructions
 

  • Boil the pasta

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain, then rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down completely. Set aside.

  • Prep the vegetables

    While the pasta cools, finely dice the red onion and shred the carrots. Set aside.

  • Make the dressing

    In a large mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise, mustard, relish, sugar, vinegar, celery salt, and kosher salt. Whisk until smooth and creamy. This dressing should be slightly tangy, lightly sweet, and very creamy.

  • Combine everything

    Add the cooled macaroni, red onions, and carrots into the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold everything together until the pasta is fully coated and well combined.

  • Chill & serve

    Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving so the flavors can blend together. Serve cold and enjoy!

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Author: Jehan Powell