Find all sorts of easy recipes for macaroni salad here! These pasta salad dishes are actually perfect for the busy lifestyle since they’re so easy to make and quick to put together. Choose your favorite and share it with your friends and family.
Whether you want it vegan, meaty, or with seafood, you will find your next go-to recipe here. Enjoy them as an entire meal or whenever you want some pasta salad as your side dish.
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How do I keep my macaroni salad creamy?
The key to a creamy macaroni salad lies in your pasta. To keep it from drying out, make sure that your pasta is cooked aldente so that the pasta will grab onto the dressing. Overcooked makes it gross and soggy.
Aside from cooking your pasta just right to keep it creamy, chilling your pasta and other ingredients before mixing them together will slow the absorption of the dressing. You can also make an extra dressing and use it to re-moisten your salad before serving.
Is it best to make recipes for macaroni salad the day before?
The best thing about any pasta salad recipe is you can prepare it ahead of time and put it in the fridge. It will usually stay fresh inside the refrigerator for two to three days.
Storing your pasta in the refrigerator, whether cooked or fresh, will help prolong its shelf life. This will keep the pasta fresh for as long as possible as it reduces the chance of molds from growing. Most kinds of pasta last inside the fridge for as long as 5 days.
Be sure that there are no signs of food spoilage before cooking or eating your pasta.
Kitchen Essentials for Making Pasta Salad Dishes:
For meal prepping to be a lot easier, having the right kitchen tools on hand plays a major role. Examples are the list of products below that will help you prepare your pasta salad dishes easily and fast.
Either you’re making the classic version of macaroni salad or you put a twist on it, these kitchen essentials will make a big difference. Get one now before starting your adventure in the kitchen.
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When you are making salads you need some of the best tools on hand. These kitchen items will make it super easy and fun to make delicious salad recipes. If you have a friend or family member who likes to make salads these items will make a great gift for them as well!
- Bamboo Cutting Board Set
- Stainless Steel Metal Measuring Spoons
- Hotec Food Grade Silicone Rubber Spatula Set
- Large Serving Bowl with Handles
- Home Hero 17 Pieces Kitchen Knives Set
- Luvan Glass Salad Bowls
- Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls with Lids
25 Recipes for Macaroni Salad
We are sharing macaroni salad with a lot of options. Whether you want a recipe for healthy eating or want to satisfy a craving for comfort food, we have you covered.
This macaroni salad with tuna is perfect for the whole family to enjoy. It’s easy, healthy, and yummy.
BBQ Chicken Macaroni Salad recipe {Picnic Perfect!} - The Shortcut Kitchen
A macaroni salad recipe that goes well with just about anything. The barbecue sauce even adds more flavor to it.
It’s the classic pasta salad with a twist! Best served with fried chicken.
Uses avocado as a substitute for mayonnaise as dressing. The fresh veggies added to it make it more flavorful and healthy.
Bring this shrimp macaroni salad to a picnic and get ready to please a crowd with it. It’s meaty with crispy celery and creamy dressing.
This mac salad is packed with shredded carrots and uses soft pasta. It has a creamy dressing and perfect for a barbecue party or lunch.
A classic macaroni salad recipe with lots of cheddar cheese, peas, red onion, and celery, plus a homemade dressing. Perfect for your next potluck!
An easy pasta recipe that you can make ahead. It’s both vegan and vegetarian and also gluten-free.
This macaroni salad recipe is packed with Korean-inspired flavors. It uses a mildly tangy yet slightly sweet mayonnaise dressing.
If you like the idea of having corn mixed with your pasta, then you better go for this recipe. The taste coming from the sweet corn complements really well with the creaminess of the mayo-based dressing.
Recipes for Macaroni Salad You Need to Try:
If you do meal prepping regularly, then you better add these macaroni salad recipes to your weekly meal plans. These recipes will help you get a good meal on your dining table easily. Prepare these pasta salad recipes and your family will be coming back for more.
An easy macaroni salad recipe with basic ingredients and a mayo-based dressing. It’s tasty and creamy and will definitely be a hit in your family.
Put a twist on your classic pasta dish! Try this side dish recipe with fresh herbs, smoky bacon, and a citrusy dressing on your next barbecue party.
A pasta salad recipe that is perfect for the summer. It’s loaded with cheddar cheese in a tangy, sour, and creamy dressing.
Great when served cold and perfect all summer long. Serve this on your next grill-out or bring this to your next potluck.
A pasta salad for those who enjoy vegan salads. It’s packed with colorful veggies and covered in a creamy sauce.
A summer must-try recipe that uses corn and crispy bacon. It’s easy and yummy so even your kids will definitely love it.
Making this classic macaroni salad recipe at home makes it even better. It’s the creamy version with chunks of ham that balance out the taste of the pasta.
Get rid of the bland macaroni salad with pimento cheese. It may sound a little different but the cheese actually adds more flavor to it.
If you don’t like the idea of having that thick and heavy cream on your pasta salad, then this macaroni salad that only uses light mayo is the one perfect for you.
A cold pasta salad that is great for family gatherings, barbecue nights, and picnics. Best paired with steak, burger, or chicken barbecue.
More Delicious Recipes for Macaroni Salad:
These pasta salad dishes will bring comfort to your home as you enjoy them with the whole family. Make the whole family happy by trying out these easy recipes.
Can be made ahead of time and refrigerated overnight. Great as a side dish.
It’s creamy and full of flavors and great for a barbecue night. Something to look forward to, especially when served chilled.
You can use any cooked chicken you have for this pasta salad recipe - rotisserie, baked, pan-seared, or boiled. For the pasta to fully absorb the dressing, refrigerate for at least an hour.
A great side dish for any kind of meal. It’s easy to prepare with its basic ingredients making it creamy and tangy.
This seafood pasta dish is packed with shrimp and crab. Perfect for the seafood lover and a great summer meal.