The creamy texture and tangy taste of mayonnaise pair well with the delicate macaroni and various additional ingredients in the traditional American macaroni salad.
This roundup of 15 macaroni salad recipes with mayonnaise have you covered, whether you're in the mood for a classic dish or something with a more modern spin.
What Types Of Mayo Are Best For These Macaroni Salads?
Choosing the right mayonnaise is key to making a delicious macaroni salad. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to decide which one to use. Here are six popular types of mayo that work well in macaroni salads:
- Traditional Mayo - A classic option made with egg yolks, oil, vinegar, and lemon juice. It's creamy, and tangy, and pairs well with most salad ingredients.
- Olive Oil Mayo - Made with olive oil instead of vegetable oil, it's a healthier alternative that's still creamy and flavorful.
- Avocado Oil Mayo - Another healthier option that's perfect for those who want mayo with a milder flavor. It's made with avocado oil, egg yolks, vinegar, and lemon juice.
- Vegan Mayo - Ideal for those who follow a plant-based diet. It's made with vegetable oil and pea protein and has a similar texture and flavor to traditional mayo.
- Reduced Fat Mayo - Contains less fat than traditional mayo but still has a creamy texture. It's a good option for those who want a lighter macaroni salad.
- Chipotle Mayo - A spicy twist on traditional mayo that's perfect for those who want a little heat in their macaroni salad. It's made with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, which gives it a smoky, spicy flavor.
15 Macaroni Salad Recipes With Mayo
These 15 mayonnaise-based macaroni salad recipes range from traditional to creative and are guaranteed to be a hit at your next summer gathering:
1. BBQ Bacon Cheddar Macaroni Salad
This BBQ Bacon Cheddar Macaroni Salad is the perfect summer side dish for all your barbecues and cookouts. The creamy and tangy Miracle Whip and BBQ sauce dressing pairs perfectly with the smoky bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and crisp vegetables.
The slightly warm pasta mixed with the butter prevents the noodles from sticking together, making it easier to mix in the rest of the ingredients. The seasoned-vinegar mixture adds a burst of flavor and helps to balance out the sweetness of the BBQ sauce. Top it off with some fresh cilantro and serve chilled for a refreshing and delicious dish that everyone will love.
2. Old Fashioned Macaroni Salad
This Old Fashioned Macaroni Salad is a classic and simple recipe that is perfect for any occasion. The creamy and tangy dressing made with mayonnaise, mustard, and onion powder pairs well with the al dente macaroni, crunchy celery, and savory green onions.
The addition of hard-boiled eggs adds protein and texture to this delicious dish. After mixing all the ingredients together, sprinkle some paprika on top for an added pop of color. For the best flavor, let it chill in the fridge for a couple of hours before serving. This macaroni salad is a crowd-pleaser and will become a family favorite in no time!
3. Authentic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
This Hawaiian Macaroni Salad, also known as Mac Salad, is a must-try for anyone who loves creamy and flavorful side dishes. The grated carrot and onion add a nice crunch and a touch of sweetness to the dish, while the apple cider vinegar provides a subtle tanginess.
The combination of Best Foods or Hellman's mayonnaise, milk, and sugar creates a smooth and creamy dressing that coats the al dente elbow macaroni perfectly. For best results, let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving, which allows the flavors to meld together. This macaroni salad is an ideal accompaniment to any grilled meat or fish, and it's a crowd-pleaser that will leave your guests asking for more.
4. Italian Macaroni Salad
This Italian Macaroni Salad is a delicious and satisfying side dish that will transport you to the heart of Italy with every bite. The zesty Italian salad dressing, mayonnaise, and apple cider vinegar combine to create a tangy and flavorful dressing that perfectly complements the al dente elbow macaroni.
The addition of red onion, celery, red bell pepper, and peas adds a colorful and crunchy texture, while the sharp provolone cheese and Genoa salami provide a rich and savory taste. The dressing and ingredients blend together to create a mouth-watering pasta salad that's perfect for any occasion. Serve it chilled for a refreshing and satisfying summer meal or as a side dish to your favorite Italian main course.
5. Southern Macaroni Salad
Southern Macaroni Salad is a classic dish that's full of flavor and texture. The al dente macaroni pairs well with the crunchy celery, red bell pepper, and red onion, while the hard-boiled eggs add protein and richness to the dish.
The creamy and tangy dressing made with mayonnaise, dijon mustard, lemon juice, and spices adds a burst of flavor to this delicious salad. Top it off with some fresh parsley for added freshness and color. This macaroni salad is a perfect side dish for any summer barbecue, picnic, or potluck. Make it ahead of time and let it chill in the fridge for a few hours for the best flavor.
6. BLT Macaroni Salad
This BLT Macaroni Salad is the ultimate comfort food that combines the flavors of a classic BLT sandwich with creamy and delicious macaroni salad. The al dente elbow or cavatappi pasta is mixed with a dressing made from mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, apple cider vinegar, and a blend of spices, including celery salt, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dill, and black pepper.
The addition of green onions, diced tomatoes, and crisp romaine lettuce adds a fresh and crunchy texture to the dish, while the crumbled bacon provides a smoky and savory taste. For best results, chill the salad before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Amish Macaroni Salad Recipe
This Amish Macaroni Salad is a classic recipe that evokes a sense of comfort and nostalgia with every bite. The al dente elbow macaroni is combined with hard-boiled eggs, onion, celery, and red bell pepper to create a delicious and colorful base.
The creamy salad dressing, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, and a blend of spices, including celery seed and apple cider vinegar, create a tangy and flavorful dressing that perfectly complements the salad. This dish is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to share a classic and delicious side dish. Chill the salad for an hour before serving to let the flavors meld together.
8. Deviled Egg Salad Pasta Salad Recipe
This Egg Salad Macaroni Salad is a delicious twist on classic macaroni salad that will satisfy your craving for a creamy and satisfying pasta salad. The perfectly cooked elbow macaroni is combined with mashed egg yolks and chopped egg whites, diced onions, and a creamy mixture of mayo, paprika, salt, and pepper, creating a flavorful and creamy base.
The mixture is then mixed with the cooled macaroni to create a delicious and comforting dish that can be served immediately or chilled for later. This salad is perfect for a picnic, a potluck, or as a side dish to any meal. Serve it alongside grilled meats, sandwiches or enjoy it as a stand-alone dish.
9. Sriracha Potato and Macaroni Salad
Get ready to spice up your summer with this Sriracha Potato and Macaroni Salad. The combination of tender potatoes, creamy pasta shells, and tangy Greek yogurt dressing is perfect for any picnic or BBQ.
A touch of sriracha sauce gives this classic salad a kick of heat, while diced celery and green onions provide a satisfying crunch. The flavors meld together perfectly after being refrigerated for a few hours, making it a great make-ahead option. Serve alongside your favorite grilled meats or as a standalone vegetarian dish.
10. Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
This Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe is a perfect side dish for any summer gathering. The combination of tender elbow noodles, cubed cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon make for a hearty and flavorful salad. A mix of Hidden Valley ranch seasoning, sour cream, and mayo gives this dish a creamy and tangy taste.
Add in some thawed frozen peas for a pop of color and texture. This salad is easy to prepare and is sure to be a hit at any potluck or barbecue. Chill in the fridge and serve as a refreshing and delicious side dish.
11. The Perfect Summer Seafood Macaroni Salad
This Seafood Macaroni Salad recipe is a refreshing and delicious way to enjoy seafood. The salad is a blend of cooked al dente elbow macaroni, chopped shrimp, flaked imitation crab, shredded carrots, finely chopped red onions and celery, chopped green bell pepper, and green onions.
A mix of Miracle Whip, Duke Mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, cayenne pepper, onion powder, Old Bay seasoning, sugar, yellow mustard, fresh lemon juice, and sweet relish makes for a zesty and tangy dressing. Garnished with fresh parsley, this dish is a perfect meal for a hot summer day. Enjoy this seafood macaroni salad chilled and add salt and pepper to taste.
12. Macaroni Salad With Dill Pickles
This Macaroni Salad with Dill Pickles is a tangy and flavorful side dish that will leave you wanting more. Tender elbow pasta is combined with crunchy baby dill pickles, shredded Havarti cheese with dill, and finely chopped onion. The addition of fresh dill and parsley gives this salad a herbaceous and bright taste.
To make the dressing, combine mayo (or Greek yogurt), sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and Dijon mustard with dill pickle juice for a unique and flavorful tang. This dressing is then tossed with the salad and chopped hard-boiled eggs. Let the salad chill for at least an hour before serving so that all the flavors can meld together.
13. Creamy Tex-Mex Pasta Salad
This Creamy Tex-Mex Pasta Salad is a fiesta in a bowl! Cooked al-dente pasta is combined with fresh avocado, black beans, sweet corn, diced tomato, green onion, and finely chopped onion, all of which add to the salad's fresh and crunchy texture.
The dressing is a creamy and flavorful salsa with light sour cream (or mayo or Greek yogurt), garlic, cilantro, olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and lime juice. This salad is perfect for any summer potluck or BBQ and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Prepare it ahead of time, chill it in the fridge, and serve it chilled to your guests.
14. Caprese Macaroni Salad
Caprese Macaroni Salad is a delightful twist on a classic pasta salad. Tender elbow macaroni is cooked al-dente and tossed with sweet and juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy and fresh mozzarella pearls, and slivered fresh basil leaves. The dressing is a combination of mayo, Italian salad dressing mix, sugar, ground mustard, salt, and pepper, which adds a tangy and savory flavor to the salad.
Chill the salad in the fridge before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Top it off with grated Parmesan cheese and more fresh basil before serving. This salad is perfect for a summer picnic, potluck, or BBQ, and is sure to impress your guests.
15. Ham & Cheese Pasta Salad
This Ham & Cheese Pasta Salad is the ultimate comfort food that will satisfy your cravings. Cooked al-dente elbow macaroni is mixed with chunks of savory ham, cubes of cheddar cheese, diced dill pickles, and finely chopped green onion. The dressing is a simple mixture of mayo, dill pickle juice, salt, and pepper that gives the salad a creamy and tangy flavor.
Chill the salad in the fridge before serving to allow the flavors to blend together. This salad is perfect for a quick lunch or a picnic, and it's super easy to make. Top it off with some more chopped green onions and enjoy this delicious and hearty pasta salad.
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