Mom’s Macaroni Salad

If there’s one dish that could steal the show at any gathering, it’s my mom’s Macaroni Salad. Whether it’s a summer cookout, a family potluck, or just a casual get-together, this creamy, flavorful salad always makes its way to the table. It wasn’t just a side dish; it was the recipe everyone looked forward to. With its perfect blend of tender pasta, crunchy celery, and a tangy mayo-mustard dressing, it’s a timeless crowd-pleaser that fits any occasion—no matter the season. Just thinking about this family recipe puts me in a nostalgic mood. 

Growing up, my Mom’s Macaroni Salad was a staple at our summer cookouts. Its simple ingredients are pantry staples in most homes, so it was always quick and easy to toss together. This salad tastes even better the next day! Perfect for lunches once the weekend is over.

Mom’s Macaroni Salad

Tender macaroni noodles, hard-boiled eggs, celery, and green onions all tossed in a creamy and tangy mayonnaise-based dressing make for the ultimate macaroni salad. There’s nothing quite like this combination of ingredients that pairs well with steak, burgers, hot dogs, or anything else you fancy putting on the grill. 

Old Fashioned Macaroni Salad Recipe

This macaroni salad with creamy dressing is my go-to recipe over the summer. Whether I’m hosting and cooking or we are invited to friends, I know this simple recipe is bound to please. 

Not limited to the summer though, I’ve been known to serve up this great recipe at family gatherings, celebratory dinners, and weekend brunches all year round. 

If you love this easy macaroni salad, you are sure to love these too: Pasta Salad With Spam, BLT Pasta Salad, and this Creamy Italian Four Bean Pasta Salad. 

Macaroni Salad With Recipe

This easy classic macaroni salad recipe doesn’t just taste great, but it’s also the perfect make-ahead dish as the flavors have time to intensify. If you’re looking for something to bring to your next picnic, get this salad made up the day before for the best flavor. 

The other thing I love about this recipe is that you can customize it to your liking. Feel free to add a red pepper or green pepper for added color and crunch, stir in chopped dill pickles for a tangier taste, or mix in some sweet relish for a slightly sweeter flavor. 

Macaroni Salad Ingredients

For complete ingredients and instructions scroll to the bottom of this post for the full printable recipe card. 

• Macaroni: I like to use elbow macaroni noodles but any short-shaped pasta will work. 
• Eggs: Hard-boiled eggs add substance and staying power to the macaroni salad. 
• Celery: Chopped fresh celery adds a nice crunch and flavor. I use about 3-4 ribs celery when I make it. 
• Green onion: Green onions, also known as scallions, add a light onion flavor. You can substitute with a red onion if you wish. 
• Salt & Pepper: Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
• Yellow mustard: Use yellow mustard to add a nice tart flavor to the salad. 
• Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise creates the quintessential creamy dressing. Any type will work, even vegan mayo or Miracle Whip are good options. 
• Garnish: Sprinkle this homemade macaroni salad recipe with fresh chives as a garnish.

Be sure to keep reading to find tips and tricks, substitutions, and answers to questions you may have about this classic macaroni salad recipe. 

How to make macaroni salad from scratch

This best macaroni salad recipe comes together quickly and easily. 

Cook pasta according to package instructions. Rinse.

Peel and chop hard-boiled eggs.

In a large bowl, combine noodles, celery, and green onion.

Stir in mayo and mustard.

Salt and pepper to taste.

Top with fresh chives.

Store in the refrigerator until ready to eat.

This easy macaroni salad recipe will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container.  I don’t recommend freezing leftovers as it will change the salad’s texture.   

Love it? Pin it!

If you love Mom’s Best Macaroni Salad make sure that you don’t lose it! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you go!

Substitutions

Remember that when it comes to making substitutions in recipes, you don’t need to be afraid to get creative and use ingredients that suit your personal taste and dietary preferences. Make it your own! Know that these suggestions here will change the taste of the original recipe though, which in my opinion is perfect. 

• Instead of making macaroni salad with hard-boiled eggs, you can switch it up with many different options like macaroni salad with tuna, macaroni salad with chicken, or even macaroni salad with bacon would taste great. 
• Try swapping the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or sour cream.
• Opt for a simple dressing with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar and olive oil instead of the mayonnaise-based dressing. 
• Use a different shape of short pasta like fusilli, rotini, or penne.
• Want to add more crunch? Try adding some diced bell peppers. Green or red bell pepper would be a lovely addition. 

What are the five mistakes to avoid when making pasta salad? 

The five mistakes some people make when making pasta salad are:

1. Not using the right shape pasta. Short-shaped pasta is best, especially one with lots of grooves so it holds the dressing. 
2. Overcooking the pasta. Make sure the pasta is cooked al dente so it doesn’t fall apart when mixed with the other ingredients. 
3. Tossing the pasta while still warm. Toss the pasta with the dressing while warm so the pasta absorbs the flavors.
4. Bland-tasting pasta salad. Make sure to taste test and ensure the dressing has loads of flavor. If possible, let the salad sit for a few hours to allow the flavors to develop.
5. Add the cheese just before serving. If you are adding creamy cheese like goat cheese, make sure to do so just before serving. 

FAQs about pasta salad

• Should you rinse macaroni when making macaroni salad? If you want to ensure your pasta doesn’t stick together give it a rinse after it is finished cooking. 
• What is Amish macaroni salad made of? Amish macaroni salad is made of the same ingredients as a typical macaroni salad. 
• How much does 1 lb of macaroni salad feed? One pound of macaroni salad makes around 7-8 ½ cup servings so depending on how much everyone eats you may be able to feed this many people as a side dish. 
• Why does macaroni salad taste better the next day? Macaroni salad tastes better the next day as the flavors have had time to mingle and develop. 
• How long do you boil macaroni for macaroni salad? You should follow the package directions, making sure to boil the pasta al dente. 

Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor mix garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, or cayenne pepper into the dressing.
• For a sweet dressing, stir in a touch of white sugar.  
• Try adding black olives or capers for a pop of color and a touch of saltiness. 

More Recipes to Love Next Time

In addition to this macaroni salad, my Mom’s Marinated Vegetables were our most common cookout staple. Another delicious recipe. (pictured above)

If you like serving a pasta salad on the side you may also like this Antipasto Pasta Salad, this Easy French Vinaigrette Pasta Salad, or this Lemon Basil Pasta Salad.  If pasta mains are more your thing then this Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta or this Turkey Pasta Bake are good options. 

This classic pasta salad recipe is a timeless favorite. I guarantee it will be a big hit with your family too. 

This recipe was originally posted on July 17, 2015 in partnership with Ball Park® brand. It has been updated to improve user experience and reshared on September 16, 2024.