Basic Macaroni Salad
- SERVES
- 10
- COOK TIME
- 15 Min
Our easy recipe for Basic Macaroni Salad is a potluck staple. No frills in this recipe, and that's what makes it absolutely perfect! Simple, delicious, classic flavors make this "basic" macaroni dish an absolute work of art. This has become one of our favorite go-to dishes, and we know you'll feel the same about this flavorful childhood favorite!
What You'll Need
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 5 hard boiled eggs, chopped
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 cups mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
What to Do
- In a large pot of boiling water, cook macaroni over high heat 7 to 9 minutes, or just until tender. Drain, rinse, and let cool.
- Place macaroni in a large bowl, add remaining ingredients, and mix well. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.
Check This Out!
- Check out all of our best deli salad recipes in our FREE eCookbook, Simply Deli Salads: 28 Best Recipes for Potato Salad, Macaroni Salad and More.
- If you've got potluck recipes on the brain, then you'll love our collection of Party Pleasers: 57 Easy Potluck Recipes or check out more great macaroni salad recipes in our recipe collection, How to Make Macaroni Salad: 10 Simple Macaroni Salad Recipes.
- Make it Your Own! Chances are, you've probably enjoyed many different kinds of macaroni salad throughout the years, especially at potlucks, picnics, and barbecues. Macaroni salad is almost an American summer tradition, and like with any "traditional" food, each part of the country has their own way of making it.
For example, in a Southern recipe for macaroni salad you might find lots of mayonnaise or a similar salad dressing spread, with sweet pickles or relish. For people on the West Coast, the best macaroni salad might be something more like our Southwest Macaroni Salad.
Truth is, there's no right or wrong macaroni salad recipe - it's up to you! We think our Basic Macaroni Salad is great as-is, but we also invite you to get creative and change things up to suit your family's tastes. Then, share what you did differently in the comments below!
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Nutritional InformationShow More
Servings Per Recipe: 10
- Amount Per Serving % Daily Value *
- Calories 393
- Calories from Fat 193
- Total Fat 21g 33 %
- Saturated Fat 3.9g 20 %
- Trans Fat 0.0g 0 %
- Protein 9.7g 19 %
- Amount Per Serving % Daily Value *
- Cholesterol 117mg 39 %
- Sodium 608mg 25 %
- Total Carbohydrates 39g 13 %
- Dietary Fiber 1.8g 7 %
- Sugars 2.4g 0 %
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midnightraven51 82 81066
Jul 13, 2021
Can I replace the celery with celery seed in this salad? I can not eat celery it hurts my stomach really bad.
Test Kitchen Team
Jul 13, 2021
Hi! You definitely can substitute celery seed for celery. Start with 1/2 tsp and add more if desired. Hope this helps!
sandyk1011 6580020
Jul 26, 2016
I, too, thin the mayo (salad dressing for me), but I use vinegar to do so. My mother always used the vinegar from a jar of sweet pickles which gives it a little kick.
BeckySue
May 02, 2016
This is a good go-to basic recipe, but I add a little water to the mayo so it's thinner and creamier. It stays creamy and doesn't clump up when you add it straight as is. I was always adding more mayo after making it and refrigeration it until I started thinning the mayo some before mixing in. Another tip is to pull the tough outer strings off the celery before chopping.
Pem717 7943126
Jun 14, 2015
very easy and delicious to prepare. left out the eggs, added a diced green pepper and used yellow onion not red, (didn't have one). My bowl came home from family BBQ clean.....
Tupelo
Mar 10, 2015
This is my basic recipe, but I also add 1/4/cup chopped green olives with pimentos. If I want too make this as a lunch meal I also will add a small can of drained, flaked Tuna fish. YUMMMMMMM
missd
Sep 24, 2014
This recipe is delicious....good old fashioned salad...nothing fancy but oh so tasty!
virginiabolz 78063 91
Sep 24, 2014
Adding seasoned salt really sparks up the flavor of macaroni salads.
toniretman 5006408
Sep 04, 2014
I thought it was bland, had to add spices. Maybe with whats left will add pickle relish
iwojimafan
Jun 28, 2014
Instead of Mayo, I use Miracle Whip but not fat free and I sprinkle some white vinegar on the Macaroni after they cool down and also add 1 to 2 teaspoons of Mustard
boosanchezblue 761 2502
Jun 28, 2014
Sounds so simple and yummy....now I know to add more eggs.
dsimonds 0013462
Nov 07, 2013
I added three tablespoons of sweet pickle relish and it was wonderful.
beachsquirrel 8716 971
Oct 29, 2013
This is really delicious! One word of caution however-use a good quality mayo like Hellman's or Best Foods. No low-fat, light, or yogurt.
Scarlett Vale
Aug 28, 2015
Maybe it's just me, but I really can't taste the difference between regular and light mayo. (Fat-free, of course, tastes terrible.) Then again, I ONLY use Hellman's/Best, so that could be the reason.
ph7719 2012704
Sep 06, 2013
my boys don't like any kind of onion so use onion powder for taste. add carrots, celery, cukes for crunch. add black olives to mine for just me. it sounds great will definitely try it your way
fredhomer 9960735
Apr 28, 2018
There were only two things to do when MY mom put food on the table!!! EAT OR STARVE!!
AuntK
Aug 14, 2013
This macaroni salad was the best ever. I've never used garlic powder before in macaroni salad but I will from now on! The red onion instead of sweet onion made a difference too.
ppoulette 1572773
Jul 23, 2013
My Mom taught me to make mac salad and to always mix the mayo and other herbs together in a bowl before adding to the cooked mac. You can then substitute and or add more mayo, or yogeart or sour cream, milk, whatever you want or have and taste it before mixing in with the mac. Also you can add chopped celery for added crunch.
suezzeeq1206 10634 85
Jul 13, 2013
I tried this the other day and it was very good. I like the hard boiled eggs which I did cut down to half the amount and used 1/2 mayonnaise and 1/2 greek yogurt. Nice and creamy. I might add a little milk to the mixture to thin out the mixture. I also added some chopped red pepper for more crunch. Will be making again!!
missd
Jul 06, 2013
The best BASIC macaroni salad ever....I add a can of small shrimp and green and red peppers diced......soooo good!!
sukidogs 6902019
Jul 06, 2013
I love this recipe because my husband doesn't like macaroni salad so this way I can add all the stuff he doesn't care for like cucumbers, all colors of peppers, etc.
FRACKFAM5
Jul 05, 2013
Made this yesterday and I was fantastic. I have never added garlic powder but it works. I did add a bit of yellow mustard and celery salt. It was fantastic.
roseirishrose54 58 92311
Jun 22, 2013
Try adding a blue cheese (I use gorgonzola) to the recipe especially if you add chicken as well. I like to add red grapes along with the chicken and gorgonzola. It is soo good this way.
louannwarren 78743 64
Jun 20, 2013
Add thawed frozen peas and a can of tuna and shredded cheddar cheese.
bojigal1 6991153
Jun 19, 2013
There is NO way anyone can goof this up. Like the recipe says, this is BASIC mac. salad. Add what you/family like, such as other veggies, spices, meat/chix/seafood, dressings, cheeses. Be creative!!
sonnetaki
Jun 19, 2013
i have always used this recepe with 2 small additions. i add about 2 tablespoons of gulden's spicy brown mustard and i add some milk to the ingredients which i whisk to gether.
nenapat1 1461514
Jun 12, 2013
I had mac salad once that had cheese in it and it was delicious. Does anyone think it go well in this recipe?
Test Kitchen Team
Jun 12, 2013
A little shredded cheddar cheese would probably go well in this recipe. The beauty of these recipes is you can add or leave out whatever you like. Unless of course you are baking, then you need to be more aware of ingredients. Play with the recipes, have fun!
clemenshofmann 124 7846
Jun 21, 2013
Normally i put cheese cubes in my mac salad, prefer sharp cheddar
Scarlett Vale
Aug 28, 2015
I add cheese cubes in mine, too. I cut them very tiny, less than a quarter inch, and use both cheddar and jack. One I had only pepper jack, and that provided a little kick which was surprisingly delicious!
JanetaCrane 195489 8
Jun 07, 2013
Instead of mayo, I use Miracle Whip and add some chopped sweet pickle and some of the juice, a dash of celery seed . . . I DON'T use garlic though . . . if you want more flavor, DO make this a day ahead so the flavors have time to "meld" - SOO good!
skbelgian 0783670
May 04, 2013
I like to make this a day ahead. I adfd diced green and red pepper and some frozen sweet peas, thawed if you''re going to serve it right away.
gpeach1946 3344418
Apr 28, 2013
Im making it today but going to add ranch dressing, bacon bits and pimentos
Chef 1012652
Apr 11, 2013
I add grated sharp cheese and parm. cheese to mine. Makes it even better!
sweetrosie217
Apr 05, 2013
I like this one
jernandan 2264866
Jun 15, 2013
I am long in the tooth and have tried many recipes, but this one is a keeper. I now know that mayonnaise is the "key". The only change I made was to add a few chopped radishes for color and crunch. No more experimenting for me!!!
sparklez 2635937
Feb 16, 2013
Here's the recipe for Tuna Tarragon tablespoon salt cups small shell pasta cups penne pasta cup spinach fettuccine -inch pieces tablespoons canola oil ounce cans tuna in water cups sweet pickle juice small jar contains about cup cups mayonnaise cups sweet pickles diced cup celery diced cup sour cream tablespoons dried tarragon leaves teaspoon salt teaspoon white pepper For the pasta In a large pot bring quarts of water and tablespoon salt to a full boil Add pastas and cook for about minutes until al dente Immediately strain pasta and cool by running cold water over pasta in strainer Drain pasta completely and place in a bowl Coat pasta with canola oil to prevent sticking For the dressing Place tuna in a large bowl and break down into small pieces Add the remaining dressing ingredients and thoroughly whisk to combine Combine the dressing and cooked pasta and mix thoroughly ALLOW SALAD…Read More TO MARINATE FOR HOURS After hours top with more pickle juice and salt and pepper to taste This was found on Food com
saltcrk 1400488
Dec 11, 2012
I have made this and vary according to what I have on hand. Use light mayo. Add bell pepper or pimentoes for color. Haven't used cucumbers or tomatoes but it would be good. I don't like tuna but canned chicken is good added.
beachsquirrel 8716 971
Nov 01, 2012
Important to use only Hellman's or Best Food Mayo. And tuna in macaroni salad? Ick!
sclyburn2003 86323 80
Jul 03, 2012
I find that adding some chopped cucumber, diced tomatoes and a bit of sweet pickle relish really vamps up the basic macaroni salad's taste. sunflower10
renegade159 455036 9
Jul 03, 2012
I find that you MUST add tuna, otherwise it is rather tastless! Also, let the flavors marry overnight, for best results!! This is my standard recipe!!
jlderr7 9182547
Jun 15, 2012
I made this for a graduation party and everyone liked it. I will make it again!
eparoz 0627537
May 28, 2012
Since I am a Miracle Whip person, I would use it then I'd add, sliced black olives, diced pimneto's for color!!!
cflower1 5331650
Mar 14, 2012
Great! I like to add very small (Lesure) peas and for a complete summertime meal, I also add shredded cheese and/or canned tuna! You could also try canned or grilled salmon or chicken.
Scarlett Vale
Aug 28, 2015
Le Sueur peas are the best, they are always small, crisp, and have a perfect flavor. Most canned or frozen peas are too mushy and/or can taste woody.
tonyasteinkruger
Dec 15, 2011
I made this dish for a Thanksgiving dinner event - for picky eaters. I made the good stuff for the adults Shrimp Linguine also found on Mr. Food, yum!
jmissj3
Jul 01, 2011
I made this once for a pot luck at work. It was well received and then requested for the next pot luck. The second time I added a couple of small cans of tiny shrimp. My taste tester (my husband) insisted I leave some home for him and co-workers wanted to know why I hadn't made more. Never had to worry about what to take to future pot lucks.
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