Pasta | Sides | Southern Food
ByMelissa Riker
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Southern Macaroni Salad combines tender pasta, hard-boiled eggs, and a tangy dressing for a refreshing and satisfying side dish. It’s perfect for summer potlucks and gatherings.
![Southern Macaroni Salad (1) Southern Macaroni Salad (1)](https://i0.wp.com/thehappierhomemaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/southern-macaroni-salad-1024x1024.jpg)
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I know there are tons of macaroni salad recipes out there, but this Southern version is something special. It’s got a perfect balance of creamy mayonnaise, a little zip from the mustard and lemon juice, and all the delicious crunch from the veggies.
Why I love this recipe
- The velvety mayo dressing coats every macaroni twist, creating a comforting mouthfeel.
- It’s a nostalgic dish that brings back fond memories of family gatherings.
If you want more salad recipes to try, our pasta salad is perfect and made with only 4 ingredients.
Ingredients
![Southern Macaroni Salad (2) Southern Macaroni Salad (2)](https://i0.wp.com/thehappierhomemaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Macaroni-Salad-Ingredients-1024x683.jpg)
- uncooked macaroni
- mayonnaise
- mustard
- lemon juice
- hard boiled eggs
- celery stalks
- red onion
- red bell pepper
- parsley, for serving
- seasonings: salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika
Step by step
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to bring down to room temperature.
- In a large bowl combine mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, salt and pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir to mix.
- Add cooled macaroni and chopped vegetables and egg to the bowl and stir to evenly coat with the mayonnaise mixture.
- Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving. This allows all the flavors to meld together and creates that perfect creamy texture.
- When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top.
![Southern Macaroni Salad (3) Southern Macaroni Salad (3)](https://i0.wp.com/thehappierhomemaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Macaroni-Salad-Step3-1024x683.jpg)
![Southern Macaroni Salad (4) Southern Macaroni Salad (4)](https://i0.wp.com/thehappierhomemaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Macaroni-Salad-Step4-1024x683.jpg)
![Southern Macaroni Salad (5) Southern Macaroni Salad (5)](https://i0.wp.com/thehappierhomemaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/stirring-bowl-icon.gif)
Tips for best results
- Don’t overcook the pasta! It should be al dente, with a little bit of bite.
- Rinse the pasta with cold water after draining to stop it from cooking further.
- Let the salad chill for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to develop.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want a little more tang from the lemon juice or a hint of sweetness from sugar.
Variations
Love a little spice? Add a diced jalapeno pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mix for a kick. Craving something smoky? Throw in some chopped cooked bacon for a salty, smoky twist.
You can mix in some diced pickles for extra tanginess, add shredded cheese for a richer flavor, or use different colored bell peppers for a vibrant look.
![Southern Macaroni Salad (6) Southern Macaroni Salad (6)](https://i0.wp.com/thehappierhomemaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/southern-macaroni-salad-recipe-1024x683.jpg)
Serving suggestions
- serve this macaroni salad alongside grilled burgers, chicken sandwiches, fried chicken, or pulled pork.
- pack it in a cute container and take it on your next outdoor adventure.
Storage
Store leftover macaroni salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
If you try this recipe please comment and rate it below, I love hearing from you!
Southern Macaroni Salad
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- Author: Melissa Riker
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Southern Macaroni Salad combines tender pasta, hard-boiled eggs, and a tangy dressing for a refreshing and satisfying side dish. It’s perfect for summer potlucks and gatherings.
Ingredients
Units Scale
- 8 ounce uncooked macaroni
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 3 hard boiled eggs
- 2 celery stalks
- 1/2 medium red onion
- 1/2 red bell pepper
- fresh chopped parsley, for serving
Instructions
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to bring down to room temperature.
- While the pasta cooks finely chop the vegetables and hard boiled eggs. Set aside.
- In a large bowl combine mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, salt and pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir to mix.
- Add cooled macaroni and chopped vegetables and egg to the bowl and stir to evenly coat with the mayonnaise mixture.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving, and garnish with parsley when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: none
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 514
- Sugar: 3.4 g
- Sodium: 602 mg
- Fat: 35.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 32.6 g
- Fiber: 2.4 g
- Protein: 14.6 g
- Cholesterol: 269 mg