Homestyle Macaroni Salad

This Southern-style Homestyle Macaroni Salad is just how I grew up enjoying pasta salad! Tender jumbo macaroni shells are cooked to al dente, then tossed with crisp cucumber, juicy Roma tomatoes, tangy red onion, green bell pepper, and shredded cheese. It’s all brought together with a creamy, homemade buttermilk dressing that gives every bite a delicious tang. It’s an old-fashioned favorite that’s right at home alongside just about any meal and always a welcome addition to the table!

Easy Homestyle Macaroni Salad Recipe

Southern macaroni salad has long been a favorite on picnic tables, but its appeal goes well beyond outdoor gatherings. This classic side dish is right at home alongside sandwiches and subs, served with grilled meats, or added to the spread for potlucks and family dinners any time of year. It’s popular at delis, restaurants and a featured side at sandwich shops all through the South.

What’s in this Southern Homestyle Macaroni Salad? Jumbo macaroni shells are tossed with Roma tomatoes, red onion, crisp cucumbers, bell peppers, and shredded cheese, then coated in a slightly sweet, tangy homemade buttermilk dressing. The creamy sauce brings everything together for a flavorful, old-fashioned side dish that’s always a welcome addition to the table!

Key ingredients to make homemade Macaroni Salad: (Scroll down for full recipe card and quantities.)

• Pasta – This recipe uses jumbo elbow macaroni. You can use classic elbow macaroni.
• Mayonnaise – Two cups real mayonnaise, not Miracle Whip. Use your favorite brand.
• Liquid – Buttermilk thins the dressing and makes it creamy.
• Granulated Sugar – White sugar sweetens the dressing mixture. You can adjust the amount to your taste.
• Vinegar – Apple cider vinegar adds tang to the flavor.
• Seasonings – Onion powder, garlic powder, celery salt and black pepper.
• Tomatoes – Firm Roma tomatoes work best.
• Cucumber – One Persian cucumber, garden cucumber or English cucumber peeled, seeded and diced.
• Onion – Diced red onion adds color and crunch.
• Bell Pepper – Green bell pepper adds an earthiness and slight bitterness to the flavor that balances the sweet.
• Cheese – One cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese.

How to Make the Best Homestyle Macaroni Salad Recipe

Macaroni salad is one of those side dishes that will round-out most any main dish entrée and will always be a backyard barbecue family favorite.

• Macaroni Noodles – Boil the pasta in salted water per the package directions until al dente. Drain well.
• Make Dressing – Whisk together and combine mayo, buttermilk, sugar, vinegar, onion and garlic powder, celery salt and black pepper.
• Combine – Add the chopped vegetables and cooked macaroni reserving the shredded cheese. Mix well. Taste and season with additional salt, if needed.
• Refrigerate – Chill the macaroni salad adding the shredded cheese after the salad has cooled.
• Serve – Chill for at least 4 hours and stir well, before serving.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Easy Macaroni Salad Recipe

• Large pot or pasta cooker.
• Whisk.
• Large bowl, medium bowl.
• Chef’s knife and cutting board.
• Cheese grater.
• Measuring cups and measuring spoons.
• Colander.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

• Macaroni Salad Veggie Variations – To the veggies in this macaroni salad you can also add a couple of stalks celery, finely diced. You may also enjoy chopped sweet pickles or dill pickles.
• Hard Boiled Eggs – You can add 2-3 chopped hard-boiled eggs.
• Vinegar – You could use white vinegar in place of apple cider vinegar. In a pinch, you could use a splash of lemon juice or a teaspoon of whole grain mustard.
• Sugar – You can use an alternate artificial sweetener in place of white sugar.
• Fresh Herbs – You could add parsley, chives or green onion.
• Cheese – You could use colby jack cheese or pepper jack cheese for spice.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t Rinse the Pasta – Do you need to rinse macaroni before making macaroni salad? There’s no need to rinse the macaroni after cooking. 
• Use Firm Tomatoes for the Salad – Roma tomatoes tend to maintain their integrity better than other varieties and are less likely to cause the dressing to break down.
• Make the Dressing in Advance – You can make the dressing in advance and have it ready to dress the macaroni just before assembling the salad.
• Jumbo Macaroni or Classic Elbow Macaroni – Can I use regular elbow macaroni or another similar size pasta? You absolutely can in the same amount.
• Serving Options – Serve Homestyle Macaroni Salad with fried chicken, ribs, burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches and more.

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers – How long does macaroni salad last? Store homemade Macaroni Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezer – Can you freeze macaroni salad? I don’t recommend freezing macaroni salad. When thawing the fresh vegetables would break down and cause the dressing to separate.

More Macaroni Recipes to Make

• You’ll love my recipe for Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese for busy day meals.
• This southern style Tuna Macaroni Casserole doubles as a side dish or a main dish meal.
• Top my Chili Macaroni with sour cream and shredded cheese for game day.
• The kiddos will love this Hot Dog Cheesy Macaroni Casserole.
• Fried Mac and Cheese Balls are a restaurant recipe you can make even better at home.
• Creamy Macaroni and Cheese Pie has a buttery crumb topping and sliced tomatoes.
• You’ll find other tasty ways to use macaroni in this collection of  16 Sensational Ways to Make Macaroni and Cheese.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Mixing Bowls
• Knife and Chopping Board
• Measuring Set
• Colander