This Old Fashioned Southern Macaroni Salad is a classic recipe that will pair wonderfully with your BBQ or cookout spread. This is the best soul food side dish served cold with a flavorful dressing.
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This post was originally published in 2021. It has since been updated.
Macaroni Salad is one of the recipes my mama always cooked growing up, especially for BBQs and cookouts. It’s essentially potato salad, but with macaroni pasta, and we even throw in a little shredded cheese!
Ingredients for the Dressing
- Mayo
- Mustard
- Onions
- Garlic Powder
- Salt
- Pepper
How to Boil Eggs
I love to use my Air Fryer Boiled Eggs or Instant Pot Boiled Eggs because these methods are foolproof and pretty easy.
To boil them on the stove, place the eggs in a saucepan and cover them with cold water, about an inch over the eggs. Boil for 8-10 minutes and then place them in an ice bath for 10 minutes. Peel.
How to Make Southern Macaroni Salad
Full instructions with serving sizes can be found in the recipe card below.
- Cook the pasta in accordance with the instructions on the package.
- Rinse the pasta in cold water and dry completely.
- Add the pasta to your serving bowl along with the remaining ingredients. Stir to combine.
- Chill for a minimum of 1 hour. A few hours is optimal.
Dry Salad
This can happen if the moisture sinks into the pasta. You can add a little additional mayo to get it creamy.
Can You Make it Without Eggs
Yes, simply omit the eggs.
Can You Substitute Mayo?
You can substitute mayo for plain Greek yogurt or sour cream if you wish.
Can You Omit the Cheese?
Yes.
Additional Toppings and Ideas
- Chopped Dill Pickles
- Sweet Pickle Relish
- Crumbled Bacon
- Jalapenos
- Sliced Tomatoes
- Red Peppers
- Green Peppers
- Creole Seasoning
- Cajun Seasoning
- Homemade BBQ Seasoning
How Long Can it Sit Out
It can sit out 1-2 hours. It takes about 2 hours for bacteria to start to grow to dangerous levels. In warm temperatures, that time shrinks. You can read the Food Safety Guidance from the FDA here.
Can You Make it Ahead of Time/How Long Does it Last in the Fridge
Yes, store the salad in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer Tips
You can freeze it, but I wouldn’t recommend it. In general, mayo does not freeze well and usually develops ice crystals.
Pair This Dish with These Main Dishes
Air Fryer Ribs
Air Fryer Cheeseburgers
Air Fryer Catfish
Air Fryer Fish Sticks
Instant Pot Ribs
Traeger Smoked Chicken Breast
Instant Pot Pulled Pork
Chicken and Avocado Salsa
Slow Cooker BBQ Meatballs
Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon
How to Grill the Best Burgers
Grilled Cedar Plank Shrimp
Mushroom Swiss Burgers
Queso Burgers
How to Grill Chicken Wings
Grilled Baby Back Ribs
More Southern Recipes
Southern Coleslaw Recipe
Air Fryer Hush Puppies
Southern Soul Food Baked Mac and Cheese
Instant Pot Southern Green Beans
Instant Pot Collard Greens
Southern Mustard Greens
Southern Homemade Cornbread
More Salad and Side Dish Recipes
Southern Potato Salad
Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheese
Spaghetti Salad with Italian Dressing
Creamy Cucumber Salad
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Avocado Deviled Eggs
How to Make a Charcuterie Cheese Board
Grilled Asparagus in Foil
Smoked Mac and Cheese
Check out our list of the Best Authentic Soul Food Recipes here.
Old Fashioned Southern Macaroni Salad
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni pasta uncooked
- 3 eggs Boiled and sliced into chunks.
- 1 cup mayo
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1/2 cup chopped onions I used red onions.
- 2 celery stalks Chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in accordance with the instructions on the package.
- Rinse the pasta in cold water and dry completely.
- Add the pasta to your serving bowl along with the remaining ingredients. Stir to combine.
- Chill for a minimum of 1 hour. A few hours is optimal.
Video
Notes
- Use a food processor to chop up the eggs and veggies if you want them really finely diced.
- You can omit the eggs if you wish.
- You can substitute sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for mayo.
- You can half the recipe by using half of the ingredients.
- You can double the recipe by doubling the ingredients.
- This is a dish that you will want to add your ingredients (especially the seasonings) a little bit at a time, and then taste repeatedly to determine if it needs a little bit of anything else.
- Dry macaroni salad can happen if the moisture sinks into the pasta. You can add a little additional mayo to get it creamy.
- To give the salad a pop of color you can sprinkle paprika throughout.
Pam
Friday 8th of September 2023
Add a can of tuna and you have a full meal...Thanks for an easy tasty recipe.
staysnatched
Friday 8th of September 2023
That’s a good idea!
Jill
Tuesday 21st of June 2022
This was the perfect side dish for the first day of summer. I made it in the morning when it was cooler and let it sit all day. Very good!
staysnatched
Wednesday 22nd of June 2022
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Emily
Monday 30th of May 2022
I was craving macaroni salad for the weekend and I knew I’d find the perfect recipe here. Tastes amazing, exactly what I wanted!
staysnatched
Monday 30th of May 2022
I’m glad it was what you wanted!
Danielle
Sunday 5th of September 2021
Made this today and it is absolutely delicious! I love the suggestions of extra veggies to add! So easy and a crowd pleaser for sure! Read the entire recipe, lots of good info! Another great recipe from Brandi! Thanks so much!!
staysnatched
Monday 6th of September 2021
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Eunice
Sunday 5th of September 2021
Fantastic and easy! We ordered BBQ from a friend and this was perfect with the ribs. I made the eggs in the Instant Pot and added sweet pickle. I used a gluten-free pasta with no problem. Thanks again Brandi!
staysnatched
Monday 6th of September 2021
That sounds so good! I'm glad it worked out!