Southern Macaroni Salad

Published: Apr 20, 2023 · Modified: Jul 11, 2023 by Sophie Viau

This Southern macaroni salad is full of fresh ingredients and is quick, and easy to prepare

If you are looking for a flavorful and perfect side dish for your next family reunions, this easy macaroni salad with hard-boiled eggs, crunchy celery, colorful bell peppers, and zesty shallots is a perfect choice.

The creamy and tangy dressing is made with mayonnaise, sour cream, dijon mustard, lime juice, and a mix of spices that will awaken your taste buds. To add a touch of freshness, sprinkle some cilantro on top of your salad. Serve it as a classic side dish for your summer barbecues or your next picnic. This creamy southern macaroni salad is a crowd-pleaser that will satisfy everyone's appetite!

The ingredients

Simple ingredients you will need to make this recipe

elbow macaroni, cooked
hard boiled eggs, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
red bell pepper, diced (or color of choice)
shallot diced or red onion
mayonnaise ( you can also use miracle whip)
sour cream
Dijon mustard ( yellow mustard)
chili powder
salt
pepper
cumin
lime juice or lemon juice
fresh cilantro, chopped

Optional:

sweet pickle relish
pickle juice
Green onions
Diced sweet pickles
green peas
Cubes of sharp cheddar cheese

See recipe card for quantities

How to prepare the Southern Macaroni Salad?

In a small bowl mix together the ingredients of the dressing and mix until the evenly distributed.

In a large bowl, combine the cooled macaroni with the chopped hard-boiled eggs, celery, bell pepper, and shallot.

Pour the dressing over the top.

Stir everything together until the macaroni and vegetables are coated in the dressing.

Variations

Variations of southern macaroni salad are plenty, and the best part is they allow you to put your own spin on this classic recipe. Here are some ideas to add some extra oomph to your delicious macaroni salad recipe:

Add some heat: If you are a fan of spicy food, you can add some heat by incorporating some jalapeños or hot sauce. These ingredients will give your salad a kick and make it more interesting.

Go Greek: Greek-inspired macaroni salad is a refreshing and delicious variation. Just swap out the mayo for some Greek yogurt, and add some cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and fresh herbs like parsley, dill, and oregano. The result is a lighter and healthier version of the classic Southern macaroni salad recipe.

Tips

Firstly, it is essential to cook macaroni to perfection. Overcooked or undercooked pasta can ruin the entire dish. Therefore, ensure that the pasta is cooked al dente and that it’s rinsed with cold water after cooking.

The mayonnaise plays a crucial role in the salad's taste and texture, so it's essential to choose a high-quality mayonnaise. Some mayonnaise tends to be thin and runny, which could result in a soupy salad; hence it's recommended to use thicker mayonnaise.

Storage

After you have made the Southern creamy macaroni salad, you may have some leftovers that you'd like to store for later. The good news is that this salad stores well in the refrigerator for several days. However, there are a few tips that you should follow to ensure the quality of the salad is maintained.

Firstly, make sure that you transfer the salad to an airtight container before placing it in the fridge, it's best to eat your leftover Southern macaroni salad within 3-4 days of making it. As it stores well don't hesitate to make this delicious pasta salad in advance, it's the perfect make-ahead side dish and great to bring to potluck dinners.

FAQ

Should you rinse the macaroni after I drain it?

Yes rinse the pasta under cold water just after you drained it, this way your macaroni pasta won't stick together.

What to serve with the southern macaroni salad?

Grilled Meats: This salad pairs well with grilled meats such as burgers, hot dogs, chicken, and steak.
Sandwiches: You can also serve the salad with sandwiches such as turkey, ham, or roast beef.
Corn on the Cob: Another great side dish to serve is corn on the cob. The sweet and juicy corn kernels are a perfect balance to the zesty flavors of the salad.

Salad Recipes

Tuscan Bean Salad

Healthy Kale Salad

Cowboy Rice Salad

Ultimate Potato Salad